Cowden boss rues lack of numbers for fresh start

Cowdenbeath kick off their second season in League 2 with a long trip to Elgin and manager Billy Brown is hoping that a lack of numbers does not lead to a lack of points.

The Blue Brazil are still piecing together their squad as they look to ensure that they do not finish bottom again.

Brown said: “It is a big game on a big day in the season after we have been on a big journey and I would have wished to have been a bit better off squad-wise.

“We have added Ben Stirling from Hibs and he has gone straight into my plans and we could also play a trialist as well.”

The turnaround in players at the Central Park club will see virtually a brand new team take the field compared to the one that played out the final league Saturday of last season at the same ground.

Brown explained: “We drew there right at the end of last season before we faced East Kilbride in the play-offs. However we are a very different team since then.

“Twelve players have left with loan players going back to their clubs and others moving on so it really is a case of starting the league season afresh.

“We are still a bit threadbare and will have a patched-up look to us but we just have to get on with things.”

Cowden head north having lost their last game when they went down 2-0 to Raith Rovers in the Betfred Cup but there is a spring in their step.

Brown said: “Raith Rovers played a lot better than us in the first half and were deserving of their two-goal lead.

“However, in the second half we were a lot better and we can head up to Elgin with confidence.”

As well as Stirling’s addition, experienced goalkeeper David McGurn could return after injury, while Kyle Miller, Shaun Rutherford and Jack Whittaker will miss out due to knocks.