Clyde in League 2 survival jeopardy

CLYDE are facing a scrap for League 2 survival after Cowdenbeath threw themselves a relegation lifeline with a 2-0 win at Broadwood that closed the gap on their hosts to four points.

Cowdenbeath treated the contest as a must-win game and goals on either side of the break from Kyle Miller and David Syme gave boss Gary Locke his second victory since taking over at Central Park a fortnight ago.

The Bully Wee dominated early possession and were handed with the perfect chance to take the lead on 11 minutes when Scott Rumsby committed a rash challenge on Scott Ferguson inside the box.

Referee Colin Steven had no hesitation in pointing to the spot or in flashing a yellow card at Rumsby, but Cowdenbeath’s captain heaved a sigh of relief when Jamie Sneddon pulled off a fine diving save to deny Peter MacDonald.

The deadlock was broken when Clyde’s debut keeper Mark McMillan was beaten moments before half-time when he could only parry a dipping Shuan Rutherford effort into the path of Miller who netted from close range.

MacDonald, keen to atone for his earlier spot-kick miss, almost did so after the restart with a snapshot which was just off target.

Instead of finding themselves level, though, Clyde fell further behind when Fraser Mullen’s cross was headed firmly home by Syme.

Cowdenbeath, clearly growing in confidence, were not content to rest on their laurels and Rumsby’s header was inches away from putting the issue beyond doubt.

Dale Carrick also saw an effort go close before the Bully Wee responded through the lively MacDonald who was unable to hit the target from an awkward angle.

At the other end, Mullen’s shot was saved by McMillan as the visitors edged towards a precious victory. MacDonald’s wretched night continued when he struck the post from close range to give the Fifers another reprieve.