League woes continue

GRETNA 2008’s dismal run in the Lowland League continued last Saturday as they lost 4-2 at Cowdenbeath. The visitors came within inches of opening the scoring early on at Central Park. After Sean McKenzie cut the ball back for Kayn Cranston, the midfielder saw his first-time effort fly just wide of the upright. Both teams continued to battle as the half wore on and Gretna eventually got themselves in front five minutes before the interval. Cowdenbeath failed to deal with the corner and the ball fell kindly for Robbie Ivison who struck a fierce effort low and hard into the net. But the lead did not last too long as the hosts equalised on 52 minutes, Darren Downie applied the finishing touch following a well-worked team move. Four minutes later Nat Wedderburn put Cowden ahead. He ran into the box completely unmarked and glanced a header into the far corner. Midway through the half Dylan Mauchin added a third. The Gretna players called for offside as Jim Atkinson saved the striker’s initial effort before he made sure with the rebound. Paul McLean fired high into the net following a corner kick 15 minutes from time to make it 4-1 and put the game out of Gretna’s reach. The Black and Whites managed to pull a goal back in injury time. Iain Anderson finished clinically from the penalty spot after being brought down by the Cowden defender. This Saturday the club have a welcome break from league action as they play one of their most important games of the season. Gretna travel to face on form West of Scotland outfit Carluke Rovers at the John Cumming Stadium – Carluke sit top of the Fourth Division after winning all seven of their opening fixtures. A tough test will be expected, however, the Raydale side will be confident they can secure a victory to get their name in the draw for the second round and a potential match-up against a SPFL League Two side.