Dunfermline v Cowdenbeath - Fife rivals prepare for crunch clash

Posted Saturday, September 18, 2010 by PA

Dunfermline have added full-back Jack Ross to their squad for the Fife derby against visitors Cowdenbeath although winger David Graham continues to miss out through injury.

The Pars will be giving their neighbours full respect following the Central Park side's 2-1 win at Morton last weekend, according to East End Park assistant boss Gerry McCabe.

McCabe said: "That result really made us sit up and take notice as Morton are the team that have given us the most problems this season.

"Cowdenbeath must be a really good side to win down there.

"They will come here full of confidence but this is the type of game we have to win if we are going to serious contenders for anything."

Cowdenbeath boss Jimmy Nicholl is still to decide between comeback man Joe Mbu and a fit-again John Armstrong for central defensive duties.

Defenders Dene Droudge and Jon Robertson will be absent through injury, along with midfielder Danny MacKay, for a game against the club Nicholl spent almost five years at as caretaker manager and then assistant to Jimmy Calderwood.

Mbu ended a lengthy spell out with injury when he replaced Armstrong at Cappielow last week when the Blue Brazil won 2-1 to move into fourth spot.

Nicholl said: "Big Joe came through his comeback unscathed so I have the happy problem of having to decide between two good players.

"We have done well so far but there is a long way to go."