Cowden players told to ‘block the noise’

Cowdenbeath boss Maurice Ross has told his players to “block out the noise” as they look to retain their SPFL status in the first leg of their pyramid play-off final away at Bonnyrigg Rose this afternoon.

It will be the third time the Blue Brazil have faced a relegation play-off since the pyramid system was introduced in 2014, with the Central Park side twice prevailing with wins over East Kilbride and Cove Rangers.

Ross’s men finished eight points adrift at the foot of League Two and will head to a sold-out New Dundas Park in their quest to save themselves once again.

He explained: “These are the games you play football for, because you have got an opponent who is trying to overcome you and steal your spot in the league.

“I will not be asking anything different from them that I haven’t since I walked through the door on day one – it will just be how you channel your emotions, thoughts and energy.

“All we ask is that they show the same loyalty to the season and teammates. If we are diligent and pragmatic, we can play with freedom in the final third and express ourselves.

“There will be the best part of 1,200 people at the game, which will be good for the guys to experience, but they need to be able to block out the noise and handle the occasion.

“We are still nursing one or two bumps and bruises, but we will have a team picked and ready to go.”

Cowden will be without striker Chris Aikamhenze, who is ineligible having signed too late in the season, but Gavin Morrison and Robbie Buchanan could return to the squad.