The Blue Brazil On-Line

	P	GD	P
Ross County	36	34	73
Airdrie Utd	36	30	66
Raith Rovers	36	10	60
Alloa Ath	36	1	56
Peterhead	36	11	55
Brechin City	36	15	52
Ayr Utd	36	-11	46
Queen's Pk	36	-3	44
Cowden	36	-26	37
Berwick	36	-61	16

SEASON 2007/08

April 2008

Player of the month

Visit the online poll (voting now closed) to vote for your player of the month for April. The month started off brightly for Cowden with a win over Queens Park and followed that up with a 1-1 draw at home to Alloa - only a late goal denied back-to-back victories. Away trips to promotion challengers Airdrie United and champions Ross County ended in consecutive defeats.

Previous monthly winners so far this season have been John Armstrong (August), Bryan Gilfillan (September), Pat Clarke (October), David Hay (November), Mark Ramsay (December), Dougie Hill (January), Mark Ramsay (February) and Dougie Hill (March). (23rd April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Adam Smith College offer a wide range of courses, so whether you're looking to advance in your current job, change career or simply want to learn something new, we're certain we have something for you.

Supporters Club update

The Cowdenbeath Supporters Club Player of the Year function will take place at its traditional venue ‘Wee Jimmies' this Saturday 26th April. The 8 Supporters Club trophies will be awarded with the main award being the venerable Cowdenbeath Player of The Year Award – the Central Fife Times Trophy. There is also the Players' Player of the Year, Goal of the Season, Supporter of the Year and other trophies to be decided. The vote counting is now completed and the engraving is underway. Find out all this year's ‘Oscar' winners by getting your ticket from any Committee member price just £7 or come along and pay at the door. Make the effort to demonstrate to the players your backing as they prepare for the play offs and enjoy the buffet!

The bus to Arbroath for the play off semi final first leg on Wednesday 30th April will depart from Central Park at 6pm. Fares will be standard £10, OAP/youth £8 & Family £16 (note assumes 7.45pm kick off if subsequently confirmed as 7.30pm will depart 15 minutes earlier). Just one simple message from the Supporters Club - if you're a Cowden fan you should be there to do your bit for the club with 100% start to finish support. (23rd April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Robbo pens new contract

Promising midfielder Jon Robertson recently put pen to paper on a new contract after making the breakthrough to the first team this season.

"Robbo is one of the most technically gifted players at the club and has a real chance in the game", commented Brian Welsh.

"He has done very well for 19s this season and has deserved his promotion to the 1st team."

Robertson has starred for the 19s this season and was rewarded with a number of substitute appearances for the 1st team earlier this year. The talented 18-year old made his first start against Ross County in March and has made 6 starts (and a further 5 from the bench) so far this season. (23rd April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Play off dates

Arbroath have been confirmed as Cowden's opponents in the first round of play off games after they secured 4th place in the 3rd division despite going down 2-1 against East Fife. The first leg will take place at Gayfield on Wednesday 30th April with the return leg at Central Park on Saturday 3rd May.

The winners of this tie will face either Stranraer or Montrose in the play off final. If successful, Cowden would host the 1st leg on Wednesday 7th May before playing away from home on Saturday May 10th. (20th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Young Player of the Year

This season's Blue Brazil Online Young Player of the Year award will be contested between players who have excelled in the Blue Brazil Youth Academy this season, have made an impact for the reserves and have also been promoted to the 1st team squad during the course of the season. The ten candidates are Kyle Allison, Gary Cennerazzo, Jamie Reid, Scott Linton, Dene Droudge, Matt Lynch, Jon Robertson, John Ferguson, Mark Boyle and Callum Young. You can vote for your choice by visiting the online poll (voting now closed). The winner will be announced at the Supporters Club end of season event on Saturday 26th April. (20th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Champions too strong for Cowden

Ross County picked up the 2nd Division championship trophy after a 3-0 win over an under strength Cowden side at Victoria Park. Brian Welsh had to contend with a couple of late call offs to add to an already lengthy injury list and fielded a side containing three u'19 prospects from the start.

County opened the scoring after only 2 minutes with a goal from top scorer Andy Barrowman. Sean Higgins (28) doubled the advantage before half-time and Barrowman (55) fired in his second after the interval to complete the scoring. Full match report and player ratings to follow. (20th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Duff signs new deal

Keeper David Hay signed a new contract last night and will now remain at Central Park until at least 2009. The news is a great boost for everyone associated with Cowdenbeath Football Club with the play-offs looming.

