Cowdenbeath vs Dunfermline preview: Baxter blow for Blue Brazil

Posted Saturday, February 12, 2011 by PA

Cowdenbeath host Fife rivals Dunfermline in their first home match in 14 weeks.

Mark Baxter is expected to join Danny Mackay and Dene Droudge on the injured list.

However, centre-back Joe Mbu came through training on Thursday and he is included in manager Jimmy Nicholl's plans.

The Central Park side have been lifted by their performance in the second half at Ross County last week.

Nicholl said: "We were 1-0 down and we were thinking `here we go again`. But we battled back and grabbed a point and that has lifted the mood of everyone here.

"The Dunfermline game is a huge event as it is the first time in 18 years they have been here and it would be great to get a win for our fans especially as it is our first home game in three months."

Dunfermline have added Martin Hardie to their squad.

The midfielder was a free agent following his release from St Johnstone last month.

The Pars welcome back goalkeeper Chris Smith from suspension and striker Liam Buchanan, who was cup-tied for the match against Aberdeen last Saturday.

Midfielder Steven Bell is the only absentee for the East End Park side.

Assistant manager Gerry McCabe said: "We have played Cowdenbeath twice and beaten them twice but this game is at their place and Jimmy Nicholl will have them going all out for a win.

"They had added experience with Steven Crawford and Lee Makel joining them but we can counter that with Martin Hardie."