MATCH PREVIEW - STRANRAER (H)
Posted January 23, 2016
We will hopefully get back in Ladbrokes League 1 action on Saturday when we host Stranraer in our first home game of 2016. The match will however be subject to a 9 a.m. pitch inspection fallowing the heavy rainfall on Thursday night.
The Blues have the distinction of being the only side to leave Central Park with maximum points this season following their opening day 2-1 win thanks to an early opener from Ryan Thomson and a last minute Craig Malcolm penalty after Brad Donaldson was judged to have handled the ball in the box following a corner kick. Dean Brett got our equaliser while Declan Hughes was sent off in stoppage time.
We however gained revenge for that reverse on our trip to Stair Park in October when we got our first away win of the season thanks to goals from Brad Donaldson, Kyle Miller and Robbie Buchanan.
With the departure of Gordon Smith to Australia and Andy Murdoch whose loan came to an end new boys Ross Caldwell and Declan McDaid come into the squad while another recent signing Grant Adam may make a start in goal to cover for Jamie Sneddon who has been carrying a thigh injury.
Stranraer signed a new keeper on Friday afternoon, Cameron Belford who will be at Stair Park on loan from Wrexham and the 27 year old goes straight into their squad for the game.
The Blues sit a place and four points below us in the league table and the game gives us a opportunity to widen the gap from the bottom sides.
MATCH SPONSOR - AILEEN JONES
COWDEN HOME FORM
We go into the match unbeaten in our last eight home league games, nine overall including our Scottish Cup draw with Arbroath. Our last home league game saw a 4-2 win over Ayr United at the close of 2015.
COWDEN HOME LEAGUE RECORD
Pld 9 W 5 D 3 L 1 F 18 A 9 Pts 18
STRANRAER AWAY FORM
The Blues have been in better form on the road than they have been at Stair Park this season with 13 of their 20 points collected so far coming on their travels.
Their last away win came on Boxing Day when they thumped Stenhousemuir 5-1 at Ochilview while their other wins have come at Central Park, Forfar (2-1) and Airdrie (1-0). They have also drawn at Peterhead (1-1).
STRANRAER AWAY LEAGUE RECORD
Pld 9 W 4 D 1 L 4 F 13 A 13 Pts 13
MATCH OFFICIALS
REFEREE: Mr Alan Newlands ASSISTANT REFEREE'S: Mr Stuart Stevenson & Mr David Doig.
ADMISSION
Stranraer fans will be housed in the old stand although all entry to the ground will be from the High Street turnstiles.
ADULTS - £14.
CONCESSIONS - £7.
Concessions are 65 and over , under 16 and students. Proof of age may be asked for concession admissions.
FAMILY - £15 (1 adult & 1 child aged 12 or under) £16 (1 adult & 2 children aged 12 or under).
SEASTON TICKET - Number 10.
PROGRAMME - £2.50.
50/50 DRAW - £1 per ticket.
Get your 50/50 draw ticket from inside the turnstiles. The winner at our last home game Neil Brett collected £150!
Previewer: Andrew Mullen.