UNCOVERED — Cove Rangers v Montrose 11.09.21 by coverangersfc

Cove Ra ngers v M ontrose cinch Lea gue O ne 11.09.21 — 3pm KO

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Balmoral Comtec Balmoral Tanks Balmoral Business Park ACE Winches BLAZE Manufacturing Solutions Friends of ANCHOR www.balmoral-group.com

02 03

— Contents Cove Rangers FC Matchday Programme Montrose: 11.09.21 — 3pm KO Match sponsors

Features

STENHOUSEMUIR MATCH REPORT STENHOUSEMUIR REACTION MARTIN JOHNSTON INTERVIEW Regulars Upcoming fixtures

Club information

Club partners

View from the dugout

Player and Management sponsorship

Season 2021/22 statistics

Captain’s view

Club honours

Today’s team lines

08 16 18

— Upcoming fixtures

A Sat 18th Sept, 2021

Peterhead v Cove Rangers

cinch League One

H Sat 25th Sept, 2021

Cove Rangers v Airdrieonians

cinch League One

A Sat 2nd Oct, 2021

Alloa Athletic v Cove Rangers

cinch League One

H Sat 9th Oct, 2021

Cove Rangers v Albion Rovers

SPFL Trust Trophy

— League table cinch League One

PTS

Queen’s Park

Montrose

Falkirk

Cove Rangers

Dumbarton

-1

Clyde

-4

Alloa Athletic

-1

Airdrieonians

-3

East Fife

-4

Peterhead

-4

50/50 WINNER! The 50/50 winning number at the Stenhousemuir match was 92050, won by Craig McIntosh.

04 05

– Club information

Cove Rangers FC Balmoral Stadium Wellington Circle, Altens Aberdeen, AB12 3JG

T 01224 392111 F 01224 392859 coverangersfc.com Twitter / Facebook / Instagram @coverangersfc

Honorary President Alan McRae Directors Keith Moorhouse - Chairman Graeme Reid - Vice Chairman/Financial Controller Duncan Little - Secretary/Stadium Manager John Sheran - Director of Football Darren Anderson Grant Moorhouse Safety Officers John Morgan & Bill Ogilvie Committee Michael Coull, Richard Forbes & Gordon Taylor Football Manager - Paul Hartley

Assistant Manager - Gordon Young Fitness Coach - Tam Ritchie

06 07

Goalkeeping Coach - Derek Soutar

Head of Youth Development - Gary Hake Performance Analyst - Ryan Docherty

Physios - Donal Gallacher & Eilidh McGregor Kit Manager - Adrian Thomson Club Doctor - David Fowler

Commercial Manager - Angela Bruce Media Officer - Charlie Allan

Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer - Kate Dean Club Chaplain - Dougie Simpson

Club Photographers - Dave Cowe, Richard Forbes

EXTRA A MONTH

Search ‘Get Sky Sports’ Ends 30 September 2021. 2 for 1 channel offer: Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Football: £18 extra pm for 18 months (then £22pm). Requires Sky Signature (£26pm for 18 months, then £31pm; £20 set-up). New 18 month min. terms. Prices may change during this period. Over 400 games: based on 128 Premier League games; 228 English Football League games (includes 80 red button matches); up to 48 Scottish Professional Football League games; and up to 44 Women’s Super League matches shown across the football season from 31 July 2021 to 29 May 2022. General: Nonstandard set-up may cost extra. Weekend set-up costs £15 extra. Connect to TV using HDMI cable. Sky Q kit is loaned to you at no cost and must be returned at the end of the relevant subscription. You own the Sky dish. Prices may vary if you live in a flat. You must get any consents required (e.g. landlord’s). UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man residential customers only. Email address required so we can keep in touch about your services. Correct at 15 July 2021. Further terms apply.

SPFL Trust Trophy Saturday September 4th @ Balmoral Stadium

STENHOUSEMUIR 0 COVE RANGERS 0 (COVE WIN ON PENALTIES 4-2)

08 09

— Stenhousemuir Match Report

The warriors bring the fight Stuart McKenzie made a fine save during the dramatic penalty shoot-out as we edged past The Warriors in a closely contested SPFL Trust Trophy second round tie at Balmoral Stadium. Stenhousemuir will rightly feel hard done by after hitting the woodwork twice in the first half as they made us graft for the prize of another home tie – against Albion Rovers – in the next round.

