The Traveller’s Notebook - Cowdenbeath
By Scott Johnstone
November 16 2003
Saturday November the 1st 2003, Bell’s League Division Three, Cowdenbeath v Stirling Albion, at Cebtral Park, Kick off 3pm Albion make a visit to Central Park after a gap of more than 10 years. Our last visits were in season 1992/3

The locale...Cowdenbeath's raison d’être was the coal industry but there is now nothing left of that. The Industrial landscape is dominated by the nearby mossmorran pertro-chemical/gas plant. Attempts at urban regeneration have made some superficial improvements to the environment but they cannot alter the fact that towns like Cowdenbeath have little to offer in post-industrial Britain.

The ground...Back in the 1930s the directors of Cowdenbeath felt that they needed to develop a stadium capable of holding 30,000 people. Central Park's shape has changed little since then although the capacity is much reduced. The large main stand dominates one side of the ground although most fans occupy the modern extension at the town end, known as the Alex Menzies Stand(Menzies was an ex bino and Cowden player of the 50s). The remainder of the ground is an oval of
steep banking. The portion opposite the stand has been concreted and terraced. Few fans bother to stand behind the goals. Segregation is sometimes enforced for standing customers-away fans made to walk behind the segment of the far end terracing. There does not appear to be any segregation of the seated accommodation.

The team...Relegated last season and, so far have shown little inclination to make a quick return. Drew here on the opening day of the season as both teams got to know their team mates.

The travel...Depends where you live. If you are going from the Causewayhead end of the town the best way is through Alloa and Dunfermline. If you come from the St Ninnians/Bannockburn end then heading for Kincardine Bridge and Rosyth is
your best bet. The ground is just of the main street in Cowdenbeath-turn left about half way up. There are signs for football traffic. Parking is available close to the ground.

The fans...Few in number but big on passion and commitment. Away fans have been known to get a slightly rough ride at this ground.

Food and Drink...Excellent comestibles available under the stand and form the servery opposite on the main terracing.

Stirling Albion Supporters Club Information...The bus for the match will leave as follows: Borestone Bar-1.05, Stirling Islamic Centre-1.10, Half Way House-1.15. The fare is 6 pounds-no concessions. For more information contact Jim Watson on 01786475573 or Stef Torrance on 01259 219570

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