Match Preview: Cowdenbeath v East Fife

It's derby day on Saturday with East Fife making the short trip to Central Park in a noon showdown with the Blue Brazil and the home side will be strengthened by the return of David Hay and Gareth Wardlaw.

Cowden lead their Fife rivals, managed by Stevie Crawford who is a former Raith Rovers team mate of Danny Lennon, by four points on the back of a run which has seen the Blue Brazil only lose one of their last nine league games. The fine form continued last weekend with a home draw against second top Brechin City.

It has been a mixed start to the season for the Methil side but East Fife returned to form last weekend with a 2-1 home win against Stenhousemuir. Despite the slow start to the season, East Fife are expected to be challenging for promotion come the end of the season thanks to a squad packed with experienced campaigners such as Michael Brown, Goran Stanic, Scott Thomson, Jamie McCunnie, Stevie Crawford, Bobby Linn and Paul McManus.

"It's a big game for both sides on Saturday", commented Lennon.

"Derby games are always special occasions and one the players and fans look forward to. The early kick off adds to the excitement and I'm sure it will be a good atmosphere. We are expecting a big crowd and hopefully some of the non-regulars will see what we are trying to build at this club and come back on a more regular basis. Our supporters have been fantastic again this season but a few more through the gates would help both on and off the park.

"We are in good form at the moment and the players go into the game full of confidence. Our goal is the full three points but everyone is fully award that we will need to be at our best against a vastly experienced East Fife side.

"We have set high standards this season but maybe fell below this in an attacking sense last week and I will be looking for more in the final third on Saturday."

The sides last met in August when a late Paul McManus goal canceled out an early Jay Stein strike in a 1-1 draw at New Bayview.

16-year old Dean Brett is added to the squad and will be joined by David Hay (head knock) and Gareth Wardlaw (illness) who both trained last week after missing the Brechin game. Mark Baxter played another 90 minutes for the reserves in midweek and will be pushing for a starting place. However, John Ferguson is suspended after his red card in the midweek reserve game while Darren McGregor, John Dempster and Danny Mackay once again miss out.

Saturday's mascots are Cameron Baillie and Jude Corns. Cameron is 5-years old and attends Foulfourd Primary School. His father is former Cowden full-back Richard Baillie and his favourite player is Joe Mbu.  Jude is 7-years old and plays for East Fife Junior Supporters Club. His favourite player is Paul Mcmanus.

The Club Bar, which is situated in the main stand, will be open to supporters from 11am.