Stenhousemuir 0, Cowdenbeath 0 (5-4 on pen after extra-time)

Date: Saturday 23rd May 2009

Competition: Irn-Bru 2nd Division play-off final - 2nd leg

Venue: Ochilview

Attendance: 1530

Man of the Match: Jay Shields

A dramatic penalty shoot out defeat consigned Cowden to another 12 months of Third Division football after the teams couldn't be separated after 120 minutes.

Local boy Jay Stein was the unlucky player to see his spot kick well saved by Warriors keeper Scott Bennett. John Gemmell and Derek Fleming along with the home sides Willie Lyle and Ally Brazil had the shoot out tied at 2-2 when Bennett saved Stein's effort, diving successfully to his right hand post. Mark Baxter and Joe Mbu duly converted our next two spot kick up Alan Reid and Andy Brand did likewise for the Warriors to seal their win.

The regular 120 minutes of play before the shoot out once again saw two evenly matched sides cancel themselves out for the second time in four days.

Both managers were forced to make changes to their starting line ups after the midweek red cards. Joe Mbu returned to the Cowden defence to replace the suspended Darren McGregor, while Jon Robertson replaced fellow youngster Scott Linton. John Coughlin also made two changes to his side – John Ovenstone came in for the suspended Chris McLeod with youngster Robert Love replacing Alan Brazil.

Molloy had an early chance for the Warriors after just seven minutes when he intercepted a poor clearance from Hay, but his shot from 28 yards went inches wide of the goal.

On the ten minute mark Ramsay worked his way to the bye line before cutting the ball back to McQuade who totally missed his kick from six yards.

Clear cut chances were few and far between but after 33 minutes Love set up Diack who should have done better than miss-kick from ten yards out

Ramsay then tried his luck with a shot from 25 yards out and it took a good save from Bennett to keep the score level.

A minute into the second half the Warriors had the best chance of the game to score when Ovenstone saw a close range shot come back off the underside of the crossbar following a Motion corner.

Diack fired wide of the target midway through the second period while Baxter set up McQuade whose shot pulled out a superb save from Bennett.

Extra time then followed and with three minutes of the added period to go Bennett was once again the home hero when Ramsay found himself through on goal the stopper dived to save the day for his side.

Robertson and Armstrong were booked along with the Warriors trio of Diack, Lyle and Molloy.

COWDEN:

David Hay - Blue Brazil legend has had another fantastic season. 8/10

Mark Baxter - Captain gave sweat and blood for the cause. Inspirational figure at Central Park and will hopefully lift the championship trophy next season. 8/10

Joe Mbu - In for the suspended Darren McGregor and big Joe was a rock at the back. 9/10

Jon Robertson - Handed a starting role for Cowden's most important game of the season and let nobody down. Going to be a key player next season. 8/10

John Armstrong - Last game before expiry of his loan spell from Hearts. Credit to himself after a top season at the back. Hopefully will be back at Central Park next season for a third spell. 9/10

Jay Stein - Filled in a left-back and had his best game for the club. Gave everything he had and will be heartbroken after missing vital spot kick. 8/10

Mark Ramsay - Ran his heart out and another who has found his true form in recent weeks. 8/10

Jay Shields - Has shown in the last two games what is game is all about. Fantastic performance and needs to show this on a more consistent basis. 9/10

John Gemmell - Wore his heart on his sleeve but no clear sight of goal. Great touch for a big man. 7/10

John Dempster - Led by example but unable to get any change out of Stenny defence. 6/10

Paul McQuade - Only recently recovered form lengthy spell on the sidelines and showed great appetite for the game. Has skill and pace in abundance. 7/10

Sub (93 mins): Marek Tomana - Introduced early into extra-time and showed flashes of magic. 6/10

Sub (95 mins): John Ferguson - Ran at tiring Stenny defence. 6/10

Sub (119 mins): Derek Fleming - On with a minute remaining with penalties in mind. 4/10

Subs not used: Scott Linton & Murray Jackson.

STENHOUSEMUIR: Scott Bennett, Willie Lyle, John Ovenstone, Gary Thom, Jordan Smith, Alan Reid, Robert Love (Iain Thomson 64), Craig Molloy, Scott Dalziel (Andy Brand 112), Iain Diack, Kevin Motion (Alan Brazil 64). Subs not used – Andrew Stirling & Keiron Renton.

REFEREE: Mr Stevie O'Reilly.