Cowdenbeath 2 Tranent 2

THIS was a thriller with some excellent football on day one of the Lowland League campaign as both sides claimed a deserved point. 

Cowden had to overcome the loss of full-back Greg MacPherson in the warm-up for Saturday’s opener at Central Park, then striker Jake Sutherland limped off before the half hour mark.

They also lost an early goal but came roaring back into the contest.

Injuries continue to plague the Blues, but they did not let it bother them and they gave one of the fancied teams in the division a real run for their money.

After losing that early goal Cowden were level at half-time, and when they were hit by a 30 yard rocket shot which gave Tranent the lead once more, they kept battling.

Even when they were reduced to 10 men, when Paul McLean was red carded for a late tackle, they kept going and equalised from the penalty spot in the closing moments.

Aaron Dunsmore replaced MacPherson in the starting line-up, with Mattie McDonald having to move from midfield to cover at the back.

Tranent threatened in five minutes, when Adam McGowan’s corner was met by Harry Girdwood but his shot was just wide.

Then Girdwood tried his luck from 22 yards and ‘keeper Josh Blair produced a finger-tip save.

In the 15th minute the visitors went ahead when former Hibs player, Danny Handling, got on the end of Euan Greig’s diagonal ball and he glided the ball into the net from close range.

The response saw Jamie Docherty come close, beating three players before a fierce left foot drive brought out a fine save from Kelby Mason.

Then Docherty had another chance, in 29 minutes, when he was set up by Robbie McNab and it took a brave block by Jake Hutchings to keep the forward’s shot out.

As Cowden gained in confidence McNab’s angled free-kick went inches wide, then Newman’s fine run and low cross was blasted just wide by sub Daryl Healy.

But in 40 minutes the equaliser arrived when Docherty made good ground and passed to Adam McLaughlin who slotted a low 10 yarder wide of Mason.

Five minutes into the second-half a good home move saw McDonald’s low shot blocked by Mason, then soon after a header by Healy was held by the ‘keeper.

But on the hour, with their first shot of the second period, Tranent went ahead when Euan Bauld’s raking 30 yarder found the corner of the net.

Then at the other end, with 22 minutes to go, a shot from home skipper, Robbie McNab, from more than 25 yards, was saved by Mason.

Nine minutes from time Cowden’s hopes seem to go when McLean received a straight red card for a late tackle on Ross Gray, as they contested a loose ball.

But with five minutes to go Healy was pulled down by Conor Doan in the box and Docherty made an expert job of the spot-kick to earn a point.

Cowdenbeath: Blair, Dunsmore, Newman, McLean, Denham, McNab, McLaughlin (Jordan 62), Whyte, Sutherland (Healy 24), Docherty, McDonald.

Subs not used, Hill and Lynch (gk)

Tranent: Mason, McIntyre, Bauld, Hutchings, Stewart, Handling (Viola 66), McGowan (Miller 79), Girdwood, Greig, Gray (McGarry 87), Doan.

Subs not used, McCrory-Irving, Trialist, Ward and Ward (gk).

Referee: Stewart Luke.

Attendance: 281