Cowdenbeath aim to end their league season on a high

Cowden had to work hard to beat strugglers Gretna 2008 at the weekend, but two good finishes earned the points and interim boss, Stevie Crawford, would like to see the team repeat the all-out effort shown in the second period against Gretna.

The win was the Blues’ first at home since December 15, but the manager wants the team to build on it at The Alliance Park this Saturday.

Cowdenbeath are looking to follow up on their victory over Gretna 2008. (Image: David Wardle)

The win over Gretna was hard-earned, though, after the home side went behind just before the interval, and Crawford said: “We were punished for trying to be too brave in playing out from the back, losing possession and being caught short-handed, so it was a bad goal to lose, and certainly nothing to do with the very strong win.

“In the second-half we tweaked the formation a little and pushed Zac Butterworth further forward, and he produced a fine goal for the equaliser and the winner was a really special finish.

“Robbie McNab capped a fine personal performance with a tremendous shot which gave the ‘keeper no chance, and it was good for the lads to come back well after losing that goal just before the interval.”

The result has Cowden on 46 points, in tenth spot in the Lowland League table, and a win over Caledonian Braves, would give the Blue Brazil the chance to finish ninth in the final table.

Crawford hopes he might have a couple of players back for the trip to Lanarkshire.

“We lost Ciaran Chalmers through sickness just before the lads were changing for the game, but he will be fit for this Saturday, and it was good to get Greg MacPherson on for the closing quarter of an hour, so maybe he too will make the Braves game," he said.

“It will be a difficult match, but it would be good to finish the season with a victory.”