COWDENBEATH simply have to win at Annan this Saturday as their games start to run out, if they want to really put concern amongst their fellow strugglers in Ladbrokes League 2.

Last weekend’s home loss to Montrose was a real body blow to the team’s hopes of climbing away from the Ladbrokes League 2 bottom spot but Tuesday's win at Clyde has re-kindled hopes of avoiding the play-off.

Results elsewhere last weekend meant that Edinburgh City and Clyde were still very much within reach along with Berwick Rangers but Cowden have to start picking up points regularly.

One home point out of 27 really tells the tale of their horrible season in Scotland’s lowest division, but the club’s assistant manager, Billy Brown, was really disappointed with the way his team was not able to shake-off being not allowed the freedom to play by Montrose and he knows that the young Fife side have to up their game on the road at Annan.

He said: “After we played so well at Berwick and at home to Elgin City, rightly the fans would have been hoping that we had turned the corner.

“But Montrose did their home work and while Elgin allowed us to play in the midfield area, Montrose completely shut us down and we ended up playing long balls forward and their big defenders just mopped everything up.

“Their aerial presence also posed problems from a defensive point of view and both of their goals came were a result of breakdowns from set pieces.

“So to be truthful we were beaten by a much more streetwise team who ensured that they stopped us playing and they used their experience to the full.”

Against Clyde Cowden battled hard and good the win they needed but more results like that are required as Mr Brown pointed out.

Looking ahead he added: “With the number of games left diminishing we have to look to win as many games as we can to narrow the gap and put pressure on the sides ahead of us.

“But to do that we have to be more streetwise ourselves and learn from our mistakes.

“Annan are looking for points to win a play-off place so they will certainly look to come at us and we have to be ready to use the space that will afford.

“It will be tough but we have to believe we can win the game and if we can it will make a massive difference with the last six games coming up.

Berwick and Edinburgh City certainly do not look capable of getting away from the Blues but that will only be true if they can get some wins on the board.

Brian Ross may well get the nod for the visit to Annan as may Kyle Miller as it could well be a game for experience.

Meanwhile Cowdenbeath manager Gary Locke appeared at an SFA Judicial Panel hearing on Thursday in Glasgow in relation to an allegation of misconduct when Gary was managing Raith Rovers in a Scottish Cup tie v Hearts. 

Cowden can confirm Gary has received a one-match touchline ban which will be served on Saturday at Annan.