>>>

10 11

— Stenhousemuir Match Report

In the end, the sides couldn’t be separated after the 90 minutes, so on we went to penalties. Stenhousemuir skipper Ross Forbes hit the woodwork again, as he had during the game, with the opening penalty. Keeper McKenzie also made a marvellous save from Bernard Coll’s effort to ensure Rory McAllister, Blair Yule, Robbie Leitch

and Mitch Megginson’s successfully converted spot-kicks were enough to take us through 4-2. It was a welcome outcome on an afternoon when our resources were again stretched to the limit because of players being unavailable through illness or simply not being well enough to do their bit.

12 13

That meant midfielder Jamie Masson made his first start of the season, with McKenzie, Shay Logan, Fraser Fyvie and Leighton McIntosh the others coming in as we made five changes to the starting line-up that faced Clyde the previous weekend. We could count ourselves lucky to still be level at the end of the first 45. That was despite us making a strong start, with McAllister knocking the ball down for Megginson to fire a 19-yard shot wide after just 36 seconds. We followed that with Connor Scully crossing from the left to McIntosh and his downward header was held by keeper David Wilson. Stenhousemuir struck the woodwork for the first time in the 16th minute, when Thomas Orr turned to lash a shot from the edge of the area off the face of McKenzie’s right post. The Warriors were unlucky again in the 27th minute, when skipper Forbes battered a free-kick in from 20-yards and the ball rebounded to safety off the top of the crossbar. The visitors threatened again a minute later, when Orr broke through the middle and saw his 16-yard shot held by McKenzie. Our best move so far came in the 33rd minute. Megginson and McAllister combined to get the ball to Masson and his low shot rolled just wide of the target. Another brilliant passing move a minute later ended with McIntosh racing in on goal, but his shot from just inside the Stenhousemuir area was saved by Wilson.

>>>

— Stenhousemuir Match Report

Masson was just inches wide of Wilson’s left post with a curling 20-yard shot in the last minute of the half. The second half was even tighter, with few scoring chances. It began with Megginson hitting a 20-yard shot over the crossbar. Fyvie was also unfortunate to see his 16-yard shot deflected wide after he had met a low pass from Masson. Adam Corbett then sent a 10-yard over after Forbes had flighted a corner over from the right for the visitors. Scott Ross tried to liven things up with an effort from fully 35-yards but the defender’s shot went wide of Wilson’s right post. We had a penalty appeal turned away by referee Barry Cook in the 56th minute, after McIntosh appeared to be impeded as he chased after a Masson pass.

Cove Rangers: McKenzie, Neill, Scully, Ross, Yule, Megginson, Masson, McIntosh (Leitch 66) McAllister, Fyvie, Logan. Subs: Milne, Strachan, Gourlay.

Our best chance came just after the hour, when Megginson played a clever onetwo with Fyvie before seeing his 16-yard shot well saved by Wilson. Fyvie was next to have a go from distance, with his 25-yard drive speeding wide of Wilson’s left post. Stenhousemuir made Cove hearts flutter again in the 71st minute when McKenzie’s punched clearance from a Ross Lyon cross was headed over the bar by Ryan Tierney. McAllister also went close in the 82nd minute, when he turned on a pass from Yule and sent his shot from just inside the Stenhousmuir area inches wide. We almost pinched it in the last minute when a well-worked routine at a free-kick gave Megginson the chance to send a 19-yard shot just off target, but the penalty finale was probably the fairest way to decide what had been a very even contest.

Stenhousemuir: Wilson, Lyon, Coll, Jamieson, Corbett, Miller (Wedderburn 66), Forbes, Anderson (Brown 90), Graham (O’Reilly 60), Orr, Thomson (Tierney 90). Subs: Marshall. Referee Barry Cook.

14 15

— Stenhousemuir Reaction

Manager Paul Hartley and midfielder Jamie Masson spoke to the media after our penalty shoot-out victory over Stenhousemuir at Balmoral Stadium in the SPFL Trust Trophy.

