Preview: Cowdenbeath v Arbroath

It’s our biggest league game of the campaign on Saturday afternoon when we face second top Arbroath at Central Park.

We are currently seven points ahead of Paul Sheerin’s side with five games remaining. The previous three meetings this season has seen three draws showing that little has separated the two sides who have dominated the top spots for the majority of the season.

MATCH AND BALL SPONSORS

Match Sponsors for Saturday’s vital game is the Junction Bar Cowdenbeath Supporters Club. The Match Ball sponsor is Sid Fowler from Kelty. We hope that both parties enjoy their day with us.

TEAM NEWS

Colin Cameron should more or less have a full squad to choose from with David Cowan possibly being back in the side.

COWDEN FORM

We are one of only four sides in British senior football who have remained unbeaten at home so far, along with Manchester City, Shrewsbury Town and Ross County. In our previous 15 home league games this season we have won 12 and drawn 3. We have scored 33 goals at Central Park and conceded 7.

Last week saw us suffer our first defeat since 21st January. After our previous defeats this season we went on six and eight game unbeaten runs in the league.

ARBROATH FORM

After winning the Third Division Championship last season the Red Lichties have adapted well to life in the Second Division. On their travels they have the third best away record behind us and Dumbarton. In their 15 away games this season they have won 5, drawn 6 and lost 5. They have scored 25 goals on the road and conceded 24.

Since the sides last met in mid -February Arbroath have played eight games winning just two, drawing three and losing three. Their last win came on 10th March when they beat Dumbarton 2-0 at Gayfield Park since then they have drawn at Stirling and suffered losses at Airdrie and at home to Brechin City last Saturday. Their last away win was at Stenhousemuir on 25th February when they beat the Warriors 3-1.

Top scorer is Steven Dorris who has scored 19 league goals so far and is second top league scorer in the division just behind Ryan Donnelly of Airdrie United.

ARBROATH TEAM NEWS

The Red Lichties will be without the services of Keith Gibson who is suspended after being sent off in last week’s derby defeat against Brechin City.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS THIS SEASON

The previous three meetings of the sides have resulted in draws. At Gayfield Park in October Thomas O’Brien opened the scoring with his first and so far only senior goal before Josh Falkingham grabbed a second half equaliser. The return game at Central Park in December saw a blank score sheet whilst the second game at Gayfield ended 1-1 with Chris Innes opening the scoring with Marc McKenzie equalising.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Man in the middle for the big game is one time Scotland cricket captain George Salmond. Stand side assistant is Brian McGarry along with Scott Love on the terrace side.

SEGREGATION

Supporters are reminded that segregation will be in place for the game. Both sets of fans will enter by the High Street turnstiles. Cowden fans will be housed in both stands and the west terrace while Arbroath fans have been allocated the south terrace.

Cowdenbeath Football Club, the SFL and the SFA are committed to ensuring that a safe and enjoyable matchday experience is had by all.  We all have a role in ensuring the match is played in a positive atmosphere free from violence, disorder and offensive behaviour.  Let's protect our good reputation and make this an atmosphere to be proud of!

Get behind your team!