Cowden striker Mullen admits club is left facing ‘six cup finals’

ANNAN 1 COWDENBEATH 0

Fraser Mullen admits Cowdenbeath will have to beat relegation rivals Clyde this weekend if they are to avoid a dreaded play-off against a high-flying non-league side to save their SPFL status.

The Blue Brazil remain four points adrift of the Bully Wee at the foot of League Two after an impressive display away to Annan went unrewarded.

Cowden more than held their own against the in-form team in the league and even Annan boss Jim Chapman admitted they were unfortunate not to come away with a result.

A penalty miss from Fraser Mullen, who slipped and fluffed his kick straight at keeper Blair Currie, early in the second half proved pivotal as the Galabank side claimed victory with a 25-yard screamer from Aidan Smith in the 76th minute.

It left Beath gutted as they missed a good chance to close the gap on Clyde ahead of Saturday’s bottom-of-the-table showdown at Central Park.

Midfielder Mullen said: “We were the better team but it was the same old story – we couldn’t put the ball in the net.

“I slipped when I was taking the penalty. My standing foot came away from me and the ball just rolled into the keeper’s arms.

“I don’t know how unlucky you can get. If I’d have scored we’d have probably gone on to win. In the position we’re in, chances like that must go in.

“I think we’ll have to beat Clyde now because the games are getting away from us. Every one is like a cup final from now on.”

Annan’s Peter Weatherson saw a spot-kick saved by Jamie Sneddon in the first half after Gerry McLauchlan tripped Rabin Omar in the first half. Mullen then suffered the same fate after Liam Henderson was tripped by Max Wright.

Cowden’s Kris Renton crashed a powerful strike against the crossbar from outside the box shortly before Smith’s winner for the hosts.

Fraser Mullen: missed penalty.