Preview: Stenhousemuir v Cowdenbeath

It's our old foes Stenhousemuir this weekend as Cowden try to continue the impressive start to the season at Ochilview.

The Blue Brazil have taken 7 points out of 9, scoring 10 goals from 3 games in the process, and currently sit top of the table. But Colin Cameron is likely to to be forced to make changes for this one with two players major doubts for the game.

Stenhousemuir have had a decent start as well and sit in 4th place after their impressive away win against Forfar last Saturday. Cameron and his side however will be full of confidence after the blistering performance against Airdrie where we scored 5 goals and could have scored a couple more on another day.

"I was delighted with the performance against Airdrie as we played football the right way and were unplayable at times", commented Cameron.

"It was great to see the belief the boys had in themselves and, importantly, their team mates. The 2nd goal right on half time was crucial and we went on to totally control the 2nd half.

"However, we need to get off on the front foot this weekend and start the game much better. Stenhousemuir are a very good side and have a couple of good, experienced players in the middle of the park who are capable of controlling the game if given the chance.

"They have also started the season well and I had good reports from our scouts from the Falkirk game in midweek where David Iron's team competed well by all accounts."

John Armstrong makes a welcome return to the squad after missing out last weekend due to a migraine while 16-year old Dale Finnie has been called up. Greg Stewart scored in the 1-0 win over Hamilton Accies in a bounce game on Wednesday night and will be pushing the impressive Lewis Coult for a starting place.

Along with the two doubts, Mark Ramsay (50/50 chance of returning for the East Fife game on 10th September), Thomas O'Brien (continued his comeback from injury on Wednesday night but picked up a slight knock), Dene Droudge (was due to make his long-awaited comeback from injury on Wednesday night but was injured in training on Tuesday and wasn't risked) and Danny Mackay (returned to training today) all miss out. It is hoped that O'Brien and Droudge will feature on Tuesday night in the semi-final of the Fife Cup against East Fife.

Of course this is the second meeting between the 2 sides this season with our disappointing League Cup exit on penalties being the first encounter. A double from Mark Ramsay was not enough to see us through but the side created enough chances to win the match and with the confidence gained from last weeks showing the squad will be heading to Ochilview with no fears. Our last win over Stenny came on the 3rd of April 2010 when Gareth Wardlaw headered home a Jon Robertson cross as we continued on our march to promotion.

Unfortunately this date does not have a good record for Cowden in recent years.  2 defeats and no goals scored (including our first loss to East Fife in years at the start of our Championship year) while Stenhousemuir won their last game on this date
6-1 against East Stirlingshire. 

Match of the day fact of the week returns!: - Cowden currently are tied top of the goal scoring charts in Scotland with 10 goals (alongside Annan Athletic). Also we are tied with Livingston in being the only clubs to have scored in every game but have failed to keep a clean sheet.  Cowdenbeath for entertainment clearly!   

Admission prices are as follows:

• Stand: Adult - £12 and Concessions - £7
• Terracing: Adult - £11 and Concessions - £6