COWDENBEATH broke their run of away defeats at Stenhousemuir, but they really need to beat Stirling Albion at Central Park this Saturday as the challenge for the top four places gets tighter and tighter.

Elgin City thrashed Ladbrokes League 2 leaders Cove Rangers 3-0 on Saturday to move just two points behind the Blues, albeit with a game more played.

Meanwhile Queen’s Park, under new manager Ray McKinnon, are starting to win games and are only four adrift so it could set up some really exciting games in the weeks ahead.

Cowden must look to get their tenth home success of the season this weekend, when the Albion come to town, and they themselves are just six points behind Cowden.

Blues’ boss, Gary Bollan, was pleased with his way handled the difficult conditions at Ochilview on Saturday: “It was always going to be a strange sort of game in the strong wind but we defended pretty well and in the first-half had chances to get well ahead.

“Had the penalty been converted it would have given us the cushion we needed but alas the goalkeeper saved Fraser’s kick.

“However, we kept working hard and it was a better performance from us away from home.”

And the manager wants his boys to make it home win number 10 this Saturday.

He added: “Stirling have been doing reasonably well this season but we are at home and will be looking to win this one.

“We were back to creating quality chances last weekend and with big Kris Renton back in action, he, David Cox and Jordan Allan can carry a lot of danger.”

Midfielder Kyle Miller missed Saturday with an injury but he should be fit for this weekend.

Meanwhile Cowdenbeath have parted company with goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski, who has returned to Hibs.

He has missed two months' action with a knee injury which has persisted and Mr Bollan brought in Josh Rae, who has been doing well.

“Kevin of course was our regular goalkeeper until December when he picked up a niggling injury. In his time at Central Park, Kevin became a very popular character - a great enthusiast and a fine goalkeeper. We wish him all the very best in his future career and once again would thank Hibernian for their kind assistance in arranging the original loan deal,” said the manager.

Meanwhile the Scottish League has announced the dates for the re-arranged fixtures with Albion Rovers.

The match at Cliftonhill will be played on Tuesday Februay 25 while the home match that was postponed on January 11 will take place on Tuesday March 3.