Paul said: “We weren’t fluent, we were never at our best. I always feel an early goal is crucial in these sort of games. But we huffed and puffed and our quality wasn’t great, but it’s cup game, it’s about getting through and we managed to do that on penalty kicks. We would like to be better, all over the pitch, but we are pleased to have won in the end. It’s not that we didn’t respect them (Stenhousemuir), we know it would be tough and they made a real game of it. It was also good that some of the players who had been absent recently got more minutes. The situation was so bad we only really had one substitute fit enough to bring on. Ryan (Strachan) and Harry (Milne) were there but they haven’t been well, so we weren’t keen on risking them. It’s been tough at times picking your strongest team.” Paul praised goalkeeper Stuart McKenzie for making a crucial save during the penalty shoot-out to ensure we won 4-2 to secure a home third round tie, against Albion Rovers, in October. He said: “It was a good save from Stuart, but other players did their bit too by scoring their penalties.”

16 17

Jamie, who played his first full 90 minutes since suffering an ankle injury playing against Rangers back in April, said: “I don’t really care how we did it, in cup ties it’s all about making sure you get to the next round. All credit to Stenhousemuir, they have always been a good team and made it very tough for us. It wasn’t the best game I’ve played in and I doubt if it was a good one to watch, but it was very competitive. We did what was needed to get through though, so we are pleased with that. It’s been tough waiting to finally get the opportunity to play a full game. I really enjoyed it and staying on for the full game will help me get sharper and fitter. It was hard going towards the end, my legs were in bits, but that’s countered by how great it felt to be back out there with the lads.”

— Martin Johnston interview

martin johns

Images supplied by Aberdeen Evening Express and Press and Journal

18 19

ston Former Cove Rangers striker Martin Johnston and his family were among the guests at last month’s cinch League One victory over East Fife at Balmoral Stadium. Martin enjoyed three spells with us, between 1997 and 2013. He helped win the Highland League Cup in 2000 before moving into the SPFL, with Peterhead, later that year. Martin returned to us in 2004 and did his bit to secure the Highland League Cup again before playing for Elgin City and Brechin City. He returned for the third time in 2008 to play his part in securing three Highland League titles, the last of those coming when we beat Formartine United in 2013 in a final day decider out at Pitmedden. Martin scored a total of 182 goals for Cove, despite playing in defence and midfield during the early stages of his career. Only record scorer Mike Beattie has netted more times for the club. Martin was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2018 and - along with his family - has raised awareness about the condition and helped to raise money for the MND Scotland and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation charities.

>>>

— Martin Johnston interview

How did your first move to Cove Rangers come about? Dave Cormie signed me when I was playing for Lewis United. I had been sent out on loan to Lewis by Brechin City. Having trained with Aberdeen as a youngster, Russell Anderson and Gavin Rae were among the others there at that time, I always had a hunger to play at as high a level as possible. I enjoyed myself so much at Lewis United I decided to stay with them. But I was delighted to then get the offer to to play in the Highland League for Cove. It’s a club that I’ve always had a soft spot for because my uncle, Brian Johnston, used to play for Cove as well. What are your memories of that time, when we played out of Allan Park? I found it really tough to begin with. I actually played at centreback or sweeper in those days and was very young, so it was a real challenge facing up to some of the strikers in the Highland League at that time. Things changed for the better when the club signed Aberdeen Gothenburg legend Doug Rougvie. He was brilliant for me. Doug was a top class player and took me under his wing. It was a delight playing alongside Doug, he helped make me more confident and made me a better player. So when did the switch to playing up front come about? That didn’t happen until I was at Peterhead, after my first spell at Cove. But Bob Summers did start to play me in midfield when he took over as manager. I scored 28 goals from midfield in my third season, which is something I’m very proud of. I also scored the favourite of all my goals for Cove that last season. We fought back from 3-1 down to beat Elgin City 4-3 in the 2000 Highland League Cup final - and I scored the winner in the last minute with a cheeky back heeler. It was a memorable way to bow out from what had been a very enjoyable spell in my career. I only left because moving to Peterhead gave me another opportunity to play at SPFL level.

