MATCH PREVIEW – STRANRAER (A)
Posted April 29, 2016
Saturday see’s our final Ladbrokes League 1 game of the season when we head to Galloway to face Stranraer at Stair Park with a 3 p.m. kick off.
It’s a massive game for both sides for very contrasting reasons. Following last week’s home loss to Stenhousemuir we now need to go out and win at Stair Park and hope that Stenhousemuir and Brechin slip up in their games against Albion Rovers and Forfar. For Stranraer a win would ensure a third successive place in the Championship play-offs.
The game is a repeat of the opening day of the league campaign when the Blues visited Central Park but we hope there will be no repeat of the result that afternoon which saw Stranraer win 2-1 courtesy of a last minute penalty from Craig Malcolm.
Ryan Thomson had given Stranraer an early lead but Dean Brett equalised just after the hour mark. Following Malcolm’s winner Declan Hughes was sent off deep into stoppage time.
The return game at Stair Park in October saw us win 3-0 in what was our first win on the road this season.
Brad Donaldson gave us a half time lead and goals in the second half from Kyle Miller and Robbie Buchanan sealed our win.
A much rejuvenated Stranraer side returned to Central Park in January and second half goals from a Willie Gibson free kick and a Malcolm penalty gave them the points.
Since then Brian Reid’s side have gone on an impressive run which has seen them lose only three games since their win at Central Park.
Dunfermline, Ayr and Brechin last Saturday, being the only sides to have taken maximum points from the Blues.
Chris Kane will once again be eligible for selection for the trip to the south west following his one game suspension against Stenhousemuir.
However manager Colin Nish will have to view the match from the stand as he serves a one game ban imposed by the SFA on Thursday afternoon.
MATCH OFFICIALS
REFEREE: Mr Steven Kirkland ASSISTANT REFEREES: Mr Raymond Whyte & Mr Chris McNab.
COWDEN AWAY LEAGUE FORM
We have been undefeated away from home in our last three games with draws at Albion Rovers and Forfar as well as a win at Peterhead.
COWDEN AWAY LEAGUE RECORD
Pld 17 W 4 D 3 L 10 F 19 A 43 Pts 15
STRANRAER HOME LEAGUE FORM
Stranraer have been unbeaten in their last six home games, winning their last four games at Stair Park.
STRANRAER HOME LEAGUE RECORD
Pld 17 W 7 D 2 L 8 F 20 A `25 Pts 23
ADMISSION
ADULTS - £13
OAP (over 65) - £7
YOUTH (up to 16) - £5
Primary school child - £3
PROGRAMME - £2
Previewer: Andrew Mullen.