MATCH PREVIEW – MONTROSE

Following our penalty shoot- out win over Alloa Athletic last week at Central Park we are once again on cup duty on Saturday when we face Third Division Montrose in the First Round of the Scottish Communities League Cup at Links Park Stadium.

This will be the 9^th time that the two sides have met in the League Cup with the record being even with each side having won four times. The last League Cup meeting was  four years ago to the day when Cowden ran out 2-0 winners at Links Park on Tuesday 4^th August 2008 with goals in each half from Darren McGregor and Brian Fairbairn. Only two players are still at Central Park from that winning team – Kenny Adamson and new captain Joe Mbu.

NEW CHANGE KIT MAKES DEBUT

Saturday’s game will see the team wear their new Umbro change strip for the first time.

COWDEN FORM

We go into the match after coming through the pre-season undefeated as well as our penalty shoot-out win over Alloa Athletic last Saturday in the Ramsdens Cup.

MONTROSE FORM

Last season was a disappointing one for the Gable Endies finishing in third bottom place in Scottish Football with only Clyde and East Stirlingshire below them.

The close season saw manager Ray Farningham leave Links Park to return to Dundee as assistant manager to Barry Smith. Farningham has been replaced in the Montrose hot seat by Stuart Garden who got off to a winning start in the Ramsdens Cup last week by beating Highland League side Inverurie Loco Works 4-2 at Links Park with goals from Paul Watson, Martin Boyle, Garry Wood and Terry Masson.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Youngster Martin Boyle has attracted the attention of several SPL sides with his goal scoring exploits since breaking into the Montrose first team. The 19 year old was the Irn Bru Ginger Boot Winner for last season after bagging 22 league goals.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Taking charge of Saturday’s game is Des Roache who will be assisted by Gordon Middleton and Douglas Ross.

TRAVEL

The ‘Miners Mini Tours’ bus will leave Central Park at 12.30 p.m. and there are a number of seats available for non-members. There is a flat rate fare of £10 for the trip. To book your seat contact Jim Adamson on 01383 727719 or 07743612632.

ADMISSION

Prices for Saturday’s game have been set at Adults - £11 & Concessions - £6. 

AND IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT

For any supporters who can’t make the trip to Links Park they can still see Cowden in action locally as the under 19s travel to Blairwood Park to face Oakley United in a friendly game with a 2 p.m. kick-off. Alternatively, tune into the official Club Twitter page for exclusive live commentary from Links Park.