Match Preview: Cowdenbeath v Raith Rovers

It is super derby week part 2 this weekend when the Blue Brazil host Raith Rovers at Central Park (kick 0ff 3pm).

A visit from closest rivals Dunfermline last Saturday kicked off the derby double and Jimmy Nicholl will be looking for a vast improvement from his troops this weekend. A fairly even first half ended all square but four second half goals from David Graham (2), Liam Buchanan and Andy Kirk handed the Pars a convincing win by full-time. A much improved 1-1 home draw against Partick Thistle in midweek was an immediate tonic ahead of this weekend's game with league leaders Raith Rovers.

"We are all looking forward to playing in front of another big derby crowd which is great for the club and good for the players to play in that kind of atmosphere", commented Nicholl.

"The derby games mean so much to the fans and we let them down last weekend against Dunfermline. It is certainly our intention to make up for it this time around.

"We gave away cheap goals but we have a good bunch of lads here and they are determined to show they are better than they showed last Saturday.

"Tuesday night against Partick was much better. Our results have been up and down recently but the performance  was on a par with the standard we set earlier in the season.

"I was disappointed to lose the goal late on but not with the performance of the players. I really enjoyed the game, particularly the first half. The energy, movement and passing was more like it and was night and day from the Dunfermline game. We were under the cosh a bit after the break but the players kept going.

"There was not a failure in the team. Joe Mbu was excellent on his comeback from injury while youngsters Kyle Miller and Greg Stewart brought something different to the team."

Visit Kick Talk radio to hear more pre-match chat with Jimmy Nicholl.

John Dempster is out again along with Jon Robertson but Mark Baxter could return, if he passes a morning fitness test, after missing the last two games with a foot injury. Joe Mbu was replaced on Tuesday night after suffering from cramp late on but trained on Thursday night and takes his place in the squad. Colin Cameron is also expected to be available after missing out on Tuesday due to injury.

The sides have met twice this season already with one win apiece. A second half John Armstrong goal secured Cowden a 1-0 win at Stark's Park in the ALBA Cup last July while Raith Rovers gained some revenge on league business in October when two late goals saw John McGlynn's side come from behind to win 2-1.

The Rovers have been in top form this season and currently sit top of the league but will be looking to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat at Dundee last Saturday.

There is a strong Raith Rovers connection at Central Park this season with management team Jimmy Nicholl and Colin Cameron joined by ex-Rovers Craig Winter and Stevie Crawford. Ex-Central Parkers Laurie Ellis, Dougie Hill (currently on loan with Brechin City) and Scott McBride are now in the Kirkcaldy ranks.

Please note that this game is pay at the gate - tickets not required. In order to control numbers admitted to the stands - which is restricted to 325 for home fans and 700 for away fans - £1 will be charged for entry to the old and new stands with a prize draw at half-time (£100 prize for home end and £100 prize for the away end). Does not apply to season ticket holders.

*Please note that segregation is in place for this game. Click here to read the segregation policy.