Blue Brazil the barrier to Braves' 4 in a row

In our previous match, Ricky Waddell’s men battled hard to get all three points against Cumbernauld Colts at Alliance Park. A 14th goal of the season from Ross McNeil made the game level, before defender Scott Forester was the hero once more as his header secured the victory in the dying embers of the game. The manager spoke about Scott’s performances this season and how crucial he is to his plans.

He said: “Scott’s been great and he leads by example. Since he came to the club two or three years ago, he’s showed massive improvement. He’s improved on his fitness, his physicality, and his technical ability which is all we can ask of him.”

Last time out against the Blue Brazil, it was a narrow win for the Braves in a match they had to battle hard in. Luke Main’s perfectly placed header after a fine team move was the difference. Since that game, the form of Maurice Ross’ side has been on a bit of a spiral with two wins in their last five league matches, leaving them 16th in the Lowland League table.

The Fife outfit have struggled in their debut campaign in the Lowland League following the disappointment of relegation out of the SPFL league system last season. Their poor league position would suggest this game is one Ricky Waddell’s men will be confident of adding to their exceptional goal tally in. However, that may be a tougher task than you would think with Cowdenbeath holding the 4th best defensive record in the division, conceding an average of only 1.4 goals per game. An eye-opening stat for a team languishing towards the bottom of the league.

Goalscoring has been the key issue for a Cowdenbeath side built on a solid defensive foundation. Only fellow strugglers Dalbeattie, Edinburgh Uni and East Stirlingshire have poorer records in front of goal this season.

Cowden have sought to address this lack of goals with the recent signing of towering striker Dan Watt from fellow Lowland League side, Bo’ness United. The 26-year-old front man will be one to watch for the Braves’ backline after causing them several problems with his hold up play and physicality in a meeting with Bo’ness early in the season. The new signing also scored on debut in a recent 5-0 thrashing of Edinburgh University.

In their last match, Cowdenbeath were closely beaten by a Rangers B team who have been one of the top sides in the league. Despite their recent run of games, it will no doubt be a tough fixture for the Braves who will need to have their focus set on keeping their winning steak alive.

Speaking to Braves TV, the manager spoke about the importance of keeping this winning momentum going ahead of the weekend’s match.

He said: “We’ve had a brilliant week and I’ve said to the players that we don’t rest and we don’t stop. We need to keep progressing and that starts again at training for the upcoming week.”

Kick off is 3pm at Central Park tomorrow (Saturday 18th February 2023). Tickets can be purchased on Cowdenbeath’s online ticketing platform or at the gate (£10 for Adults & £5 for Concessions). Please note that it is £1 more expensive to purchase at the gate than online. If you are travelling to support the boys, we hope you enjoy the game!

Team News

The squad is looking healthy ahead of tomorrow’s match with Jack McDowall and Greig Stewart the only major absentees. Jack McDowall is back in contact training following a lengthy knee injury. He will hopefully back in the squad for the Edinburgh Uni game the following weekend. Greig Stewart is a little further away with a March return expected after a Femur injury.