Reaction

The Wasps moved to third place in the division after their second home victory of the season with manager Paul Hartley insisting home form this season will be so important in keeping “The Wasps” in the right end of the league table. Having gone ahead early in the second half, Cowdenbeath hit back within five minutes to equalise and later struck the crossbar, showing how difficult all matches will be in the Championship. Alloa fought back and after going close, Andy Kirk put the home side back in front after good work by Kevin Cawley. Eddie Ferns then sealed the victory in the closing minutes, using his great pace to get into position and fire home the winner.

paul hartley after cowdenbeath victory

I am delighted, it was a good three points, I thought we deserved it.  We took control of the game in the second half but even in the first half we still had good control and lots of possession.  We took the lead early in the second half but they equalised soon after, but it was the reaction of our players which was excellent today.  We are doing okay, I have always said that our home form would be important and that is two wins from two here.  The players are great they are a great bunch of lads – they work ever so hard for each other and were disappointed at conceding a goal today.  We have a tough game on Tuesday night now.  Andy Kirk’s goal to put us back in the lead was a good strikers goal, Kevin Cawley did brilliant to set him up – when Andy Kirk is through on goal you always fancy his chance to score.  We have a good variation of set pieces and teams are struggling to cope with it – it’s hard work in the training ground which is good to see it paying off.  We know set pieces will be vital for us this season – we have good variations we do not just lump it into the box and try and work things to create good situations.  We now have two tough away games, we will look at the Aberdeen game first which is the next game ahead on Tuesday night for us, so I will have the players in for light training on Monday evening and then try to pick a team which will give Aberdeen a tough game.  I will try and set my team up to be as positive as I can and try to win the game – there should be a big crowd at Pittodrie.  Aberdeen had a disappointing result today so I am sure their manager Derek McInnes will be looking for a re-action from them.   It is a good stadium and our players who have not played there, should enjoy he occasion – I am looking forward to it, going there as a manager, but the most important thing is that the players go and express themselves and show that they can play.  Our back four and goal keeper are vital for us and we know this season there will be periods when we come under pressure, but we need to stand up well by blocking things and putting our body on the line, the players were still disappointed to lose a goal today, but the spirit they showed to win the game will be vital this season.