COWDEN’S string of poor results continued against East Kilbride in the William Hill Scottish Cup and the only consolation is that it gives them the chance to put their full focus on improving their place in Ladbrokes League 2.

The narrow second round cup loss to Lowland League leaders East Kilbride was yet another poor home performance against a side that may have won 25 games in a row, but really were not that good a side.

Cowdenbeath just did not string together many telling moves after yet again giving away an early goal.

There were a few half chances but they should have been capable of creating clear cut opportunities against a team which plays against pretty poor opposition most weeks.

Manager Liam Fox was most unhappy with the way his team failed to up their game, especially when EK were reduced to ten men after the break and he will be labouring the point at training this week as the Blue Brazil look to kick-start their league campaign in the Highlands, at Elgin City this weekend.

He said: “We talk all the time about defending well as a team and ensuring we do not give away cheap goals but on Saturday again we were slack in the opening five minutes and went behind.

“Yes there was plenty of time to sort it out, but we just did not lift our game like we did against Annan, and especially against ten men we were poor.

“Most of these guys have played at a high level in the Scottish game and knew what was required but did not produce it and that is simply not good enough.”

He added: “Too often we got into a really good position on the edge of their box or deep inside it and took the wrong option and a chance was lost.

“That is simply not good enough and unless there is an immediate improvement there will have to be major changes.”

The manager singled out one player for praise amid the gloom that existed after the match, teenage striker Cammy Muirhead, who went on for on loan Hearts striker Nikolay Todorov with 38 minutes left. Added Mr Fox: “Young Cammy, at 18, showed what was needed by winning tackles and getting into some good positions and creating an opening or two for his team mates but he needed more support from the more experienced players.

“When we go to Elgin this Saturday we need to get a performance and a result that re-kindles our league campaign and that is what I will be asking from them this week in training.

“There needs to be a big improvement and they will be left in no uncertain terms what I will be expecting at Elgin.”

Cowden are still in with a chance of making the top half of the table if they can string a few wins together but the manager said: “We need a result and that will help build confidence but we can only get that with the right sort of performance.”

Mr Fox hopes that winger Lewis Moore might be available for the trip north after picking up and injury and Dean Brett who missed the cup-tie will also be ready.