Shire go down to Cowdebeath on the final day of the season
There was a time when you would go to the last game of the season, as a kid, kitted out in your replica strip, shorts, socks and all……why would you do this??? Because the day was glorious and the sun was out. This was not to be the case on Saturday as it was back to winter coats and thermals.
Jim McInally had already informed the fans that he would be looking to his frindge players and under 19 lads, to face fellow Play Off contenders Cowdenbeath, it turned out, not surprisingly that Danny Lennon also had the same thoughts about his Cowdenbeath side.
The Shire kicked off shooting towards the open end of Lesser Firs Park, but neither team really made there mark in the early stages, although after 10 minutes Mark Peat had to look lively to tip a
The Shire's first chance to score did not appear until the 28th minute. A fantastic reverse pass by ex Cowdenbeath man John O'Neill put Sean Anderson in but his effort was well collected by David Hay in the Cowdembeath goal, the youngster knew it was a good chance to score his first goal of the season and the first goal of the game.
Jon Ferguson should have put Cowdenbeath on easy street 5 minutes later. The youngster dribbled past Tully and Forrest before forcing himself into the box, but his low drive was straight at goalkeeper Peat.
The Half Time soon came in, and the chance for the fans to get in on the act as Shire and Cowden fans mustered on the park to take penalty shoot outs against each other, The Shire were to win this, but the best part was seeing Big Joe and The Shire Punk smash in the penalties that the First Team players would have been proud of.
Half Time:
McInally made changes at Half Time with Jamie Newman coming on in place of Mark Peat and under 19 Striker Jason Elliott came on to replace John O'Neill.
There was little to write about in the First Half, and the second half started pretty better for The Shire. However, David Thornton should have scored for The Shire 5 minutes into the second half, Sean Anderson swung over a lovely free kick and the ex Motherwell man threw himself at the ball, but his header went wide of the post. It was disappointing for the Shire faithful and the player, as it looked like it would have been easier to score, unfortunately though……he was to miss an even more glaring chance later in the half.
Young Elliott raced away from the Cowdenbeath defence and sent a pin perfect cross over to the Austrialian who headed against the bar, then headed hit his rebound well over. It would never have been easier for the Striker to open his account for the season on the last day.
The U-19's Player and Players Player of the Year Stephen Paiige came off the bench and made an instant impact as he chased every ball sent through to him.
Anderson hit the bar as The Shire put the pressure on and looked the most likely to score, but really the game had 0-0 written all over it, and to be honest was a bit of a bore for the on watching fans.
However, on the 78th minute, Cowdenbeath were to take the lead and it was the first of 2 for young striker Jon Ferguson. The ball was sent through, and young Goalkeeper Jamie Newman raced off his line but never got the ball,
The referee was having a disastrous game on the park, once again a large section of the Shire faithful were getting on his back as his performance got worse and worse. It came to a holt in the 85th minute when Armstrong went through
Cowdenbeath were to stretch there lead with the last kick of the game. The corner came in from the left hand side and young FERGUSON was standing at the far post and flicked the ball past Newman. 2-0 to Cowden and a day to remember for the youngster.
Full Time:
Man of the Match - It was tough to call as this was not a good game, and if I'm honest I found myself switching off for most of it and looking elsewhere or chatting away. However, young Right Back Gary O'Harra done well and looks like he could do a regular job for us next season, and deserved to be named Man of the Match.
Reaction: There was only 2nd place to play for and the game was a Damp squid. It was a good chance for some of the youngsters and fridge players to show what they can do. The under 19 lads who came in did themselves proud, and O'Harra, Paige and Elliott look to be players who could make a difference if given a chance next season. The 3 looked lively and brought pace to the side, it'll be interesting to see how they develop.
It was glaringly obvious however that there is not much strength and depth in the Shire squad, when you take the Regulars away, although this would probably be the case for most teams at this level.
Player Run Down:
Mark Peat - 6 - Looked confident in the first half and kept The Shire in the game with a couple of key saves.
O'Hara - 8 - Youngster looked good at Right Back and looks like he could be a good option for next season.
Tully - 6 - Another composed display by the big Centre Half
Forrest - 6 - Booked by the Ref and thought for every ball, just what you would expect from steady Eddie.
Krivokapic - 4 - Was never in the game, and was rightly subbed in the second half.
Kelly - 5 - Tried hard to support the strikers, but much of the game past him by.
Dunn - 4 - Was never in the game.
O'Neill -4- One nice pass in the first half, tried to get himself into the game, but to be fair, the way the team were playing, couldn't get himself on the ball.
Subs
Newman - 4 - Had a howler for the 2 goals, dropped a long range effort and didn't convince anyone that the youngster is significant back up.
Paige - 6 - Came on in the 54th minute and looked lively, an be proud of his performance.
Elliott - 6 - Another youngster who could be proud of his performance, chased everything but was up against a big Defender in Mbu
