Gemmell Stunner Fires Cowden To 2nd In The League

Last updated : 19 August 2008 By Cowden Mad

Cowdenbeath fired their way up the league table to 2nd in the Irn Bru 3rd Division. At times it wasn't pretty but it is the sign of a good team that even when they play poorly, that they manage to pick up the 3 points.

It was a changed squad that took to the pitch from the team that had defeated Albion 3-2 in the Alba Challenge Cup the Tuesday night before. Marek Tomana was given a return to the starting line up as was Darren McGregor who came in for the suspended Joe Mbu. Brian Fairbairn, the match winner on Tuesday, came back into the starting 11.

Albion started the game well and created the first opportunity of the match which was wasted by Pat Walker. Cowden upped the game and the first opportunity came when John Gemmell headered narrowly wide of the Albion goal. Marek Tomana was causing problems for the Albion defence and his run into the box led to a great opportunity for John Gemmell but his low shot was blocked by the keeper.

Cowden were clearly on top and it wasn't long before the Blue Brazil fans were celebrating the opening goal. Tomana slid a pass through the middle of the Albion defence to Fairbairn who calmly rifled the ball over the keeper after 22 minutes.

As has been Cowden's problem in recent weeks once they had taken the lead they struggled to dominate the game. Droudge was the Cowden hero with a timely tackle to prevent a glorious chance for Rovers who were starting to dominate the end of the first half.

The 2nd half began with Cowden on top. Fairbairn had 2 a couple of chances that couldn't find the net before Rovers stunned the Cowden fans. A hopeful goal kick from Scott ended up at the feet of Walker who calmly shot into the back of the net despite the despairing efforts of Davie Hay in goal.

Cowden pressed for a winner and the goal came in the 81st minute and it was worth the wait. Ex-Albion striker Gemmell calmly collected the ball in the box and produced a stunning piece of skill to acrobatically overhead kick the ball into the top corner of the net.

It truly was a goal worthy of winning any match.