Brechin 0-1 Cowdenbeath

Jan 20 2008 Chris Sanderson Reports

BRECHIN boss Michael O'Neill blasted his side after John Dempster's first half spot-kick dented Brechin's 10-match unbeaten run.

Despite having the bulk of the play, City's Stuart Callaghan impeded Paul McQuade in the box leaving Dempster to score from the spot.

O'Neill groaned: "That's the poorest we've played all season and the poorest in my time at the club.

"The performance was unacceptable and we got out the game what we deserved - nothing."

Brechin started well with Charlie King going close in 21 minutes while Cowdenbeath keeper David Hay saved brilliantly from Callaghan.

However, all that pressure went to waste when Cowden were gifted a penalty that Dempster converted for what proved to be the winner.

City came storming back in the second half with both King and Kevin Byers going close with their efforts.

Martin McBride should have sealed the match for Cowden late on but he blazed over the bar.

The miss almost proved costly in stoppage time when Byers missed a great chance to bury King's cross.

Cowden boss Brian Welsh said: "I felt our first half performance merited the win."