St Cadoc's 3 Cowdenbeath 0, South Challenge Cup, third round

COWDENBEATH bowed out of the South Challenge Cup on Friday after a disappointing night at St Cadoc's, writes Andy Mullen.

The Glasgow-based outfit, who finished third in the West of Scotland League's top division last season, are littered with players who have SPFL and Lowland League experience, and proved to be too strong for the Blue Brazil at New Tinto Park.

Two first half goals gave the home side a commanding lead in this third round encounter and, although a half-time reshuffle, and an improved second half performance ,saw Dougie Hill’s side create a few chances, they couldn’t find away to get back into the game.

There were a few changes to the Cowden team which had drawn at Gretna in their previous outing, which included Josh Blair returning in goal, Hill bringing himself back into the defence, and Greg MacPherson also returning after injury.

Ethan Kerr was sidelined after going off with an arm injury at Raydale Park, while Jamie Docherty was on the bench.

The visitors had the first chance of the night with four minutes gone, when a Rhys Walker shot was deflected for a corner, but, three minutes later, the Blues fell behind when Jack Breen fired home a low shot from six yards.

Blair was then called into action, saving twice from Cieran Diver, while at the other end, an 18-yard shot from Matty McDonald was tipped over the bar by St Cadoc's keeper, Max Currie.

Soon after, Sam Newman fired over the bar after being set up by MacPherson, and, at the other end, a shot from Neil McLaughlin was tipped on to the post by Blair.

On the half hour mark, Olly Whyte sent a shot just past the post, and minutes later MacPherson fired just wide, but 11 minutes from the break, the hosts added a second when Danny McManus fired home a high-angled shot.

Hill shuffled his pack at the interval, sending Shay Burke, Docherty and Daryl Healy on, and it brought a more positive performance from the Blue Brazil.

They went close on a few occasions but, three minutes into stoppage time, they conceded a third goal when Anton Brady slotted home, after good work by Diver, to send Cowden out of the competition.

St Cadoc's: Currie; Taylor, Coll, McKillen, McLuckie (Munro 88), Kelly, McManus (McTaggart 72), Breen (Taggart 75), Diver, Hughes (McHugh 72), McLaughlin (Brady 75).

Subs not used: Millar, Wilson.

Cowdenbeath: Blair; G MacPherson, Newman, Jordan, Hill (Burke 46), Denham, Whyte (Haston 67), McLean, Sutherland (Healy 46), McDonald, Walker (Docherty 46).

Sub not used: Fusco.

Referee: Chris Hobbs.

Attendance: 140.