COWDENBEATH can look back on their Betfred Cup campaign with some pride.

They recorded two good wins over Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers before last night’s last match with Hearts, at Tynecastle, and showed that they have a decent squad of players who should be ready to compete for a much higher placing in Ladbrokes League 2 than has been recorded over the past two seasons.

Manager Gary Bollan was very happy with the win over Cove Rangers and another shut out being recorded.

He said: “We knew that Cove are a very useful side and we defended really well over the 90 minutes.

“On the debit side we maybe missed a few good chances in the game and only got the winner in the closing stages, but over the piece we were worthy of the victory.

“Looking at the competition we have had to play against three full-time sides over a two week period, which is testing for any part-time outfit, but we have competed well and to have six points from three fixtures was as good as we could have hoped for.”

He added: “This competition has been a good one for us in that we have played against strong opposition in every game and have won or been in with a chance of a result and it is ideal preparation for our bread and butter, which is Ladbrokes League 2.

“We have to be ready for the test at Broadwood on August 4 against Clyde and with this Saturday off we can get to work on a few things at a training session and get ready for this massive game.”

Striker David Cox, who got the winner against Cove, feels that the team is looking good for the forthcoming league campaign: “I should have scored twice before the winner and looking at the game with Inverness and Saturday, I could well have had four goals in these matches.

“However, I was in the right placed at the right time but maybe snatched at the finishes and that is something I will have to work on.

“Everyone in the dressing room feels we can have a much better season this term for the boss has brought in several players who have played at a high level and can give us the important edge in games.”

So Cowden will have a free day on Saturday and will be working at their tactics for the Clyde game in the league opener but the manager is happy to have a day off to allow any niggling injuries to disappear.