COWDENBEATH open their Lowland League campaign with a home game against a club which was very much involved in the chase for the title last season.
Tranent were among the top five sides throughout the campaign and the Blues lost 2-0 at Central Park and 1-0 away from home, so it will be a difficult game for them this weekend.
However, new Cowdenbeath manager, Dougie Hill, has been encouraged by his side’s showings in their pre-season programme, and wants the Blue Brazil to have a real go at collecting all three points on Saturday.
The pre-season has seen wins over East Premier League sides including Glenrothes, a 4-0 rout, a 1-0 success over Hutchison Vale, a 1-1 draw with Whitburn, and a 3-2 defeat to Dunbar United.
“We have maybe picked up more injuries than I would have liked in the games we have played, but a lot of the performances from the players have been very good,” said Hill.
“For instance on Friday night we created a great many chances against Whitburn with some excellent moves and the only negative point was that we didn’t score more goals, although it has to be said their ‘keeper made some really good saves.
“We also conceded a late equaliser, which was disappointing, but the all round quality of our play was pleasing.”
He was pleased how new signing, striker Jake Sutherland, operated in attack and it could be that he will partner Daryl Healy up front against Tranent.
“Jake showed a lot of very good attributes and awareness in that game, and hopefully Daryl will be fully fit for the weekend”, added the manager.
“Tranent are a side which were near the top of the table for most of last season and have some very good players, but we want to win our home games and our plan will be to pose as many problems as we can for our visitors.”
With the injury issues starting to ease, Hill should be able to field a side which will include the likes of right-back Greg MacPherson, centre-backs Paul McLean and Gregor Jordan; along with Aiden McLaughlin, Matty McDonald, new signing Sam Newman and skipper Robbie McNab in midfield.
Meanwhile the manager will later this week be making a decision on the trialists that have played in the recent games.
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