MATCH PREVIEW: Cowdenbeath v Forfar Athletic

The ‘Loons’ head to Central Park on Saturday no doubt boosted by their 5-1 victory over Annan Athletic on Tuesday evening which saw them re-open a five point gap at the top of the Ladbrokes League 2 table.

They will come face to face with a Cowdenbeath side smarting from a 2-0 defeat to the same opponents at Galabank last Saturday, this after Liam Fox’s side had previously gone four games undefeated.

Like the ‘Loons’ the Fifers suffered a disappointing defeat in the second round of the Scottish Cup, East Kilbride their conquerors, but they followed this up with home wins over Montrose and Clyde, alongside draws with Berwick and Edinburgh City.

Tuesday night’s victory may have come at a cost for the Station Park men. Grant Adam was in some discomfort by the conclusion following a late penalty box collision and his ever present record this term is under threat from injury.

Joe McGovern is on standby for his debut. Jim Lister may return to the squad following his three week lay- off, while Murray MacKintosh will be assessed by the medical team after missing out on Tuesday evening thanks to a heavy cold and chest infection.

It is unlikely however that Gary will make many changes to the starting eleven from the Annan fixture, with Thomas O’Brien and Lewis Milne, goal scorers in the midweek rout returning to their former playing haunt, as will be the case with Grant Adam if deemed fit.

The early season clash at Station Park was a seven goal thriller with the home side coming out on top 4-3, courtesy of a Gavin Swankie 87th minute counter, Lister, Denholm and Peters the other marksmen. To be fair veteran keeper David McGurn had a superb game between the sticks for the visitors on the day, this form by all accounts having been maintained since.

First season Grade One official Grant Irvine will be the man in the middle on Saturday.

Admission prices are £12 for adults, £6 for 65 & over, Under 16’s and full time students. A parent and child gate is also available.

Hopefully a reasonable number of Athies fans will head down the M90 to back their side at what is never an easy venue for any visiting outfit.