Dev League: Raith Rovers 3 – 0 Cowdenbeath

Match Report

Stark’s Park, September 12th 2017

Raith Rovers U20’s 3 – 0 Cowdenbeath U20’s

Tonight was the first meeting of the sides since the Wee Blue Brazil came out on top in last season’s Fife Cup Final, this time the floodlights lasted the distance.

Thankfully the Rovers league form of last season returned as they turned in what was at times a dominant performance.
The early exchanges saw great play from MacDonald from the back and inventive runs from defence from Valentine and not to be outdone in midfield, McLeod Kay and Bell showed mature composure on the ball.

Cowdenbeath had a few forays into the Rovers area, notably a 1-2 by their No’s 8 & 6, the latter trying a neat chip which Brian rushed to cover.
The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute when Kyle Bell danced the ball into the box and laid off to Court, instead of going for the near post he unselfishly crossed to Yaw Osei who tapped in from 4 yards. 1 – 0

Going behind seemed to wake up the visitors as they more than matched the Rovers for the rest of the half barring Johnny Court warming the keeper’s hand with a thunderbolt from 20 yards and Yaw Osei grazing the top of the bar just before the half time whistle.

The second half opened with Yaw determined to double his tally with a run down the left and a shot from a tight angle which the keeper managed to deflect. A later move saw Watson overlapping with Bell, his cross just evaded the outstretched foot of Osei by millimetres.

Cowdenbeath were nearly back in the match after the hour when the No.11 whipped in a cross but the power surprised the No.10 who rued seeing the ball come off his leg and go wide at the near post.

McLeod Kay swapped places with Jack Smith who wasted no time getting into the fray, Johnny Court delivered a great cross from the left and Jack Smith, from 6 yards, lifted the ball over the diving keeper and into the net. 2 – 0

Minutes later Thorsen and Court exited play to be replaced by Dall and Swanson which brought added impetus to the attack.
Valentine was unlucky to see his dipping shot gathered by the keeper but Dall came closer when he turned on the penalty spot and his bullet of a shot skelped the bar and out for a bye kick.

The game was done and dusted four minutes from time when a chip into the box from Valentine found Jack Smith, who looked to all around to be offside, but he wasn’t fazed and fired past the diving keeper from 6 yards. 3 – 0

Adding the last eight matches from last season to last week’s draw against Stirling Albion, the Development team have gone ten league games undefeated; well done lads.

Remember, RRFC Season Ticket holders get free entry to all Development League games. View the Development League (East) Fixture list & Table here.

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