Cowdenbeath 2-1 Partick Thistle

Cowdenbeath. Famous for stock car racing, Jim Baxter and everyone's favourite Karaoke superstar, Donald Findlay.

Enough of the chit-chat, lets get on to the game I was there for as we visited Central Park for the first time since the early 90's and for my first visit to a ground that shall we say lacks the presentation one is used to as a First Division supporter.

The game started brightly for Thistle, peppering the part timer's goal with chances, until the breakthrough came after 18 minutes when Kris Doolan, starting on the left of a front 3, swept home a pinpoint pass from Paul Cairney.

That joy would be short-lived as the Blue Brazil equalised almost immediately, Thistle's defensive tactic of leaving one man to mark three was once again made to look foolish by Brian Fairbairn who turned and fired into the net, Thistle were in the lead for all of a minute.

Cowden were gutsy, while not having the technical ability they certain make up for it in determination and effort on the pitch and that fearless attitude was paying dividends against a Thistle side who were trying to take the piss.

Half time came as the first half flew in quicker than some maybe thought.

Into the second half and Cowden came out giving it their all as they had done in the first half, creating a small clutch of chances, including a free kick which was expertly tipped over the bar by Bryn Halliwell. It would be from this corner that the games deciding goal emerged, it's never smart to dummy a low cross into the box, and Cowden stuck quickly to end up snatching a come-from-behind lead.

Thistle then went all guns blazing trying to find an equaliser but Buchanan and Erskine's efforts bore no fruit either shooting wide or into the arms of an on-song David Hay. Paul Paton's rasping shot from the edge of area smashed the Cowden crossbar but again, Thistle's lack of a punch up front could lead to one too many knockouts across the season.

Terrible from Thistle, which maybe cheapens Cowdenbeath's win, but really, they can only beat whats in front of them and what was in front of them was a poor side who are out of sorts, failure to gee up the squad for the games against Stirling and Ayr at Firhill could be fatal for Ian McCall.


Fin.

Raith Rovers v Partick Thistle

That start of the season - you can't beat it apparently. Well, down Firhill way you're more likely to meet a grumbling discontented group of fans [myself included] who are fast running out of straws to clutch at.

Yesterday's performance at Stark's Park was nothing short of diabolical from a defensive point of view as one mistake after another gifted Rovers a thumping win over us. The First goal I never really got a good view of, all I seen was Mark Ferry's shot trundling over the line and the far post and out of Halliwell's reach, a bit soft in my opinion.

Many Thistle fans have had to adjust that Jonny Tuffey isn't around any more and although he had good moments, He still had his flaws. Bryn Halliwell seems to be the same type of goalkeeper - only older. A tremendous display towards the end of last season followed by contributing to Rovers' second goal of the afternoon, a poor throw out to Paddy Boyle saw him dispossessed and the ball rolled to John Baird who did the business.

Many Jags fans [myself included] have put faith in Willie Kinniburgh against their better judgment in my opinion. Kind of like betting on a horse that has long odds because you like the colours of the jersey or the name of the horse in question. But after today that faith is gone after he [yet again!] gave away a stupid penalty and was promptly sent off.

Normally when one of our players are sent off I'd be giving the referee an earful for a harsh decision but Mr. Norris got it absolutely spot on in sending him off and I genuinely hope that McCall drops him for a long time to come now that Conrad has signed up. Raith scored the penalty by the way, and we were 3-0 down at half time and I was in a state of utter disbelief.

After half time we actually played some good stuff, Chris Erskine getting in and about the area but optiing to take touches before shooting again plagued our problems with finding the onion bag. Conrad hit the post with a pont blank header and Liam Buchanan missed 2 oe 3 good one on one oppurtunities.


Same old Thistle I guess. But for the life of me I expect a reaction on Tuesday at Berwick. Sort it McCall, because I'm sure you know you're losing the fans with every excuse you pull out the fire.