Lack of relegation stress is enjoyable for Blue Brazil

Fraser Mullen is loving being able to play without the threat of relegation constantly hanging over him after Cowdenbeath’s struggles in the past two seasons.

The Blue Brazil finished bottom of League Two in each of the ex-Hearts and Hibs player’s first two years with the club.

However, they have improved under Gary Bollan this term and now sit 10 points clear of the basement spot and within six points of the play-offs after Saturday’s impressive win at promotionchasing Annan.

Mullen said: “The last couple of seasons have been a nightmare being constantly down there in a dogfight.

“But it feels a lot better this year, we’re a completely different team.

“We’ve got a bit more experience this year, there’s more boys now who have played at a good level.

“I know we’ve not had the greatest of starts but the manager’s got us playing a lot better and we’ve got a squad that believes in ourselves this year.

“It plays on your mind when you’re down at the bottom, you have a different mindset going into games. But the way things are just now, we can enjoy games more.”

After a first half of few chances at Galabank, Cowden went ahead in the 67th minute when Kris Renton beat keeper Jonny Jamieson to a high ball and touched it home from inside the six-yard box.

Annan piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser.

However, Cowden sub Josh Skelly, who struck the bar moments earlier, sealed his side’s win in stoppage time with a sensational half volley from 25 yards out.

Boss Bollan said: “We defended brilliantly. Our goalkeeper was excellent and we passed the ball well at times. We thoroughly deserved the win.”