ICYMI: Cowdenbeath have retained their Ladbrokes SPFL status
Published:Cowdenbeath dramatically retained their Ladbrokes SPFL status yesterday afternoon, eventually beating East Kilbride 5-3 on penalties after their two-legged play-off had finished 1-1 on aggregate.
With the first encounter ending goalless it was all to play for in the return fixture at Station Park.
And it was the League 2 side who got out of the blocks quickest when Fraser Mullen put the hosts a goal ahead after just three minutes.
However, Kilby bided their time and hit back through Kieran Gibbons’ long-range effort with just over 25 minutes remaining.
Full time after extra time : Cowdenbeath 1-1 @officialEKFC. Cowdenbeath win 5-3 on penalties. pic.twitter.com/8BAjeGOTpG
— Cowdenbeath FC (@CowdenbeathFC) May 20, 2017
On a rain-soaked pitch, both sides couldn’t be separated in normal time or the additional 30 minutes, meaning spot-kicks were required.
Mullen, Craig Johnston, Kris Renton and David Syme duly obliged for Gary Locke’s Cowden outfit with the opposition’s Adam Strachan, Russell McLean and Joao Victoria replying for the Lowland League champions.
However, Cowden goalkeeper Jamie Sneddon then made a crucial save from Paul Woods, affording Liam Henderson the chance to become a Blue Brazil hero.
The defender didn’t fluff his lines and Locke’s men live to fight another day in the SPFL ranks.
? Congrats to @CowdenbeathFC who retain their #SPFL status after winning the @Ladbrokes L2 Play-Off. Commiserations to @officialEKFC ? pic.twitter.com/iixbGkOvbU
— SPFL (@spfl) May 20, 2017
Congratulations to Gary and everyone associated with Cowdenbeath!
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing