Match Preview: Cowdenbeath v Partick Thistle

Cowdenbeath welcome Partick Thistle to Central Park for the first time on league business since 1933 as both clubs look to climb the First Division table.

A home defeat last Sunday by Queen of the South saw the Blue Brazil drop into the botton half of the league but Jimmy Nicholl's side will be looking to pick up points against Thistle before embarking on a double header away from home against Morton and Dunfermline.

"We have a difficult September coming up so we will be going all out for 3 points at home on Saturday", commented Nicholl.

"We are more than aware, however, how good a team Partick are. I watched them on Saturday against Morton and on Tuesday night against Falkirk in the cup and know the quality and spirit they have.

"I will be looking for the lads to start the game better than last weekend. It was a very disappointing to loose a goal after only 3 minutes agaisnt QOS and left us chasing the game.

"We never really go into the game until Marc McKenzie pulled a goal back and then looked the better team. We had opportunities to get back to 2-2 but unfortunately another slack goal finished the game.

"Queen of the South are a very good team and the experience of Allan Johnston and Willie McLaren really made a difference for them.

"There have been positives to take from every game so far and we the players now know what it takes at this level.

"Finally, the under 19s had a great 6-0 win over Clyde last weekend with Jack Nicholson and Callum Strang both scoring hat-tricks. We have some terrific young players coming through the system who can progress in the game if they keep working hard.

"Unfortunately young Brian Breen broke his leg in a bounce game during the week. Brian is a cracking young player and has a real chance in the game. We all wish him a speedy recovery."

Mark Baxter has made a quicker than expected recovery from his hamstring injury and is back in the squad but unfortunately Jon Robertson will be out for a fortnight after suffering a reaction to his ankle injury.  Joe Mbu is in line to make his comeback against St. Johnstone in a bounce game on Monday night and could be back in 1st team contention for the trip to Cappielow on the 11th of September.

Thistle have made a low key start to the season with 2 defeats from the opening 3 fixtures including a heavy 4-0 loss in Kirkcaldy against Raith Rovers. Former Cowden star Liam Buchanan makes his first return to Central Park since moving to Firhill for £20,000 in 2007. 'Buchs' made his debut for Cowden as 16-year old and went onto score over 50 goals for the club before earning a move to full-time football with Partick Thistle.

Visit Kick Talk radio to hear a pre-match interview with Jimmy Nicholl and match analysis.