In recent years Cowden have struggled in the Challenge Cup with 5 defeats in the first round in recent years. This is the first season since the first challenge cup in which Cowden have reached the quarter finals. United have made it to the final in the past where they lost to now SPL side Inverness Caley Thistle by 2 goals to nil.
Both sides have recorded a 2-0 win and a 3-2 victory to book their place in this round. Airdrie started off by defeating Cowdens league rivals Dumbarton 3-2 thanks to goals from Noble, Cardle and Di Giacomo. This was a good result for Airdrie after they were 2 goals down at half time. The second round saw a game against our local rivals East Fife and goals from Lynch and Smith saw Airdrie run out 2 nil victors at New Bayview.
Cowdens challenge cup campaign began up north in Elgin and goals from Darren McGregor and Paul McQuade saw Cowden win 2-0 (a result later repeated in the league with McGregor again on target). A tough second round match at Central Park saw us scrape through against Albion Rovers. Paul McQuade opened the scoring before Albion drew level. John Gemmell scored his first goal for the club before Albion again equalised. Late drama was to follow with Brian Fairbairn firing home a stunning last gasp winner to win the match.
In recent years Cowden have met Airdrie Utd in the league only 8 times. It hasnt been a succesful time for Cowden agains the Diamonds with a grand total of 3 points being accumulated through 3 draws. It will take a big performance from Cowden to book their place in the semi-finals for the first time in our history. John Armstrong and Jay Stein look like being involved in their first home game of the season with Scott Gallacher likely to be on the bench.
The game kicks off at 3pm on Sunday due to the Scotland match on Saturday.