Liam Fox: Cowdenbeath need to play full 90 against Celtic U-20s

Cowdenbeath manager Liam Fox was pleased that his side showed resilience in Saturday's 4-3 defeat at Forfar, but he knows that they need to dig even deeper if they are to get the better of Celtic's under-20 side in the Irn- Bru Cup tonight.

Liam Fox's Cowdenbeath faces a tough tie against Celtic under-20s. Picture: SNS

Fox said: “We were very poor on the opening day against Elgin but better against Forfar. However, we were 3-1 down before we started to play in the manner I am looking for. We got back into the game. However, a late goal costs us.

“We need to play for the full 90 minutes against Celtic as they beat Annan quite comprehensively in the last round and have some of the best young players in the country in their squad.”

Celtic’s head coach Tommy McIntyre is looking for another positive performance as he said: “Cowdenbeath have a fair amount of experience but we will look to take the game to them in the same manner that we did against Annan.”

Aberdeen under-20 side stormed past Formartine 5-2 in the last round but manager Paul Sheerin is warning his Pittodrie youngsters that a tougher challenge awaits.

He said: “We had a 20-minute spell where we blew Formartine away. However, Forfar will be a step up.”

Loons manager Gary Bollan is also looking for improvement. He said: “We lost a lead against Cowdenbeath as players were not doing their jobs properly. We must do better against Aberdeen.”

Albion Rovers player/ manager Darren Young reckons that his side are in a “no-win situation” against Hamilton’s under-20’s as 
League 1 sides are expected to defeat Premiership youngsters.

Young said: “Their players will see this as an opportunity to impress their first-team manager. Some people view senior clubs as the favourites so it is a ‘no-win’ game.”

Brechin City player/ manager Darren Dods, pictured, wants Glebe Park to still be a fortress after the visit of Highland League Champions Cove Rangers.

Dods’ side have not tasted defeat at home since 20 February and he said: “We are strong at home but if we are not up for this game we could struggle.”

Elgin face an entirely different proposition when Hearts under-20 side pitch up at Borough Briggs just three days after SPFL new boys Edinburgh City. Manager Jim Weir said: “We played an experienced team looking to get established at a new level and won 3-0. Now we are facing full-time youngsters looking to get established in the game and who will see beating as a big success.”

Airdrie’s head coach Kevin McBride wants his Diamonds to bounce back from Saturday’s 4-2 defeat by Livingston by getting the better of Motherwell’s under-20 side at Fir Park.

The one-time Steelman said: “It is good to get going again. However, this will be a challenge as the Motherwell squad are not that younger than our boys.”

Queen’s Park lost 2-0 to Partick Thistle’s senior squad last month in the Betfred Cup and head coach Gus MacPherson is looking for his Spiders to fare better against the Jags’ under-20 outfit at Firhill.

MacPherson said: “It will not be easy as their youngsters put on a terrific performance against Clyde to win 5-0 in the last round.”

Peterhead manager Jim McInally wants his side to start defending correctly as losing cheap goals has drained confidence ahead of facing Highland League 
Brora Rangers. McInally said: “Confidence is low so this will be a test.”

Stranraer manager Brian Reid has told his side that they have to stop giving cheap goals away starting against Spartans tonight.

The Blues lost 5-2 to Alloa on Saturday and Reid said: “If we stop defending like a Boys Brigade side then we will give ourselves a chance.”

Spartans boss Dougie Samuel said: “We beat Berwick 3-0 in the last round with a performance that was full of energy and endeavour. We need that again to progress.”