COWDENBEATH are expecting their biggest crowd of the season for their vital Fife derby with in-form promotion contenders RAITH ROVERS at Central Park today.

Cowden have two wins to their credit against their local rivals this season—both victories being achieved at Stark’s Park—while Raith ran out winners in the last Central Park meeting between the sides in November.

But these results will count for nothing this afternoon with Raith a very different proposition, having put together a great seven-game unbeaten run (six wins and a draw) to propel themselves into fourth top spot, now only three points behind Brechin.

Indeed, the last time Rovers suffered a league defeat was at the hands of Cowden, going down 2-1 on January 2.

While Raith will be looking to further strengthen their promotion bid with another victory, their rivals are also greatly in need of points to continue their climb away from the relegation zone.

Cowden notched an important win at Ayr last Saturday and manager Brian Welsh is calling on his players to give a repeat performance today.

“The boys were boosted by the result and performance against Ayr and we will be going into this match with confidence,” he said.

“If the players can produce the same level of commitment and ability as last week I will have no complaints.

“Raith have been playing very well since we last met and we know we will have to perform to the level of last week to get a result.

“Derby days are always great occasions and there will be a big crowd. We know that on our day we can match anyone in this league and we will be going all out for the three points.”

Cowden will still be without keeper David Orr and experienced midfielder Danny Lennon, both through injury, but captain Mark Baxter is expected to be fit after a knee injury.

While the old adage that the form book means nothing in derby fixtures still applies, it’s hard to ignore the seven-game unbeaten run that Raith take into today’s game.

Even with that in mind, boss John McGlynn is expecting another fiercely-contested encounter.

“As much as derbies are about rolling sleeves up we can’t lose sight of the fact that we also need to play,” he said.

“The last few performances have not been brilliant but we’re winning so we should still have the confidence to rectify the situation.”

Striker Paul McManus could be a doubt for Raith as he struggles to shake off a groin strain.