SO Cowdenbeath start all square this Saturday with Ladbrokes League 2 challengers Cove Rangers, which is as good as could have been hoped for from the first leg.

And manager Gary Bollan has made a plea to fans to come out on Saturday and shout the team on to victory.

When the teams met on Saturday Cove had scored well over 100 goals in the Highland League this season but they found the Cowden defence hard to cope with while the Blues’ midfield carved out a few decent chances, but no goals.

Manager Bollan was pleased with the way his team handled the difficult task of the away first leg: “It was always going to be a nervy affair but we managed to defend well but at the other end we did not really do enough.

“However, we come to Central Park on level terms and it is up to us to get the goals on Saturday which take us to safety.”

The manager added: “We defended really soundly against a team who have been used to scoring goals and that was from a good all round performance from the team as a unit.

“Dave McGurn led the way but everyone played their part and we want the same sort of concentration this weekend for another shut-out would help the cause greatly.

“But we have to show the same sort of concentration in the opposition half and looked to increase the quality of the chances we are creating. It is only half-time and we need another hard working performance to get us through this tough experience.”

Fraser Mullen will be available from suspension, which would allow Blair Malcolm to go back into midfield for the second leg.

Bryan Gilfillan’s had to go off with 20 minutes left at Cove with a tight groin but he is looking a lot better this week and Scott Rumsby did well as his replacement so there is good cover in this area.

And the manager hopes that Cowden fans will turn out in big numbers this Saturday to back the team: “The supporters have cheered the team on throughout a difficult season and it would ge good to see more turn up on Saturday to be our 12th man. The lads really appreciate the backing they get from the terracing.”

There will be little change in the side with the fans looking to David Cox, Jordyn Sheerin and Robbie Buchanan to get the goals to take the club to safety. The game has a 2pm kick-off on Saturday and admission is £10 for adults and £5 concessions.