Images supplied

20 21

by Aberdeen Evening Express and Press and Journal

>>>

— Martin Johnston interview

You were back at Cove in 2004, who was it that re-signed you? The man to blame for that is John Sheran and I will be eternally grateful to him for that. It was only for the one season because I was still keen on returning to the SPFL at some stage. John was a great manager though and I’m happy I bowed out in style again by helping to win the Highland League Cup again. How did your final return to Cove, in 2008, come about? I had gone back to Brechin City after initially signing for Elgin City. Unfortunately, I was the only Aberdeen-based player at the club and was having to travel to Perth to train, which wasn’t much fun, especially because my wife was pregnant at that time. It was also hard fitting in my full-time job, so I decided to look for something closer to home. I was delighted when Cove said they would be delighted to have me back again. We won three Highland League titles during that final spell and I played alongside some fantastic players, who have remained close friends. You announced during the 2012-13 season that you were retiring, why did you choose to do that? It was all about pressure of work and also wanting to devote more time to my young family. I was delighted I managed to bow out in style again by clinching the title with a win away to Formartine United. They only needed a draw to be crowned as champions and it ended up being one of the most memorable days in the whole history of Cove. We were pleased to reward manager Kevin Tindal for the brilliant job he did that season. I planned to make that game at Pitmedden my last, but just found it too difficult to say no to Cove when they asked me to carry on into the next season. But it was clear I had been right to put my family and work commitments first, so I made the decision to step down during that campaign.

Images supplied by

y Aberdeen Evening Express and Press and Journal

22 23

— Martin Johnston interview

What were the highlights of your three spells with Cove Rangers? The trophy wins were obviously special and I’m proud to have ended up as the second highest scorer in the club’s history. There was never any chance of me passing Mike Beattie’s total, he was a goal machine, but I feel I did not too bad for a player who spent a fair number of times in defence and in midfield. It’s also inevitable that Mitch Megginson will overtake me, he’s an amazing striker and it’s strange to think I used to play alongside his dad, Mike. I feel I have good reason to be pleased with the contribution I made when I played for Cove. But the thing I prize most is the friendships that were created while I was playing for the club. Those are worth more than any of my medals. You watched the 5-2 victory over East Fife, what do you think of the present Cove team? I was very impressed. They play some brilliant attacking football and scored some cracking goals that afternoon. I hope to get to more games this season and would love it if Cove could eventually gain promotion to the Championship. That was an ambition that was spoken about when I played for Cove, it would be amazing to see it fulfilled.

24 25

You announced in 2018 that you have Motor Neurone Disease, how are you doing at the moment? As best as can be expected. The amazing support I’ve received from everyone, which includes players and coaches of clubs I played against as well as old-teammates, family and friends, has helped a lot. It’s a bit of a cliche, but the football family has rallied around me to help raise awareness and also raised funds for MND Scotland. But I must give special praise to my wife, Jenny, and children, Sophie and Calum. I wouldn’t be coping as well as I am without their help. Jenny is by my side every day and has dealt with each obstacle we have met with courage and dignity. Sophie and Calum organised their own events to raise money for MND Scotland and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. I’m really proud of them for doing that. The goodwill is on-going, my wife’s cousin - Abbie Taylor - is running the London Marathon next month to raise awareness as well as help the charity. I feel blessed to be surrounded by so many kind-hearted people.

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— Club partners

Principal Club Partner

Principal Stadium Partner

Official Club Partners

26 27

— View from the dugout

PAUL HARTL I want to begin by thanking you for coming along to Balmoral Stadium for this afternoon’s cinch League One clash with Montrose. This is the first meeting in the SPFL between us that fans have actually been allowed to attend. If it’s anything like the ones we had last season, you are in for an exciting and entertaining afternoon. We could certainly do with a noisy backing from our fans to help us because Montrose are a very good, well organised, team who have an impressive style of play. I respect the work their manager, Stewart Petrie, and his coaching staff have done and expect another very tough 90 minutes. The fact it’s as close as we get to a local derby - the distances from Cove to Montrose and Peterhead are pretty similar - adds a little spice to the occasion. We will need to be at our best to claim the three points, that’s for sure.

