Published: Wednesday, 17th February, 2010 4:00pm

Cowden prepare for visit of leaders

by Jim Stark

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Manager Danny Lennon was much happier with his defence at Ochilview.

THE point at Ochilview on Saturday ended Cowdenbeath's recent losing run of three consecutive defeats.

It kept the Fifers tucked in behind Barrs Irn Bru Second Division leaders Alloa Athletic who come to Central Park this Saturday.

After Saturday there Alloa led Cowden by five points with Brechin City third while Stirling Albion were two adrift of the Blue Brazil but have four games in hand in fourth spot.

After a run of matches where the defence had let Cowdenbeath down the back line returned to form on the artificial pitch at Ochilview.

The return to action of Joe Mbu clearly made a difference to the Blue Brazil's hopes but they could not get the win they so dearly wanted.

Manager Danny Lennon was a little disappointed not to get the victory. He said, "Joe has been missed over the past few games and it was good to see him back in action.

"At Stenhousemuir we were much more solid and Joe made a steadying contribution but there was also good work from the whole defensive unit.

"Unfortunately we could not build on the platform provided by the defence and missed a few good openings which could have given us the three points.

"They had the better chances in the first-half but we were solid at the back. When they lost their player to the red card we just could not capitalise on it as we did not move the ball about as quickly as we could have done.

"Nonetheless their 'keeper pulled off the save of the match from Paul McQuade and that was the difference between one point and three."

He added, "We have a chance to put one over the now leaders of the divison this Saturday but it is no different from any other match in this league and we will prepare in the same way as we do for every game. .

"Hopefully we can build on the defensive platform of the Stenhousemuir game and clearly we will be looking to get the three points."

Cowden will have to do without left-back Kenny Adamson, who was sent-off late on against Stenhousemuir, his third dismissal of the campaign.

Scott Linton is likely to deputise but otherwise the manager is likely to rely on the midfield and front men who drew at Ochilview although Jay Stein was nursing a cut ear picked up late in the game and Jon Robertson sustained a dead leg but they should all be fit.

A reserve game on Monday night has given returning striker John Dempster and Darren McGregor much needed pitch time.