Bright windy conditions at Gayfield rather damaged the game as a good football contest. Two evenly matched sides didn't create too many chances.
First half, despite a strong wind at our backs, we struggled to create many openings but neither did Cowden at the other end. Our chances came from corners and setpieces. After a very aggressive challenge on Baxter, Swankie floated in a great freekick for Innes to head home on 43 minutes. Our halftime thought was pity we didnt try more shots on goal and that we might have more defending second half
Second half, with the wind at their back, Cowden had stretches of play but didn't carve out that much. we had our moments and created a succession of half chances. The nearest of them, Samuel's glancing header from a Sheerin cross then Wedderburn's glaring miss from an open goal at the end after the keeper had missed the cross
Cowden did open us up with a slick pass threaded down our left leaving McKenzie (lucky to be on the pitch after several bad challenges) finished well from an angle on the hour mark. After 73 minutes Linton was ejected from a bad `recovery' tackle on the slick Sibanda who hoblled off then
We're still 4 points behind but showed once again we are as good as if not better than Cowden - a bit strong fit side who can play and allow no room to the opposition
Must mention the handbags behind the Switchie end at halftime. A core group of Cowden casuals hung around obviously looking for trouble as the Arbroath crowd moved round to occupy their customary spot behind the goal. Some lame fisticuffs and scuffling, some ejections. Rather slow stewarding and policing - they were off having their halftime pie when it became clear a problme was in the offing
A win was not quite deserved but avoiding defeat keeps our challenge going