"I am absolutely delighted that Duff has committed to Cowden for a further year. He has had a fantastic season for us, despite not having a settled back four in front of him due to our injury problems, and is without doubt one of the best keepers in the SFL", said Brian Welsh.

Hay signed for Cowden in the summer of 2005 from Brechin City and played a key part in Cowden's championship winning side that season. Duff has been ever present this season and is a top contender for a number of the end of season player of the year awards once again. (18th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Ross County v Cowden

Tuesday night's defeat at Airdrie confirmed Cowden's place in the relegation play-off but Brian Welsh expects his side to get back on track in the two remaining fixtures - starting with Ross County on Saturday:

"We will play the strongest side available to us apart from Jay Shields who is one booking away from suspension. There is no question about us taking it easy before the play-offs. We will go out to win our remaining games but know that we face a very difficult assignment away to the league champions."

Jay Shields is joined on the sidelines by John Armstrong, David Armstrong, Mark Baxter, Bryan Gilfillan and Mark Ramsay. Stephen Manson (hamstring) and Dene Droudge (knee) picked up injuries this week and are also ruled out. (18th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Academy update

The under 19s closed their Irn Bru League Cup group fixtures with an emphatic 5-1 win over East Fife at Beath High School on Thursday night. The win brings the 19s back into contention for a semi-final place and Raith Rovers require to win their final game by more than 1-0 to pip Cowden.

Cowden lined up with five of the under 17 side in their starting line up, with 16 year old Derek Wallace bagging a well taken hat trick.

Playing with a strong wind behind them Cowden completely dominated the opening 45 minutes but somehow managed to go in at the interval goal less.

Robertson saw a shot come off the post, while a net bound shot from McCrindle deflected off McDonald and bounced to safety.

Seven minutes into the second half, it was the Methil side who opened the scoring however when a back header from Mackay was intercepted by Lucas Lava who shot past Morris.

Cowden grabbed a deserved equaliser after 65 minutes when a shot from substitute Young was blocked by Morris and the ball fell to Derek Wallace who slotted home from six yards.

With 13 minutes to go Cowden took the lead when Cennerazzo put Wallace through on goal and the youngster coolly slotted the ball past Stobie.

Cowden then went further ahead after 80 minutes when McCrindle set up Callum Young to slot the ball home from six yards.

Two minutes later Wallace shot home to complete his hat trick and then in the last minute Scott McCrindle fired home a low shot from seven yards to compete the scoring.

COWDENBEATH: Sam Morris, Gary Cennerazzo, Chris King (Ross Galbraith 73), Daniel Welsh, Danny Mackay, Jon Robertson, Scott McCrindle, Derek Wallace, Steven McDonald (Callum Young 50), John Ferguson (Matt Hemsley 66), Scott Linton. Subs not used – Thomas O'Brien & Kyle Allison.

EAST FIFE: Andrew Stobie, David Rowbotham (Stewart Cargill 58), Ross Smith, Michael Bruce, Johnny McRae, Gary Brown, Darren Hood, Greig Williamson, Jordan Sheerin, Lucas Lava, Scott Findlay. Sub not used – Zack Aitken.

REFEREE: Mr George Drummond.

The under 17s have two remaining games in their youth League Cup section. They play Stirling Albion on Sunday and Arbroath on Wednesday an two wins will secure a place in the last four for the Blue Brazil. (18th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Fife Cup

A young Cowden side made up with players from the under 19s and 17s, with the exception of assistant manager Danny Lennon, crashed out of the Fife Cup 3-0 at the first round stage to a young East Fife side who fielded their under 19 side with the exception of Jamie McGowan.

Despite the score line Cowden dominated the game for long spells but a cutting edge in front of goals eluded the youngsters.

Cowden's first chance of the night came after only two minutes when a free kick from Linton was easily held by keeper Stobie.

We were handed a blow after just 22 minutes when Dene Droudge picked up a knee injury after a clash at the half way line and had to be replaced by 16 year old Derek Wallace.

Two minutes later the home side opened the scoring when Muir cut in from the right to send the ball over to Stuart Cargill who slotted home from 16 yards.

The home side looked to increase their lead and on the half hour mark Allison pulled off a good save from Allan and a minute later Cennerazzo done well to head a Cargill effort off the line.

As the first half drew to a close Lennon put Young through on goal but he shot wide of the target.

Three minutes after the interval Lynch fired in a 25 yard shot which brought out a good save from Stobbie who pushed the ball to safety.

It was the Methil youngsters who were to add to the scoring after 50 minutes however when Lucas Lava broke through the Cowden defence to send a well placed lob over Allison.

A minute later it looked like the home side had added a fourth goal but Allan's tap in was ruled offside.

Cowden battled onto reduce the leeway and Wallace came close after 67 minutes when he headed a cross from McCrindle just over the bar.

McDonald also had a few chances to reduce the deficit but found Stobbie in top form to deny him.

Eight minutes from time East Fife secured their semi final place when a free kick from Allison found its way to Jordan Sheerin who lobbed the ball into the empty net from 40 yards out.

Two minutes from time McDonald passed up on a fine chance to pull back a consolation when after a good build up he fired the ball over the bar from four yards out.

EAST FIFE : Andrew Stobie, Ross Smith, David Rowbotham, Michael Bruce, Jamie McGowan (Johnny McCrae 45), Craig Williamson, David Muir, Lucas Lava (Steven Cameron 79), Stuart Cargill, Jordan Sheerin, Greig Allan (Scott Findlay 64).

COWDENBEATH: Kyle Allison, Matt Lynch, Gary Cennerazzo, Dene Droudge (Derek Wallace 22), Daniel Welsh, Jon Robertson (Thomas O'Brien 79), Scott McCrindle, Danny Lennon, Callum Young (Ross Grant 70), Steven McDonald, Scott Linton. Sub not used – Sam Morris.

REFEREE: Mr Steven Crichton.

Meanwhile, Cowden bowed out of the Reserve League Cup on Wedenesday afternoon without playing a game! Livingston's 3-0 win at group winners St Johnstone put the west Lothian side level with us on the 10 point mark but with a better goal difference. The group will be decided on Monday night when Livi travel to Arbroath who need to win to pip them for a semi final spot. (18th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Airdrie United v Cowden

Cowden face Airdrie United tomorrow night at the Excelsior Stadium after the original fixture was postponed at the weekend due to a waterlogged pitch. The Blue Brazil must win all three remaining games to have any hopes of avoiding the end of season play-offs and come up against an Airdire side with aspirations of promotion to the 1st division.

"It is going to be difficult to pull away from the play-off position but we will keep going to the end", commented Brian Welsh.

"If it is to be the play-offs then we will make sure that we are in the best shape possible for those crucial games."

Welsh will be missing 6 key players for the trip to Airdire. Long-term injury victims David Armstrong, John Armstrong and Mark Baxter are once again unavailable and will be joined on the sidelines by Mark Ramsay (ankle), Bryan Gilfillan (hamstring) and Scott Gates (groin).

Please note that the Supporters Club wont be running a bus to Airdrie tomorrow night.

Meanwhile, Cowden face East Fife tonight in a 1st round Fife Cup tie at New Bayview. Both teams will field sides consisting of mainly under 19 players. Danny Lennon is likely to feature for Cowden with one or two experienced players likely to take their place in the East Fife line-up.

Cowden are stretched for players for this game with the under 17s in action in the Youth League Cup yesterday and the 19s in action in their cup competition on Thursday but the game must go ahead as planned. The problems have been compounded with the Airdire game unexpectedly called off at the weekend which means that all the senior players - including some of 19s squad who have featured for the 1st team recently - will be required for the trip to Airdrie the following night.

The under 17s drew 3-3 with Raith Rovers yesterday in the group stages of the Youth League Cup. The Blue Brazil youngsters were well on top and hit woodwork 5 times but were pegged back late in the game. The 19s take on East Fife on Thursday in their bid to progress to the semi-final. (14th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Player of the month

Dougie Hill has been voted player of the month (37%) for March after a string of outstanding displays. Mark Ramsay came second with 24% of the vote followed by David Hay on 13%.

Previous montly winners so far this season have been John Armstrong (August), Bryan Gilfillan (September), Pat Clarke (October), David Hay (November), Mark Ramsay (December), Dougie Hill (January) and Mark Ramsay (February). (12th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Game off

Today's fixture against Airdrie United has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and will now take place on Tuesday 15th April with a 7.45pm kick off.

