Brechin City vs Cowdenbeath preview - City pair in fitness race

Posted Wednesday, May 11, 2011 by PA

Brechin defenders Gerry McLauchlan and Ewan Moyes are both losing their fitness battles ahead of their sides first leg play-off semi-final against Cowdenbeath.

But full-back Paul McLean is available after suspension and midfielder Jamie Redman has recovered from the injury that kept him out against Ayr at the weekend.

Manager Jim Weir Weir said: "Gerry and Ewan had been out of the team with injuries, but they came back for our last couple of games and helped get us into the play-offs and that shows their value to us.

"Fingers crossed they make it as we want to put on a good performance and be heading to Central Park looking forward to the second leg. Cowdenbeath are the favourites so we'll have to rise to the occasion."

Cowdenbeath welcome back experienced pair Craig Winter and Colin Cameron from suspension.

Midfielder Mark Baxter should also return after injury, but defenders Joe Mbu and Dene Droudge along with full-back Richie Vauls are expected to miss out with injuries.

Nicholl said: "I went and watched Brechin on Saturday and saw that they were a good side, who will cause us problems if we let them, but it's all about what we do that matters.

"Some players needed a rest and they got that against Ross County at the weekend, but they'll come back in for this game and hopefully they will be ready mentally and physically for what lies ahead."