Match Preview: Cowden v Stenhousemuir

Central Park hosts its first game of the 2011/12 season on Saturday afternoon (kick off 3pm) with the visit of 2nd division rivals Stenhousemuir in the 1st round of the Scottish Communities League Cup - don't forget kids go free if accompanied by an adult!

Both sides have promotion aspirations this season so the game will be something of an early season barometer with the two clubs' keen to get the campaign off to a flyer. With the sun forecast to be out in force, it promises to be a cup cracker at the Fife Maracana.

Colin Cameron is looking for his team to play to their potential this weekend.

"It was a disappointing display last weekend as we did not get close enough to Raith Rovers or pass the ball nearly as well as we can", commented Cameron.

"However, we must remember that we were up against a very good 1st division team and there were positives to take from the game.

"We were terrific in pre-season and that is the type of performance I'm looking for on Saturday. Stenhousemuir will be up competing at the top end of the league this season so the game will be a benchmark for us.

"It's going to be a tough test but I'm looking forward to a good cup tie and a good, open, game of football."

The manager has a strong squad to pick from which should include Joe Mbu after the big defender returned to training on Thursday night following a knock earlier in the week.

Thomas O'Brien - who returned to full training this week - will miss the match as he build up his match fitness. Dene Droudge is about a fortnight away from returning to competitive action while Danny Mackay is out after picking up a knock in training.