Cowdenbeath had two men sent off as they slipped to a late defeat at home by Arbroath as they returned to Division 2 in controversial style.

Cowdenbeath 1 Arbroath 2

The Blue Brazil benefited from Livi's demise in the SFL rankings but there was no glory opening day of the league season for the Fifers on their home Central Park patch.

Cowden's Kenny Adamson was first to see red for a foul on Paul Lunan with 11 minutes played, and Dene Droudge received a second yellow card on 70 minutes. If Cowden felt they had to up their game now they were up a division they tried too hard against the Red Lichties and blew the chance to gain at least a point. Until the second goal it seemed possible a draw would be the final result.

With 10 minutes to play Barry Sellars put Arbroath in front from close range, then Bryan Scott quickly grabbed number two.

With seconds left, Scott McBride scored for Cowdenbeath from the penalty spot after an Arbroath player had handled.

Cowdenbeath have a tradition of struggling after a step-up in division and that history could well be about to haunt the current squad if today's performance is anything to go by. Two promotions since 1970 have seen Cowden come straight back down within 12 months with a fairly dismal record, the early part of this century also saw the Fifers hold on for just two campaigns before relegation back to the basement of the SFL. The current side cannot spend too much time deciding whether or not they are there in Div 2 on merit, long suffering fans will want success now the 'Beath are up, albeit with a slice good fortune.

The Blue Brazil will need the same amount of luck that saw them gain elevation last week after losing a play-off final to Stenhousemuir in May if game one of their SFL campaign is a barometer.

Cowdenbeath can look forward to the motivation of four SFL matches against old rivals East Fife while fixtures against last term's promoted sides from Div 3 (on merit) Dumbarton and Stenhousemuir should give 'Beath all the forward momentum they need. Both sides were well behind Cowden until the run-in last campaign. These sides certainly profited from slackness by the Fife outfit and Danny Lennon's side have a point to prove.

Next for Cowden in the league, Brechin away next Saturday 15th August.

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