From the Sunday Mail ARBROATH hitman Steven Doris fired a double to secure victory – then insisted it’s game on for the league title.
The Gayfield front man scored goals in either half that helped close the gap on leaders Cowden to four points. And with just four games left he feels his side can snatch the title from their rivals.
He said: “It was like a cup final. We knew if we won our challenge was back on and if we lost it was pretty much over.
“We’ve been disappointed over the past few weeks as we have slipped up. But Cowdenbeath are under a bit of pressure now so we’ll see how they handle it.
“There was always belief in our dressing room, even when the results weren’t going our way. This gives us a lift so we’ll see what happens from now.”
This clash was a scrappy affair with some heavy challenges and ref George Salmond sent off one player and booked another four within the first 35 minutes.
The home side took the lead after just four minutes when Jon Robertson’s cross was met by Marc McKenzie and the midfielder’s shot was deflected before finding the net.
But Cowdenbeath were reduced to 10 men in 23 minutes when Kenneth Adamson was shown a second yellow card for a tackle on Lee Sibanda and Arbroath took full advantage by scoring twice in the next three minutes.
First Doris poked the ball home from close range before Kieran McAnespie put the visitors in front with a cross from the left that sailed over keeper Thomas Flynn into the net.
Cowdenbeath came out with all guns blazing at the start of the second half and were level within a minute when McKenzie fired home a penalty after Robertson was pulled down.
The game swung from end to end but it was Arbroath who got the winner after a defensive mix-up. Flynn rushed out to clear and collided with his own defenders, allowing Doris to slide the ball home.
Cowden boss Colin Cameron said: “I’m disappointed for the players because they worked so hard and they deserved a point, but it’s not to be.
“It’s a defeat but we’re still four points clear. It’s still in our hands.”
Arbroath manager Paul Sheerin said: “It’s still a big ask for us to win the title and I’d rather be in Cowdenbeath’s position than ours.”
Source: FOOTYMAD
