The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Cameron rues missed opportunity
Airdrie United 1 Cowdenbeath 1
COWDENBEATH manager Colin Cameron could barely hide his disappointment after his side were pegged back at New Broomfield.
Youngster Dean Brett gave the Blue Brazil a stunning early lead, but it was wiped out in the 69th minute by Airdrie substitute Ryan Donnelly.
The Fifers had plenty of good opportunities to make off with the three points and increase the gap between themselves and the First Division relegation zone.
Cameron was less than impressed with referee George Salmond’s decision not to award a spot-kick after Brett went down under David Lilley’s challenge in the box.
“I thought it was a stonewall penalty,” he said.
“Dean’s honest and tried to stay on his feet but he’s been clipped.
“Even (Airdrie assistant manager) Alan Lawrence says it was a penalty and I guarantee it would have been a free-kick anywhere else on the pitch.
“We got exactly the sort of start we were looking for with a great move and a great finish but I see this as two points dropped.”
The Blue Brazil made one change to the side which drew 2-2 at Raith Rovers on Saturday, with Kenny Adamson in for Lewis Coult.
There was an early scare for Cowdenbeath with Airdrie defender Gregor Buchanan heading a Willie McLaren corner over the bar after just 38 seconds.
Cameron’s men recovered quickly, however, and took the lead in the third minute.
Marc McKenzie did well to fire in a low cross which was turned home by Brett.
Cowdenbeath would have been the happier side with their first-half endeavours despite the lack of further clear-cut goalscoring opportunities
They created more chances after the break, with McKenzie’s low shot held by Grant Adam and Thomas O’Brien nodding wide a Jamie Stevenson corner.
Airdrie were more of a threat after the break, however, and only a terrific diving block by keeper Thomas Flynn denied John Boyle after good work by McLaren.
Fo r me r Hibernian custodian Flynn would go from hero to zero soon after when his clearance struck Boyle and fell nicely for Donnelly to convert his second goal of the season.
Cameron said: “Airdrie’s goal was our own fault.
“We could have cleared the ball a couple of times before they got the chance to have a shot.
“Whenever we got the ball down and passed it, we created chances.
“The guys are working so hard just now but we keep making the same mistakes.”
Airdrie: Adam, O’Neil, G Buchanan (Lilley 35), Lamie, Warren, L Watt, Davidson (J Watt 67), Blockley, McLaren, John Boyle, L Buchanan (Donnelly 58).
Subs not used: Evans, Duncan.
Cowdenbeath: Flynn, Cowan, Armstrong, Mbu, Adamson, O’Brien, Brett, Milne, Miller (Linton 73), Stevenson, McKenzie.
Subs not used: Garcia, Navas, Cameron, Wight.
Referee: George Salmond. Attendance: 776. Meanwhile, Cowdenbeath midfielder Mark Ramsay is scheduled to go through an operation on his injured ankle today, which will keep him out of action for about six weeks.
Beath boss Colin Cameron, who already has two players on the long term injured list — striker Greg Stewart and midfielder Liam Cusack — is now looking to make some loan signings in this month’s transfer window.