COWDENBEATH will face a Fife derby against Raith Rovers and both Dundee sides in the Betfred Cup.

Gary Locke's men will also play Highland League outfit Buckie Thistle in group C, with the draw made yesterday.

Their first game in the league cup will be a home tie against Buckie on Saturday July 15 before a trip to Tannadice to play Dundee United on Sunday July 23.

Cowden host Dundee at Central Park on Wednesday July 26, kick-off is 7.45pm, and finish up with a trip to face Rovers, the club who sacked Locke in February, on Saturday July 29.

In preparation for the new season, a friendly has been arranged for Saturday July 1.

Queen of the South will be the visitors to Central Park, the kick-off will be 2pm.

Locke signed a contract extension to keep him at the club for next season and five of the squad have also agreed new deals.

Skipper Scott Rumsby, who joined from Peterhead in January, Fraser Mullen, Shaun Rutherford, Jamie Pyper and young Harvey Swann, who spent time on loan at Linlithgow Rose last season, have committed to the club.

They join Jordan Leslie, Sean McManus, Lewis Turnbull and experienced keeper David McGurn in Locke’s squad.

The board was delighted about Locke's decision, with director David Allan telling the Times: “After successfully steering the club to safety at the end of last season, and following discussions with the board, we are very pleased indeed to confirm manager Gary Locke has agreed to a contract extension to cover season 2017/18.

“Now we are looking ahead to build on the foundations set down by Gary and his team in the closing months of the season.”

Two players who won’t be at Central Park are striker Kris Renton and defender Kenny Adamson.

Renton, 26, scored 10 goals for Cowden after joining from junior club Newtongrange Star last summer but he has now signed for League One Alloa Athletic, while Adamson, 28, has moved to Kelty Hearts after 10 years at Central Park.

Adamson made 241 league appearances but was absent throughout the whole of last season due to injury. Allan added: “Kenny has been a loyal and consistent player for Cowden and has made 241 league appearances – only five players can top that. Our thanks go to a great club servant.”