Edinburgh City's title hopes getting slimmer after dropped points at Cowdenbeath

Edinburgh City’s Ladbrokes League Two title challenge has been left hanging by a thread following a 1-1 draw at Cowdenbeath.

The result, coupled with leaders Cove Rangers’ 3-0 win at Stenhousemuir, means the Citizens are now ten points off the pace with ten matches remaining. James McDonaugh’s side have won just once of their last five.However, the Capital outfit are 13 points better off than third-placed Queen’s Park, with Elgin a further two points back in the final play-off spot.

Kris Renton gave the Blue Brazil a first-half lead at Central Park but, after some sustained second-half pressure, midfielder Marc Laird’s shot into the top corner restored parity with little more than ten minutes left to play.Danny Handling almost won it for City, but Josh Rae denied the former Hibs midfielder.

“It was exactly what I expected it to be – the pitch was really difficult and heavy for both teams,” McDonaugh said. “You have to try and adapt to the conditions. It was never going to be conducive to passing football. Going in at half-time 1-0 down we showed good character to come back and get a point but I’m disappointed we’re not picking up all three considering how much we had of the ball in the second half. I also thought we were denied a clear penalty.

“I think we got a reaction from the Brechin result [0-0] last week. The players are disappointed they never won as there were a few things thrown at them after the Brechin match, but I think they showed they’ve got a wee bit about them.”

Cowdenbeath: Rae, Mullen, Swann, Todd, Barr, Miller, Cox, Buchanan, Taylor (Allan 87), Thomas, Renton. Subs: Valentine, Pyper, Pollock, Whyte, Easton, Sneddon.

Edinburgh City: Mason, Thomson, Balatoni, Laird, Brown (Court 72), B Henderson, Handling, Crane, Shepherd (Harris 72), L Henderson, Savoury (Kane 63). Subs: Antell, Sinclair, Wilson, Holmes.

Referee: Chris Graham.

Attendance: 302.