>>>

LEY

28 29

— View from the dugout

>>>

We go into the match in a decent position as far as players being available for selection goes. So far, it’s been a case of just trying to juggle things about to ensure we were able to put out the strongest side possible. It was great to see us looking far stronger at training this week. It was the first time we have been able to stage sessions when the vast majority of the squad were able to take part. That’s an astonishing thing to be able to say in September, but it’s a fact. We only have two training sessions a week to work with the players, so it hasn’t been easy to prepare properly for games. All credit to the players for coping with all of that to ensure we are still well placed in the league and also through to the next stage of the SPFL Trust Trophy. It’s been the same for most of the other clubs, which is why nobody has managed to make a flying start to their league campaign. Hopefully we are over the worst of it now though and can start to push on. Stay safe and enjoy the game. Paul Hartley

30 31

“ We will need to be at our best to claim the three points, that’s for sure. ”

— Player and management sponsorship

MANAGEMENT Paul Hartley

Gordon Young

Tam Ritchie

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

GOALKEEPERS Stuart McKenzie

Kyle Gourlay

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

Harry Milne

Scott Ross

Ryan Strachan

LOCAL , NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL ROAD HAULAGE

ABERDEEN 01224 – 781698

DEFENDERS

WWW.MGSLOGISTICS.CO.UK

Jevan Anderson

Shay Logan

Morgyn Neill

32 33

MIDFIELDERS

Fraser Fyvie

Connor Scully

Blair Yule

Jamie Masson

Iain Vigurs

Ross Draper

Robbie Leitch

Mitchel Megginson

Leighton McIntosh

Rory McAllister

FORWARDS

CRFC offer excellent advertising opportunities to organisations who are looking to share marketing messages, or to build their brand via one or more of our channels. Get in touch with our commercial team for further information. To register Interest for sponsorship, contact: Angela Bruce - abruce@coverangersfc.com

— Season 2021/22 statistics

Date

Fixture

Game H/A

Starting

10/07/2021

Stirling Albion

PSC

S.McKenzie

M.Neill

H.Milne (R.Thomas)

S.Ross

R.Strachan (C.Scully)

B.Watson

B.Yule

R.McAllister (M.Megginson)

R.Draper

13/07/2021

Hearts

PSC

K.Gourlay

M.Neill

H.Milne (R.Thomas)

C.Scully (R.McAllister)

S.Ross (B.Watson)

B.Yule

M.Megginson

L.McIntosh

R.Draper

17/07/2021

Peterhead

PSC

S.McKenzie

M.Neill

C.Scully

S.Ross

B.Yule

M.Megginson1 (L.McIntosh)

D.Higgins (H.Milne)

R.McAllister (B.Watson)

R.Draper

20/07/2021

Inverness CT

PSC

K.Gourlay

M.Neill

H.Milne

C.Scully

B.Yule1

M.Megginson1

L.McIntosh1 (R.McAllister)

R.Draper

I.Vigurs

31/07/2021

Falkirk

SPFL1

K.Gourlay

M.Neill

H.Milne

S.Ross

B.Yule

M.Megginson

R.Draper

I.Vigurs

R.Leitch (C.Scully)

07/08/2021

Queens Park

SPFL1

K.Gourlay

M.Neill (J.Anderson)

H.Milne

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson

L.McIntosh (R.McAllister)

I.Vigurs

R.Leitch (C.Scully)

14/08/2021

East Fife

SPFL1

K.Gourlay

H.Milne

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson3 (L.McIntosh)

R.McAllister1 (B.Watson)

I.Vigurs

21/08/2021

Dumbarton

SPFL1

K.Gourlay

M.Neill (J.Anderson)

H.Milne

C.Scully (L.McIntosh)

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson1

R.McAllister1

28/08/2021

Clyde

SPFL1

K.Gourlay

M.Neill

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson

R.McAllister1

J.Anderson (J.Masson)

04/09/2021

Stenhousemuir

S.McKenzie

M.Neill

C.Scully

S.Ross

B.Yule

M.Megginson

J.Masson

L.McIntosh (R.Leitch)

