THE Blue Brazil will play their last friendly game before the big Betfred Cup kick-off when they take on Lowland League Kelty Hearts this Saturday.

The former East Super League junior champions paved the way for a revolution in the junior scene when they entered the East of Scotland League last season.

Their move, and success, has encouraged a max exodus of clubs to leave the junior ranks and turn senior with the number including Hill of Beath Hawthorn, Dundonald Bluebell and Crossgates Primrose.

So this match at New Central Park this Saturday will be an interesting fixture as Cowden boss Gary Bollan continues to evaluate his new look squad ahead of the opening of the League 2 season.

Indeed, had Cowdenbeath not pulled out all the stops against Cove Rangers in the League 2 play-off final the Blues might have had to go north on Lowland League duty this season.

However, Mr Bollan has pieced together a new look unit and he has high hopes for the new campaign.

He said: "The Betfred Cup opponents will provide stiff tests before the league starts with Hearts, Inverness Caley Thistle and Raith Rovers along with Cove in our section.

"I felt it was important to have good quality opposition in our friendlies and the games against Civil Service Strollers and Dundee provided just what we needed.

"Now we have an equally interesting and highly competitive tie against Kelty Hearts, who are now looking to do really well in the Lowland League so this will be very hard game."

He added: "By the time we get to the start of the league season we will be have had a series of very hard games which will prepare us for the challenges that lie ahead."

Meanwhile the manager reported that striker Ryan Connelly is making good progress following his operation on a serious knee injury.

He said: "The operation was a complete success but the young forward faces a long rehabilitation period and it will be the end of the year before he is back in action.

"But in saying that when he is back it will be like a new signing for he is a very talented young player."

Cowdenbeath FC are delighted to be able to confirm that Neil Fentie's Subsea Pressure Controls have agreed to continue as Cowdenbeath's front of shirt sponsors for 2018-2019.

This is the eighth consecutive season that Subsea have supported the club in this way and the board can only say once again that Cowdenbeath FC remain immensely grateful to Neil and Subsea for their ongoing and generous support.