Match Preview: Cowdenbeath v Alloa Athletic

The Blue Brazil take a rest from league duty this week as they welcome Alloa Athletic to Central Park on Saturday in the 3rd round of the Active Nations Scottish Cup.

Manager Danny Lennon received a boost in the build-up to the game with the news that Gareth Wardlaw, Paul McQuade and Mark Baxter are all available for selection after injury.  McQuade and Baxter picked up knocks in training and a reserve game respectively while Wardlaw only lasted 23 minutes last weekend but all three returned to training on Tuesday night.

The Scottish Cup provides the romance of a potential tie against some of the big names in Scottish Football and also the opportunity to generate much welcome income. The importance of the tie is not lost on Lennon and he is looking for his team to keep up the winning habit.

"The game against Alloa earlier in the season was a tight affair and I expect another close game between two form sides on Saturday", said Lennon.

"The league is our main priority but a run in the Scottish Cup would be exciting for the fans and a boost for everyone at Central Park. We will need to earn the right to progress though and the players will need to maintain the high standards we have set to achieve our goal."

Alloa Athletic, who sit three places below Cowden in the Irn-Bru Second Division table, are arguably the promotion favourites after splashing out on players such as Scott Walker, Stuart Noble, Brian Carrigan, Iain Russell and Mark Gilhaney in the summer.

Saturday's mascot is 9-year old Kyle McHugh.

*Please note that all fans are invited to join the players for a refreshment in the Alex Menzies Lounge after the game.