Clyde v Cowdenbeath

Recap

The Bully Wee earned a welcome victory in Ladbrokes League 2 at Broadwood this afternoon, after an action-packed match that featured eight goals.

Barry Ferguson made two changes to the team following last week’s match at Annan, with Chris Smith and Michael Oliver replacing the injured pair of Jordan Lowdon and Phil Johnston.

The Blue Brazil came close to opening the scoring in the early stages of the match, but Ewan McNeil did well to get back onto the line and block Shaun Rutherford’s effort.

It was Clyde that took the lead though when, after 13 minutes, Dylan Easton’s teasing free-kick delivery into the box was met by Chris Smith and his header found the net.

Peter MacDonald then worked himself into an excellent position at the edge of the box, but his attempted disguised pass across the face of goal was too strong to find Matt Flynn.

Just after the half hour mark, the visitors equalised from the spot after a clumsy foul by McNeil. John Gibson got a hand to Dean Brett’s penalty, but the ball squeezed into the bottom corner.

However, The Bully Wee came back almost straight away to regain the lead. Following a set piece delivery into the box, Martin McNiff was able to force the ball back across goal, MacDonald’s shot was well saved by David McGurn but Sean Higgins reacted well to score from the rebound.

As the goals continued to come, Cowdenbeath equalised again, with Brian Ross’ long-range effort creeping in.

Just a minute later and shortly before the half-time whistle, it was 3-2 to Clyde as Scott Linton’s long throw forced Craig Sives to head the ball into his own net

Early in the second half, Cowdenbeath came close to yet another equaliser, but Gibson saved Kris Renton’s effort.

After 59 minutes, a superb team goal gave Clyde some breathing space. Easton and MacDonald combined to release Flynn (pictured) and the midfielder unselfishly set up Higgins, who made no mistake from inside the box.

The score became 5-2 with 73 minutes on the clock, as Smith got on the end of another free-kick from Easton, this time forcing the ball in via a touch by away ‘keeper McGurn.

Cowdenbeath substitute Nikolay Todorov hit the post before Fraser Mullen’s free-kick forced David Gormley into a mistake, with the Clyde sub stretching and diverting the ball past Gibson. That was to prove to be the final goal of an unusual but entertaining match.