The Blue Brazil had wins at Workington and Dunston Federation on their mini-tour last weekend but Thursday night saw more substantial English opposition visit Central Park in the shape of the newly installed League One side nicknamed "The Pirates."
| Cowdenbeath 1 Bristol Rovers 2 Cowdenbeath played their 34th ever pre-season match against English opposition as promoted Bristol Rovers arrived at Central Park on Thursday for the second match of their Scottish tour. "The Pirates" were impressive on Tuesday with a 2-2 draw at Dunfermline and their second match in Fife saw them become the first English League side to visit Central Park since Chester City drew 0-0 with Cowden in 1992. Cowden were the first Scottish League side back on the training ground pre-season but showed little in this game to suggest they will be Division 2 play-off contenders in 2007/8. An even first half produced just one goal when Cowden's Pat Clarke slotted home a 29th minute penalty following a clumsy Bristolian tackle on John O'Neil just inside the box. Rovers showed little to suggest they were one step from the English Championship for the first 10 minutes of the second period but then they started to find their way and moved up a gear finishing the classier outfit. Danny Rose equalised midway through the second half with a fine volley and then Richard Walker flicked home a last minute winner for the visitors who now move onto Airdrie United for their final tour match on Saturday. Cowden celebrate 90 years at Central Park on the 28th August this year and their first pre-season match against English opposition was a 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa in 1932. In subsequent years they have beaten Barnsley 5-0 (1971) and a host of non-league English sides home and away but Bristol Rovers are certainly the highest quality English League opposition to visit Central Park in a number of years. Cowden play at Edinburgh University FC on Saturday with a 12 noon kick off against the club they beat 5-1 in the SFA Cup last season before heading to Berwick Rangers for their opening League match. | |
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