Gretna 2008 1 Cowdenbeath 1

A LATE goal denied Cowdenbeath a third successive win and the opportunity to leapfrog hosts Gretna 2008 in the Lowland League table, writes Andy Mullen.

In the final moments of the match at Raydale Park on Saturday, Stuart Douglas struck to cancel out Rhys Walker's opener for the Blue Brazil, who are 13th in the standings with 11 points from as many matches played.

Dougie Hill's side headed south on the back of a Scottish Cup success against Rutherglen Glencairn, and a convincing win over Broomhill on league business last midweek, but were without forward, Daryl Healy.

That saw a return to the starting line-up for on-loan Dunfermline Athletic youngster, Jake Sutherland, for the visitors, who fashioned an opportunity in the opening minute.

Jamie Docherty floated a free-kick into the Gretna box and Paul McLean, who scored a double against Broomhill, saw his shot saved by the diving Jim Atkins.

Two minutes later, at the other end, a free-kick from Andrew Oram was turned around the post by Ruaridh Lynch, and then Oram got past Jack Denham, but fired his 25-yard effort over the bar.

Cowden broke the deadlock with 12 minutes gone, when Docherty squared the ball to Walker, who slotted a low shot past Atkins.

The Fifers were, however, dealt a blow in 26 minutes when Ethan Kerr fell awkwardly in a challenge and had to be replaced, and, just after the half hour, Gretna almost levelled when a Robbie Hogg effort bounced down off the bar.

Sutherland then had two good efforts to increase Cowden’s advantage; firstly, sending a close-range effort past the post, before seeing another shot deflected for a corner.

As the first-half drew to a close, Lynch saved from both Sam Atkinson and Oram, and Hill's men led at the break.

Five minutes into the second half, Walker closed in on goal, but saw his shot blocked by Atkins, and, two minutes later, from a free-kick by Oram, Robbie Ivison thumped the ball over the bar.

Then on the hour, Docherty's try was just too high and with 73 minutes gone, Gretna’s Douglas got on the end of a free-kick from Atkinson, but his effort missed the target.

As the game drew to a close, both Douglas and Sutherland came close for their respective sides, but, in the 90th minute, there was heartbreak for the Blue Brazil.

Douglas' free-kick was deflected for a corner, which Lynch could only parry, and Douglas was on hand to head in the equaliser at the back post.

Gretna: Atkins; McCaragher, Tait (Wooding-Holt 46), Dickinson (Potts 63), Douglas, Atkinson, Oram, Hogg (Coates 86), Brotherston (Bell 63), Ivison, Orsi (Short 86).

Subs not used: Parker, Lamonby.

Cowdenbeath: Lynch; Jordan, Newman, Denham, Kerr (Burke 26), McLean, Whyte, McDonald, Sutherland, Docherty (Haston 67), Walker (Coventry 76).

Subs not used: Hill, Fusco, Blair.

Referee: Ross Birrell.

Attendance: 188.