Kilmarnock II defeated Cowdenbeath 2:1 in the Challenge Cup group stage on Monday evening. The visitors claimed all three points after a match decided by two second-half goals and an unfortunate own goal. It was a hard-fought result that kept both sides in contention for progression.
Cowdenbeath took an early surprise when J. Denham bundled the ball into his own net in the thirty-first minute. The hosts were left to chase the game for the remainder of the first half, and the visitors made their advantage clear when J. Allan struck in the sixtieth minute. Kilmarnock II held firm until N. Simpson sealed the win with a late goal in the eighty-ninth minute.
The statistics tell you little beyond what you saw on the pitch. Cowdenbeath had 51 per cent possession and edged the attack count 103 to 88, but their shots hit the target only four times. Kilmarnock II were more efficient with 38 per cent accuracy on their shots, converting three attempts on target into two goals. Neither side created a big chance, and the match was decided by moments rather than sustained pressure.
Cowdenbeath's form has not been kind to them of late. They have lost four of their last five outings, including defeats to East Kilbride and Edinburgh City in August. Kilmarnock II are no strangers to inconsistency either — their last five matches read one win, two draws and two losses, with a heavy 6:0 defeat to Annan Athletic among them.
By then, the group standings will look very different depending on how this result sits against other fixtures. Cowdenbeath now face a steeper climb, while Kilmarnock II have picked up a valuable away point they can build on.
