Cowdenbeath 1 Peterhead 3

Peterhead gained some revenge for earlier defeats thanks to a smash and grab 3-1 win at Central Park this afternoon but the Blue Brazil will rue their first half performance and missing a host of chances after the break.

Both sides struggled to get going on the heavy pitch but Cowden looked the most threatening with Mark Ramsay coming close on a couple of occasions. However it was the visitors who opened the scoring when Martin Bavidge held off John Armstrong to beat David Hay from close range after 22 minutes.

Peterhead deserved their half-time lead against a sluggish home side but it was one way traffic after the break. The Blue Brazil peppered the away goal but were foiled by a combination of good goalkeeping and poor finishing and Peterhead made us pay with their first serious effort of the second 45 when Bavidge (64) rolled the ball into the empty net. Cowden finally found the back of the net when sub Jay Stein (74) fired a fine angled drive past Jarvie from 10 yards but Neale Cooper's side secured the points with another breakway goal in the final minutes thanks to a top drawer free kick from veteran Barry Wilson.

"It was a frustrating afternoon and I felt we dominated possession over the piece, created good opportunities and worked their keeper yet came away with nothing", commented Danny Lennon.

"I was very disappointed in the manner in which we conceded today as all three were given away cheaply. Individual errors have cost us in the last three games but we win and lose as a team.

"The boys have set high standards this season and our success has been based on hard work, a strong defensive unit and winning the ball back for our creative players to damage the opposition. On the evidence of today, against a good established second division team, we are not far away but we need to defend better as a team and individually.

"We will continue to work hard for and believe in each other and our focus is now on another big game on Tuesday night against Alloa Athletic."

Darren McGregor made an impressive return to the starting line-up for the first time this season after recovering from injury and illness but regulars Joe Mbu and Scott McBride missed out due to injury while Craig Winter was only fit enough for a place on the bench.

A minutes silence was held prior to kick-off in memory of Steve who sadly died earlier in the week - a much liked fan who travelled many miles to watch his adopted team from his home in Crewe. Condolences to Steve's family from everyone at Central Park.