SO Cowden have reached a point where they simply have to start winning games or they are going to fall critically behind in their bid to avoid bottom slot in Ladbrokes League 2 and the problems that could bring.

A trip to Gayfield was never going to be easy and it needed the Blues to show the same determination they showed against Annan, but to be truthful they never really got to grips with the game.

So when Stirling Albion come to Cowdenbeath this Saturday the Blue Brazil will have to play a whole lot better.

Albion managed to beat Edinburgh City last weekend and that has moved them on to 27 points, so to keep in any sort of touch with them the Blue Brazil must look to win it.

Amazingly Stirling provided the last win for Cowden back on Hogmanay, but since then the Blues have lost five in a row.

Cowden boss Liam Fox was disappointed with the overall performance at Gayfield: “Every game is one we need to win in our current position and we needed to go there and start the game well, but conceding a goal in five minutes was just what we did not want.

“There were a few chances to get back into the game but we just could not hit the target and to be three down before the hour mark was unacceptable.

“We have to tighten up because giving teams starts does nothing to help our cause.”

And the manager knows Stirling Albion will come to Cowdenbeath with confidence having moved on to 27 points with their win on Saturday.

He said: “After we beat them at the end of December they have been steadily gathering points and if we want to keep them within our reach it is so important we win this.

“We have to stick together and work hard for each other because we have moments in matches where we could have created winning situations but did not develop them.

“We are now at a point in the season where we cannot afford to continue to make mistakes that are costing us valuable points.

“We have to up our concentration levels in all phases of our play to get the results we need.”

The facts are that Cowden have 12 games to play and really need to win more them half of them to ensure safety.

That is the goal and the new signings the manager has made have to step up to the plate.

Goals are needed from Dale Carrick and Robbie Buchanan and some positive midfield performances are a must from Liam Henderson.

And solid defensive performances are something that are needed on a weekly basis from the Blues’ rearguard.

A shut out against Stirling would be a positive start and that has to be the target on Saturday.