R.McAllister

11/09/2021

Montrose

SPFL1

18/09/2021

Peterhead

SPFL1

25/09/2021

Airdrieonians

SPFL1

02/10/2021

Alloa Athletic

SPFL1

09/10/2021

Albion Rovers

16/10/2021

East Fife

SPFL1

23/10/2021

Clyde

SPFL1

30/10/2021

Queen’s Park

SPFL1

06/11/2021

Montrose

SPFL1

13/11/2021

Peterhead

SPFL1

20/11/2021

Airdrieonians

SPFL1

04/12/2021

Dumbarton

SPFL1

12/11/2021

Falkirk

SPFL1

18/12/2021

Alloa Athletic

SPFL1

26/12/2021

East Fife

SPFL1

02/01/2022

Peterhead

SPFL1

08/01/2022

Clyde

SPFL1

15/01/2022

Montrose

SPFL1

29/01/2022

Dumbarton

(Cove win 4-2 on penalties)

SPFL1

05/02/2022 Airdrieonians

SPFL1

12/02/2022

Queen’s Park

SPFL1

19/02/2022

Falkirk

SPFL1

26/02/2022 Alloa Athletic

SPFL1

05/03/2022 Peterhead

SPFL1

12/03/2022

Clyde

SPFL1

19/03/2022

Montrose

SPFL1

26/03/2022 Airdrieonians

SPFL1

02/04/2022 Queen’s Park

SPFL1

09/04/2022 Falkirk

SPFL1

16/04/2022

SPFL1

23/04/2022 Dumbarton

SPFL1

30/04/2022 East Fife

SPFL1

Alloa Athletic

34 35

Starting

Sub

Referee

AS1

AS2

ATT

I.Vigurs

F.Fyvie2

C.Scully

M.Megginson

R.Thomas

K.Gourlay

Barry Cook

Craig Ferguson

Harry Bruce

298

I.Vigurs

F.Fyvie

B.Watson

R.McAllister

R.Thomas

S.McKenzie

Colin Steven

David McGeachie

Graham McNeillie

I.Vigurs

R.Leitch (F.Fyvie)

H.Milne

B.Watson

L.McIntosh

F.Fyvie

K.Gourlay

Matthew MacDermid

Ralph Gordon

Graham Chambers

R.Leitch (B.Watson)

F.Fyvie

B.Watson

R.McAllister

S.McKenzie

Chris Graham

Greame Leslie

Chris Hobbs

F.Fyvie (R.McAllister)

S.Logan

C.Scully

R.Strachan

B.Watson

D.Higgins

R.McAllister1

J.Anderson

Alan Newlands

George King

Andy Gamble

F.Fyvie

S.Logan

C.Scully

B.Watson

D.Higgins

R.McAllister

J.Anderson

S.McKenzie

Calum Scott

Scott Anderson

Chris Hughes

R.Leitch1 (J.Masson)

S.Logan

M.Neill

B.Watson

J.Masson

L.McIntosh

J.Anderson

S.McKenzie

Euan Anderson

Steven Traynor

Gordon McCabe

I.Vigurs

R.Leitch1 (J.Masson)

B.Watson

J.Masson

L.McIntosh

J.Anderson

S.McKenzie

Duncan Williams

Graham Chambers

Regan Wallace

I.Vigurs

R.Leitch1 (L.McIntosh)

