Preview: Cowdenbeath v Stenhousemuir

The Blue Brazil entertain play-off contenders Stenhousemuir on Saturday at Central Park after picking up an impressive seven points from a possible nine from three tough games on the road.

The season is entering the critical business end and with only eight games to go Cowden lead the IRN-BRU Second Division by four points in what increasingly looks like a two horse title race with Arbroath. Stenhousemuir currently site in fourth spot and are involved in a battle for a play-off place with a host of clubs.

TEAM NEWS

Colin Cameron has may have to shuffle the pack in defence as David Cowan is doubtful for the match after suffering a recurrence of his hamstring injury. Young Dean Brett is ruled out for the match but is making a steady recovery from his knock. Derek Lyle and Greg Stewart should be fit for the match after taking knocks during last week’s Fife derby victory over East Fife.

COWDEN FORM

The Gaffer will be hoping his young talented team can carry on their excellent unbeaten league home form this season with another three points come the full time whistle. We are also currently on a eight game unbeaten run which has seen three home wins, two away wins and three away draws since we lost at Forfar on 21st January.

WARRIORS FORM

When we headed to Ochilview on Boxing Day we were four points ahead of the Warriors. Since that afternoon Davie Irons side have played 11 league games which have seen four wins and seven defeats. On their travels Stenhousemuir have played 14 games winning four, drawing two and losing eight. They have scored 17 goals in these games conceding 25. Last Saturday saw a 4-0 home derby win over Stirling Albion while their last away outing was at Albion Rovers four days earlier when they went down 1-0 to the Wee Rovers.

WARRIORS TEAM NEWS

Since our last meeting Davie Irons has added a few players to his squad. “Dr Goals” Kenny Deuchar was signed recently on loan from First Division Livingston, while young forward Gary Smith is also on loan from Motherwell and has hit the net three times so far.
Top scorer so far is Andy Rodgers with 11 league goals while Stewart Kean has also bagged 10 goals in the Second Division so far.

PREVIOUS GAMES

This is the fifth meeting of the sides this season and the third to take place at Central Park. In the Scottish Communities League Cup back in July we fought out a 2-2 with the Warriors eventually winning 4-3 on penalties. At Ochilview the following month we went down to our heaviest defeat of the season when we lost 3-1. However we have since won 2-0 at Central Park in November and at Ochilview the following month.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Taking charge of Saturday’s game is Brian Colvin who will be assisted by John McCrossan (stand side) & Alan Hogg (terrace side).