Cowdenbeath 1-4 Annan Athletic

Aug 3 2008 Stefan Pavleski At Central Park

ANNAN goal hero Darren Johnstone helped crush Cowden then fired back at the doubters who had labelled the league newcomers whipping boys.

After a stunning league debut the big striker reckons his side will command much more respect now.

A delighted Johnstone said: "You couldn't have written a better script. When we got our place in the league a lot of people in the media wrote us off.

"We are pleased to have produced such a good display and feel we've made a statement to the rest of the league."

Athletic boss Harry Cairney was pleased with the way his troops fought back in such style after falling behind.

He said: "We deserved to win and our second half performance was excellent.

"Our response to falling behind was especially pleasing as was every aspect of the game.

"We looked lively up front and caused them problems. It was a great team effort."

Athletic had to delay their big kick-off due to traffic delays.

When the match got underway Annan spurned a great chance when Steven Archibald fired wide from close range.

Cowden's Paul McQuade fared even worse in 10 minutes, missing the target with the goal gaping after a horror pass by keeper Craig Summersgill.

But McQuade made amends for his sitter six minutes later as he drilled home the opener past Summersgill.

The Annan keeper made a fine stop moments later to deny Marek Tomana a second.

Beath continued to press and a Darren McGregor volley flew inches wide.

Athletic still looked threatening on the break and only a superb save from David Hay kept out Johnstone's low strike.

But Annan equalised in 29 minutes through Mike Jack's penalty after Tomana had tugged Kevin Neilson's jersey.

The home side almost restored their lead in 40 minutes but Mark Ramsay's snap-shot went inches over the bar.

Annan started the second half brightly with Johnstone testing Hay from an acute angle.

And they went ahead in 48 minutes from a stunning Jack volley that left Hay rooted.

Athletic took a big step towards victory in 57 minutes when Archibald added a controversial third, appearing to control the ball with his arm before poking past the keeper.

Cowden were desperately looking for a way back in to the match but were becoming increasingly frustrated with their failure to break down Annan's defence.

The home side's Sandy Hodge had a superb chance in 75 minutes but he blazed his drive high over the top.

Cairney's new boys were beginning to play through crestfallen Cowden and Johnstone did well with a turn and shot that Hay held comfortably.

But Johnstone completed a dream day for Annan in the last minute, latching on to Archibald's through ball before slotting past Hay.

Boiling Beath boss Danny Lennon said: "Annan deserved the win. We cannot defend like that and expect a result."

MoM: Johnstone (Annan)