Stirling Albion U20 5, Cowdenbeath U20 1.

THE young Cowden development squad got their season off to a disappointing start at the Forthbank Astro last midweek.

Despite opening the scoring the Blues went down to a heavy defeat against a more experienced home side who fielded the permitted maximum five over age players in their line up.

Things started brightly enough and Cowdenbeath opened the scoring with 14 minutes gone when Lewis TURNBULL beat a couple of home defenders and after his initial effort was blocked he slotted home the rebound.

Nine minutes later, however, Alex DOCHERTY levelled the score with a close range effort and Sam DAVIDSON shot the Binos ahead after 37 minutes.

Four minutes after the break a Ross CAMERON shot crept in at the post and things got worse in 67 minutes when sub Tommy McALLISTER fired home from close range.

Six minute later the scoring was completed for the night when CAMERON headed home his second goal of the match.

In the closing minutes both sides were reduced to ten men after two separate off the ball incidents.

Josh Wilson was first to see red in 83 minutes and he was followed six minutes later by Stirling sub Taylor Evans.

TEAM: Trialist: George, Kellichan; McConnell, Leslie, Thomson (Graham 25); Parr (Trialist 86), Wilson, Muirhead, Sutherland & Turnbull (Watt 70).

The next Development League East game is on Monday September 19 when the 20s host Berwick Rangers at New Central Park, Kelty, with an 8 p.m. kick off.