COWDENBEATH’S task is a simple one, in real terms, if they want to avoid the SPFL Championship play-offs, win their last three games.

While they entertain Livingston and Queen of the South and visit Raith Rovers; Alloa, who are seven points above them, have to take on the top three, Hamilton Accies, Falkirk and Dundee, so their chances of points are pretty slim. Currently Raith have a point less than the Wasps but they have a game in hand and an easier run-in.

If Cowdenbeath can win their last three games the chances are they will avoid the play-offs.

Cowden boss Jimmy Nicholl is aware of what he needs from his men but he was pretty disappointed with what he saw at Dens Park.

He said, “Again we lost an early goal and after some decent play and then lost a second in time added on at the break.

“That gave us too much to do and we never really threatened to get back into the game which was a major disappointment.” Alloa managed to beat relegated Morton at Recreation Park on Saturday to get three valuable points but with the top three left to play they will know that they could have picked up their last point. So Mr Nicholl needs his mean to win these last three games and hope that the Wasps fail against the leading sides.

“We need to start our big fight-back on Saturday by beating Livingston at Central Park, if we do that it gives is a chance of avoiding the play-offs,” he said.

“But we will have to play a whole lot better than we have done in the last two matches. OK these games have been against two of the top three clubs but we have not really competed in either match and we need to get back on the winning trail.

“I have to ensure that I get the men on the park who can give us the impetus to win this game. It is literally a must win fixture, there is no room for failure.” It is almost certain that he will have Darren Brownlie, Nat Wedderburn and Kenny Adamson fit again and that he can go back to the formula which worked so well at the end of March.