Cowdenbeath manager Jimmy Nicholl has told his side that they cannot carry any “passengers” in their must-win game with Raith Rovers at Stark’s Park.
The Blue Brazil gave themselves hope of avoiding being involved in the Championship’s relegation play-offs by defeating Livingston 4-0 last weekend and only another display in that manner will be acceptable to Nicholl.
The Central Park boss said: “We were really strong last week both in defence and up front.
“To keep a clean sheet and score four goals was a terrific afternoon, especially against a side that has caused us problems in the past.
“The impact that win has had across the club was tremendous and everyone’s spirits have been lifted by it.
“We are going to Raith with confidence and we know that we have a real chance of doing something if we play like we did last week.”
Nicholl said: “Last weekend everyone played their part well and we need the same approach again.
“We cannot influence what Alloa do against Dundee but we can influence what Raith do against us, however the only way we can do that is if we have no passengers in our team.
“Everyone has to be at their game 100 per cent.”
Nicholl took time out to speak to strikers Greg Stewart and Kane Hemmings who both look set to depart the club in the summer, with Stewart heading for Dundee and ex-Rangers player Hemmings a target for Dunfermline.
“I told them that I had been disappointed with their contributions recently but that they were terrific against Livingston,” said Nicholl before adding: “I wished them good luck with whatever they are doing next but asked them to give us everything before they go.
“Hopefully, we will see that at Raith as they are a handful.”
Midfielder Sammy Stewart is the only doubt for Cowdenbeath.
Rovers will be out to clinch their place in the Championship next season despite holding a six-point and 13-goal advantage over their visitors.
The Blue Brazil’s win over Livingston last weekend was the perfect result for Rovers boss Grant Murray to show his players what could happen if they do not go about their jobs correctly.
Murray said: “We are not safe from the play-offs yet mathematically. Some people have assumed that we are but we are not quite there yet.
“If we were to lose 4-0 then the goal difference between us goes down to five and we could face a nervous final day at Livingston.
“We do not want that to happen at all so the best way to avoid that is by winning this game.”
Murray added: “Cowdenbeath will be going all out to put pressure on us by winning, however we have to ensure that we go about the game correctly.
“We have to ensure that we start this game well as last week against Falkirk we gave ourselves a mountain to climb by losing two goals early on.”
Rovers defender Dougie Hill is missing out as he is serving the second game of a two-match ban, but Reece Donaldson is available after suspension.
Joe Cardle could feature after he saw off the injury that ended his game against Falkirk last Saturday, but Kevin Moon misses out as he is still carrying a knock.