Pre-Season Friendly | St Andrews United rounded off their pre-season campaign with an encouraging 0-0 draw against Lowland League side Cowdenbeath, as the two teams played out an entertaining contest in front of 160 supporters at the Clayton Caravan Park Recreation Ground.

The fixture marked the first-ever meeting between the two clubs on St Andrews soil, with the home side looking sharp in their brand-new home kit sponsored by Scottish Building Society. Manager Fraser Duncan handed competitive home debuts to five new signings, while a trialist goalkeeper, Burt, was given the opportunity to impress between the posts.

With so many fresh faces settling into the side, Saints took time to find their rhythm during the opening exchanges. Cowdenbeath created the first opportunities of the afternoon as Mark Ferrie glanced a Rhys Walker cross narrowly wide before Nat Wedderburn had an effort ruled out for offside after converting Max Williamson’s delivery.

St Andrews gradually grew into the game and produced a flowing move that almost resulted in the opening goal. Regan Lumsden was heavily involved before Lewis Sawers curled an effort just beyond the far post.

The visitors continued to threaten and Burt was called into action midway through the half, producing an excellent save to push Williamson’s strike around the post. Moments later, the goalkeeper’s quick distribution sparked a counter-attack which ended with Paul Simpson appealing unsuccessfully for a penalty. Walker also failed to capitalise from a dangerous free-kick as both sides continued to exchange chances in an entertaining first half.

Sawers came close again with an inventive flick in the closing stages before Burt produced the standout moment of the half, making a superb double save from Williamson on the stroke of half-time to keep the scores level.

Saints started the second period brightly, with Lumsden seeing an effort blocked following a goalmouth scramble before Simpson forced Dion Gear into a smart save.

Cowdenbeath then enjoyed their strongest spell of the match as Ewan Sutherland and the lively Ferrie both fired narrowly over, but the St Andrews defence stood firm throughout. New signing David Cross looked commanding at the heart of the back line alongside Kyle Sneddon, while Tom Harrison impressed with an assured display at left-back. Nineteen-year-old Taylor Penman also settled well after a composed performance on the opposite flank, with Alex McCreadie and captain Ryan McManus providing energy and discipline in midfield.

As expected in a pre-season fixture, both managers made numerous changes after the interval, allowing several players to make their mark. Tony Gillan, Lucas Berry and Mark Smith all impressed from the bench, with Smith proving a constant threat to the Cowdenbeath defence. The striker came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 77th minute but was denied in a one-on-one situation by Gear.

Ross Cunningham and Rian Dempsey also made a positive impact down the left-hand side during the closing stages as Saints finished the stronger of the two teams and more than matched their Lowland League opponents.

While the afternoon ended without a goal, there were plenty of positives for Fraser Duncan to take into the competitive campaign. A disciplined defensive display, several encouraging individual performances and an outstanding contribution from trialist goalkeeper Burt ensured St Andrews completed their preparations with a confidence-boosting clean sheet ahead of the new season.