Meanwhile, the Fife Cup tie against East Fife has been re-arranged and will now go ahead 24 hours earlier on Monday 14th April at New Bayview. Kick off 7.30pm. Admission is £5 for adults and £3 for kids/OAPs. In addition, the 19s game against East Fife on Sunday has been postponed. (12th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Fife Cup

East Fife and Cowden will play a first round Fife Cup tie at New Bayview on Monday 14th April with a 7.30 p.m. kick off - please note new date. The winners will then play Dunfermline Athletic in the semi final. Raith Rovers are already through to the final after beating Burntisland Shipyard in the pre season in the other semi final. Admission is £5 for adults and £3 for kids/OAPs. (9th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Derby day for youths

The under 19s and 17s continue their Irn Bru Youth League Cup fixtures on Sunday with a derby double header. The 17s have an early start when they meet Raith Rovers at Kirkcaldy High School with a 9.45 a.m. kick off. The action then moves to Dalgety Bay Sports Centre when the 19s host East Fife with a 2 p.m. kick off in their final group game. There is a three way tie in the 19s group with Rovers, Livingston and Cowden all tied on three points, although the Kirkcaldy side have the advantage of having a game in hand. The Methil youngsters, who are the cup holders, are currently pointless after losing their opening game againt Livingston 3-2 a fortnight ago. (9th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Academy update

The under 19s kept their League Cup campaign alive with a dramatic win over league champions Livngston at the Almondvale field turf on Tuesday afternoon.

After a goal less opening period Livi opened the scoring five minutes after the break when Sean Kerr shot home after an initial shot from Halliday was deflected into his path.

Cowden, with six of their under 17 squad in the line up, drew level soon after when John Ferguson sent a long range shot past Lunn.

As with the league meeting between the sides in September Cowden hit a last minute winner when Jon Robertson cracked home a free kick from the edge of the box.

Final score: Livingston 1, Cowdenbeath 2.

TEAM: Sam Morris, Jamie Reid, Chris King, Daniel Welsh, Danny Mackay, Gary Cennerazzo (Scott McCrindle), Scott Linton, Jon Robertson, Matt Hemsley, John Ferguson (Ross Galbraith), Steven McDonald (Callum Young). Sub not used – Thomas O'Brien. (8th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Supporters Club function

The Cowdenbeath Supporters Club Player of the Year function will take place at its traditional venue ‘Wee Jimmies' on Saturday 26th April. The 8 Supporters Club trophies will be awarded that night with the main award being the venerable Cowdenbeath Player of The Year Award – the Central Fife Times Trophy. Some all time Cowden greats have won this award – names such as Rolland, Kinnell, Bostock, Taylor, Allan, McGlashan, Callaghan, Brown, Gilfillan, Paatelainen and Buchanan. Find out who follows in their illustrious footsteps and all this year's ‘Oscar' winners by getting your ticket from any Committee member price just £7. Get along on that night and demonstrate to the players the true backing they have from the Central Park faithful. (8th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Late goal killer for Cowden

A late goal from former Central Park hero Graeme Brown robbed Cowden of a deserved 3 points and a crucial win on Saturday afternoon. A victory was essential in Cowden's bid to avoid the relegation play-offs and the draw combined with Queens Park's 2-0 win over Peterhead leaves Brian Welsh's side 7 points from safety with 9 left to play for.

Cowden opened the game brightly and came close from two long range efforts from Pat Scullion. The Blue Brazil took confidence from the good started to the game and went onto dominate for large spells and deservedly took the lead after 66 minutes through Paul McQuade.

The home side looked in total control as the game drew to a close but were pegged back with 4 minutes remaining. Joe Andrew layed the ball off to Brown - on as a sub - and the prolific striker slotted home from 16 yards. (6th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Cowden v Alloa

It is another must win game tomorrow afternoon when promotion chasing Alloa Athletic come to town. Cowden kept their hopes alive with a vital win over Queens Park on Tuesday to reduce to gap to 5 points. But with only four games remaining three points on Saturday is a must.

"The game against Alloa is massive – another must win for us", agreed Cowden boss Brian Welsh.

"We were in the same situation on Tuesday night and the boys responded to the pressure brilliantly.

