Raith Rovers boss Ray McKinnon was delighted that his squad had taken on a tough pre-season schedule as it fully prepared them for this highly competitive Petrofac Training Cup tie.
Rovers took on the likes of Dundee and Aberdeen in their warm-up games and failed to get a win but the new Stark’s Park manager is sure that such difficult games have been ideal in preparing his players for derby games such as Saturday’s and the rigours of the Championship.
Raith sneaked a place in round two of the competition thanks to a Lewis Vaughan goal in 23 minutes.
The young striker finished expertly from around 12 yards after a good move down the Cowdenbeath right by the Kirkcaldy side.
After that Mark Stewart and Rory McKeown had openings for the visitors while Craig Johnston and Luke Armstrong threatened on occasions for Cowdenbeath, in a game which defences dominated.
McKinnon said: “That was a real derby game, with hard tackles flying in and high workrate from both sides, but not a lot of chances.
“There was concern that we did not win any of our friendly games but the fact that we were playing teams of the calibre of Hearts, Aberdeen and Dundee held us in good stead here for it prepared us well for the sort of game this was always going to be.
“We wanted to get the win and a place in round two and that was achieved in a highly competitive tie and we were rewarded for hard work.”
Rovers midfielder Ryan McCord, one of a number of signings made by McKinnon during the close season, was not in the least surprised with the toughness of the game.
“I have played a few times here with Alloa and each time it was very competitive,” he said.
“The tightness of the park is something you have to contend with and Cowden keep sniping at your heels trying to get the ball back, so it is never a game you can relax in. It was good to get a win on the board and make the next round of the tournament.”
Blue Brazil player-boss Colin Nish was really happy with the way his team confronted the challenge of playing Championship side Rovers.
“There was absolutely nothing in the match and we did well enough for the entire game, although if there was to be a criticism we perhaps did not create enough good clear chances,” he said.
“We learned plenty from the match which is very encouraging.
“The application was top notch against Raith and we worked hard to win so many key tackles, but if there was to be a down side we did not really open up their defence on enough occasions.
“Good chances were few and far between for us but then in the game as a whole there were not many clear openings.”