Cook set for debut

Posted Saturday, March 20, 2010 by PA

East Fife could hand a debut to Andrew Cook for the visit of Stirling Albion.

The left-sided player, who was with Raith last season, goes straight into the squad for the clash, while defender John Ovenstone should play despite an ankle problem.

But Goran Stanic, Scott Thomson and Mark Staunton remain unavailable for selection as East Fife look for a third successive home win.

Manager Steve Crawford admits the defeat to local rivals Cowdenbeath at the beginning of the month had been a wake up call to him and his players.

He said: "I have learned from that game as I made the wrong substitutions and we were overran in the second half. The players also learnt that you have to battle for anything in this league."

Stirling could welcome back Andy Graham.

The defender is expected to shake off a knee knock in time to play, with manager Allan Moore having the luxury of having everyone else in the Forthbank squad available to him.

Stirling are in buoyant mood after their midweek win over Peterhead and Moore believes an assault on the title is now very much back in their hands.

He said: "East Fife have been banging in a few more goals recently but we have now got things back into our own hands, in terms of turning games in hand into enough points to top the table, and we cannot let that slip.

"We have a good record at New Bayview and long may that continue."