The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Added incentive for Nish and Blue Brazil
Cowdenbeath manager Colin Nish hopes his players get the place they deserve in League 1 next season by seeing off Stenhousemuir today.
The Blue Brazil had made a miserable start to 2016 but turned things around in recent weeks, although Nish is wary of thinking that just because three teams are beneath them, including today’s visitors, the job is done.
Nish said: “We are not safe yet, but there is a strong case to say that we should be.
“In our last four games we have won at Peterhead, defeated Ayr United, won at Brechin and drew with Albion Rovers. That is good form from any team in this league.
“It was not a great game at Cliftonhill last weekend but it was pretty even.
“We pushed hard for a winner, and the three points that could have put us in an even better position, but it never came.
“That result makes what was already a big game with Stenhousemuir an even bigger game.
“I would reckon that both camps will look at this game and think that if we win this one then we must be safe.”
Nish has other reasons for wanting to win this one, as he explained: “The draw the last time Stenhousemuir were at our place still rankles as we let a two-goal lead slip late on.
“We won 3-2 at their place in the next game between us but it would be great to get the home win that will finally make me forget about dropping those two points,” he added.
“I am quite glad in a way that it is another big game as we have had a few of them in a row and the players have responded magnificently.
“They have done well and it would be great to say thank you – we are safe now. Despite a great run, we have not be able to do that yet. Hopefully we can after this game.”
The Blue Brazil have Craig Johnston available after injury and Kieran Gibbons returns after a ban. Jamie Sneddon and Fraser Kerr remain out, and Liam Callaghan is a doubt
Stenhousemuir hope to have front-man Jason Scotland available after injury, with Stuart Malcolm added after a suspension.