Ross Country 3-0 Cowdenbeath

Apr 20 2008 John Macleod At Victoria Park

ANDY Barrowman's double salvo had Victoria Park buzzing as County ended their home campaign in style.

It was an easy afternoon for County who would have won by a cricket score had it not been for the outstanding form of Cowdenbeath keeper David Hay.

Striker Barrowman had a memorable afternoon as his brace ensured he became County's all-time top-scorer since they joined the Scottish League - breaking boss Derek Adams' record in the process.

And Barrowman's gaffer was delighted at his striker knocking him off the honour's list.

He said: "I am delighted for Andy - he has been magnificent this season.

"The record has been there for too many years now and should have been broken long ago.

"It was a perfect performance for a perfect day.

"We passed the ball about well on one of those days that doesn't come along often.

"The players must cherish it and look forward to next season as they have shown a desire to win football matches with skill."

County got off to a flyer inside two minutes when Mark McCulloch's cross fell to Barrowman who left Hay helpless with a clinical finish.

Cowden were forced to make a change in 27 minutes when Jon Robertson was replaced by John O'Neill. It had little effect as County doubled their lead a minute later with a superb strike.

Martin Scott played in Sean Higgins at the edge of the box and he duly thumped a cracker in to the net for his 11th of the season.

In a rare Cowden attack Denis McLaughlin sent his shot wide.

Higgins should have added a third when he missed a sitter from close range. It was still one-way traffic after the break and County stretched their lead in 55minutes when Barrowman was on hand to knock in a Higgins free-kick at the back post and set a club record of 23 Scottish League goals.

The Blue Brazil had their first shot on target six minutes later when Paul McQuade broke clear only to fire his tame effort straight at keeper Tony Bullock.

Cowden's McLaughlin and County's Gary Miller were booked in the space of a couple of minutes but the game never really looked as if it was threatening to get out of control.

Hay made another great save this time from Michael Gardyne as County pressed for another goal.

Barrowman went off to a standing ovation six minutes from the end to be replaced by Stewart Petrie.

But the County substitute missed a great opportunity to score in his final home match as he fired the ball off the post with only Hay to beat.

HERO

ANDY BARROWMAN took both his goals well to set a new club record and was unlucky not to grab a hat-trick.

VILLAIN

PAUL McQUADE missed Beath's best chance in the second half when he was clean through on goal.