"It was a great result in midweek and something we must build on. Queens started the game much stronger but the boys settled down and showed great hunger and courage to go on a win the game. We looked dangerous every time we attacked which was very pleasing. We are still losing too many goals though and is something we must strive to improve on - starting this weekend.

"Alloa are pushing for promotion but there is not much between the sides and we are more than capable of winning the game. The recent game at the Recs was very close and a game we deserved much more.

"We have managed to get a settled team in recent weeks and the importance of this is reflected in the much improved performances against Ayr United, Brechin City and Queens.

"Finally, thank once again for backing the team. The support at Hampden was appreciated by all the lads and really helps the team."

Midweek injury victims Bryan Gilfillan and Dougie Hill are slight doubts for Saturday along with John Dempster who had to be replaced after the interval due to the effects of a virus.

On loan Hearts stopper John Armstrong has stepped up his rehabilitation and could be available in the next fortnight after injuring his knee at the end of January. Tyncecastle colleague David Armstrong has started light training and could be back in action in 2-3 weeks. Meanwhile, Mark Baxter's progress has been setback by a bout of flu. (4th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Youth ace goes out on loan

Under 19s top scorer Mark Boyle has moved to junior side Arniston Rangers on loan until the end of the season. The young striker joined the Blue Brazil from Spartans last summer and has found the net 14 times for the 19s along with a debut for the 1st team from the subs bench against Peterhead earlier in the season. The 18 year-old was recently rewarded for his fine form this season with a new contract and will return to Central Park in the summer. (4th April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Player of the Month

The online poll is now open to vote for your Blue Brazil Online player of the month for March.

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Cowden keep hopes alive

A victory was vital in Cowden's bid to avoid the relegation play-off spot and the team did not let anyone down with a courageous 3-2 win over nearest rivals Queens Park at Hampden this evening despite playing a large part of the second half without a natural central defender due to injury.

Queens started the game brightly and it took a top class save from David Hay low to his right to keep the score blank.

Cowden grew in confidence as the game went on though and scored a quick fire double salvo to lead 2-0 at the break. Scott Gates (32) opened the scoring after his initial shot was blocked by the keeper and Paul McQuade doubled the advantage 3 minutes later after getting on the end of a Dougie Hill knock down from close range.

The Blue Brazil went for the kill at the re-start and had Queens under the cosh but suffered a blow on 54 minutes. A Cowden attack was in full flow before the referee managed to deflect the ball into the path of a Queens player and a flowing move ended with a tap in for Mark Ferry at the back post - with Bryan Gilfillan lying injured on the half-way line. Gilfillan hobbled off minutes later to be replaced by Chris Shanks.

Despite the blow of losing a controversial goal and the influential Gilfillan to injury the team refused to buckle and instead regained the two goal advantage. Hill made a great interception on his 18 yard line and beat two men before releasing Mark Ramsay. Mini made up 45 yards before slipping the ball to sub Denis McLaughlin (78) who supplied a quality finish from the edge of the penalty box.

The inspirational Hill was scythed down in the build up to the goal and had to play up front for the remainder of the game as a result of the injury as Cowden had used all three subs.

Cowden looked home and dry at this stage but a late goal from the home sub Tony Quinn (84) made sure of a nervous finish but Cowden - with subs Scullion and Shanks playing in central defence - defended magnificently in the closing stages to secure a famous win. (1st April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.

Supporters Club update

David Allan from the Cowdenbeath Supporters Club will be giving a talk on behalf of the Cowdenbeath Civic Week Committee at Wee Jimmies on Wednesday 9th April at 8.00pm. This fundraising event is entitled 'Cowdenology' with David being regarded as perhaps our foremost local Cowdenologist! His talk will include:

'The Merger of the Miners' - a glimpse at the roots of Cowdenbeath FC. 'Oh Mr Nisbet!' - Refereeing controversies in Cowdenbeath.
'Best of the Rest' - A look back at some of Cowdenbeath's other football clubs over the years. 'Cowden Characters & Curiousities' - Some of the characters, incidents and oddities that have been connected with Cowdenbeath FC. And much more.

There will also be an opportunity to prove your own standing as a local football expert with a brief local football quiz where you too can perhaps graduate in Cowdenology (or at least win a prize!)

This event is open to the general public and Supporters Club members are also asked to come along to support what is indeed a worthy cause. Admission is just £2 . (1st April 2008)

Latest News brought to you in association with Adam Smith College.