Newburgh Juniors claim bragging rights in the Fife derby with a 4-1 victory over Cowdenbeath Central. An early red for the away side played a pivotal factor in proceedings with first half goals from Ryan Daly,Andrew McCallion and Finn Bannerman quickly ending the competition, with a further finish from Bannerman to seal the victory for Newburgh.

A bumper crowd was packed into East Shore Park, as the East of Scotland Division Three fixture was the only game on across the country.

Cowdenbeath got off to the worst possible start start in the second minute when Grant Allan played a disastrous pass to McCallion, releasing the striker into a dangerous position, forcing captain Lee Dawson to tackle from behind. A red card was duly awarded and Newburgh soon took advantage by opening the scoring in the seventh minute.

Mackenzie Williamson broke down the wing and crossed in an enticing ball for Daly, who volleyed goalwards from close range.

Newburgh’s attack were unrelenting, and they soon doubled their advantage. Ronnie Martin’s corner was met at the front post by McCallion, who turned the ball under Cowdenbeath Central ‘keeper David Chalmers.

Despite Cowdenbeath Central growing into the game, the home side grabbed a third in the 36th minute. Another Williamson cross into the box was met this time by Bannerman, who scored high into the centre of the goal from 10 yards.

Newburgh’s dominance continued into the second half and the fourth arrived in the 55th minute. A Cammy Taylor effort was saved from close range, but the ball rebounded into the path of Bannerman who tapped the ball home.

Cowdenbeath huffed and puffed, looking to attack where possible and they managed a consolidation in the 72nd minute. Brandyn Coventry was felled in the box by Williamson and Yapoudjian converted into the bottom corner.