J.Masson

L.McIntosh

S.McKenzie

Grant Irvine

Stuart Hodge

Duncan Nicolson

F.Fyvie

S.Logan

H.Milne

R.Strachan

R.Leitch

K.Gourlay

Barry Cook

Steve Traynor

Craig Macrae

506

— Season 2021/22 statistics

#CRFCLIVE

36 37

Name

Appearances

Goals

Position

Yellow

Red

Stuart McKenzie

Kyle Gourlay

Harry Milne

Scott Ross

Ryan Strachan

Morgyn Neill

Jevan Anderson

Shay Logan

Rhys Thomas

Connor Scully

Blair Yule

Jamie Masson

Fraser Fyvie

Iain Vigurs

Ross Draper

Robbie Leitch

Mitchel Megginson

Leighton McIntosh

Rory McAllister

PTAIN

’S VIE

— Captain’s view

38 39

“We don’t need to look too far back for reminders of just how tough this afternoon’s cinch League One clash with Montrose is going to be.” They are a very good side and I would argue they gave us the toughest games of all last season, including when they became the first visiting team to win a league match at Balmoral Stadium. The fact Montrose have had a pretty settled team over the last couple of campaigns has helped. They have followed up last season by making a positive start to this one, which came as no surprise to anyone at Cove. Montrose have been one of the strongest part-time sides in the country for many years so, we know what to expect. We are in for an extremely competitive 90 minutes and will need to be at our very best if we are to earn the result we want. It’s pleasing we are going into this afternoon’s match on the back of having clinched our place in the third round of the SPFL Trust Trophy. We needed penalties to eventually see off Stenhousemuir, but any win does when it comes to cup ties. Even though we were never at our very best, I felt we controlled the match for long spells and still managed to create one or two decent chances. Unfortunately, we lacked that final piece of quality to make that count over the course of the 90 minutes. That meant having to take part in a penalty shoot-out and it was pleasing that we managed to show that the practice we put in on that front can pay of what it’s needed.

>>>

— Captain’s view

>>>

Some of the lads deserve praise for doing as well as they did, despite not being at full fitness because they had been ill. Like every club, we have been hampered by players being forced to miss out because of the coronavirus pandemic. We were so stretched against Stenhousemuir the manager had to ask a couple of the lads to go on the bench in case of emergencies, even though they were far from fully recovered from being sidelined. I know from personal experience that the virus really floors you when you have been unfortunate to contract it. It’s a few weeks now since I was ill, but I’m still working to get back up to the levels of fitness I prefer to be at. It’s the same for several others in our squad, but we know it’s something that is likely to be with us for some time, so we just have to get on with things. The win over Stenhousemuir means we have another home draw, against Albion Rovers, in the next round, which is pleasing. We want to go as far as we can in the competition and have a strong record at Balmoral Stadium. That’s for later though, today it is all about making sure we give our best in the hope that it will be enough to keep us in a strong position in the league. CYCR! Mitch Megginson

40 41

— Club honours

Scottish League 2 Winners: 2019-20

Aberdeenshire Cup Winners: 2001-02, 2010-11, 2018-19

Highland League Winners: 2000-01, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2012-13, 201516, 2017-18, 2018-19

Runners-up: 1992-93, 1994-95, 2016-17, 2017-18

Runners-up: 1989-90, 1992-93, 1994-95, 1995-96, 2009-10, 2011-12, 2016-17 Scottish Qualifying Cup (North) Winners: 1990-91, 2000-01 Runners-up: 1988-89, 1991-92, 2001-02, 2003-04 Highland League Cup Winners: 1994-95, 1999-2000, 2004-05, 2014-15, 2016-17, 2018-19 Runners-up: 1990-91, 1992-93, 1995-96, 1997-98, 2005-06, 2007-08, 2011-12

Aberdeenshire Shield Winners: 1990-91, 2000-01, 2008-09, 2017-18 Runners-up: 1994-95, 2012-13, 2015-16 Aberdeenshire & District League Winners: 2000-01, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2014-15 Runners-up: 2006-07 Aberdeenshire Centenery Cup Runners-up: 1986-87 Inter-League Trophy Winners: 2001-02

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— Today’s team lines

Cove Rangers FC Manager - Paul Hartley

Montrose FC Manager - Stewart Petrie

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 14. 15. 16. 20. 23. 24. 25.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11. 12. 14. 15. 16. 17. 19. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.

Stuart McKenzie Morgyn Neill Harry Milne Connor Scully Scott Ross Ryan Strachan Blair Yule Mitchel Megginson (C) Jamie Masson Leighton McIntosh Rory McAllister Ross Draper Jevan Anderson Iain Vigurs Robbie Leitch Kyle Gourlay Fraser Fyvie Shay Logan

Allan Fleming (GK) Cammy Ballantyne Andrew Steeves Matty Allan Kerr Waddell Terry Masson Graham Webster Paul Watson Lewis Milne Blair Lyons Chris Antoniazzi Sean Dillon Mark Whatley Craig Johnston Aidan Quinn Liam Callaghan Aaron Lennox (GK) Craig Brown Martin Rennie Theo Leslie Sam Garnham Ross Matthews (GK)

Today’s referee - Matthew MacDermid Today’s assistant referees - Drew Kirkland, Calum Doyle

Team lines sponsor