Dumbarton closing in fast on faltering Cowdenbeath

Published on Friday 17 April 2009 22:19

DUMBARTON can complete a remarkable comeback today by beating Cowdenbeath and overtaking their opponents at the top of the table.

The Fifers have led the way for some time but face the prospect of ending the season in the play-offs should they lose this afternoon.

Just two months ago, the Sons trailed the leaders by ten points but a string of good results since then, coupled with Cowdenbeath's bad run of form, has seen them emerge as the only realistic challengers for the Third Division title.

Dumbarton will travel to Central Park in confidence as they seek their fifth win in a row. After a somewhat inconsistent start to the season, there is no doubt Jim Chapman's side have peaked at just the right time.

Having gone ten games unbeaten in the middle part of the season, Cowdenbeath are now struggling desperately for form. Even recent matches against lowly Albion Rovers and rock bottom Elgin City failed to yield three points for Danny Lennon's side and with only two wins from their last nine games, the Fifers could probably do without facing their nearest rivals today.

Lennon will, however, take comfort in his side's impressive home record as well as their record against Dumbarton. The last time Cowdenbeath tasted defeat in Fife was back in November against Stenhousemuir and the only other reversal suffered at home was on the opening day of the season against Annan Athletic. Their record against today's visitors, meanwhile, is equally impressive with it being over nine years since they last lost out on their home patch despite often struggling on the road.

Given Dumbarton's current run however, they will be equally confident of grabbing the initiative in the title race and should they sit atop the table tonight, they will fancy their chances of lifting the trophy next month.

The Sons will be at home for two of their remaining three games and while play-off chasing Forfar will provide stiff competition, Elgin City are likely to pose less of a challenge. Their season is concluded with a potentially tricky trip to Annan who are very much in the running for the play-offs themselves.

Cowdenbeath face a tougher run in however as they travel to Montrose, who could yet have a say in the promotion race before they host Forfar and finish with a trip to East Stirling who look to complete their turnaround from perennial losers to promotion hopefuls.

Should Lennon eventually lead his side to the Second Division, he will follow in the footsteps of Craig Levein and Mixu Paatelainen, who of course went on to bigger and better things upon leaving the Fife town.

Chapman on the other hand will be looking to enjoy success with the club at which his playing career was prematurely ended by injury at the age of just 25. It is 20 years since he scored the goal which sealed Albion Rovers' Second Division title triumph and victory today would surely set him up for this first prize as a manager.