Cove Rangers FC Matchday Programme – vs. Livingston 25.07.23

LEAGUE TABLE

50/50 WINNER

The 50/50 winning number at the Clyde match was 133400. Won by Richard Sutherland who took home the prize of £240.

OFF TO A FLYER

Our Viaplay Cup campaign got off to a flyer as the team defeated Clyde 5-2 at Balmoral Stadium last Tuesday evening.

It was a night for the attackers, with new boys Rumarn Burrell and Kyle Connell each grabbing a brace, and captain Mitch Megginson getting on the scoresheet late on too.

The manager started the game with Balint Demus in goal, with a back four consisting of Darge, Gillingham, Reynolds and Scully.

Tyler Mykyta, who signed just hours before kick-off, was handed his debut for the club on the right-wing. His exFormartine teammate Mark Gallagher played alongside him in central midfield, with Sena and Connell completing the midfield four. Megginson and Burrell led the line.

The opener of the match came in the 11th minute, and it was a gift from our opponents. A long ball was played up the park, which initially looked like a waste. Clyde right-back McCulloch, under pressure from Connell, looked to nod back to Leighfield, but failed to realise the goalkeeper had also came rushing out to collect, heading beyond. CONNELL latched onto the ball in a flash, and had the simple task of tapping into an empty net from 10-yards.

Then came a quick flurry of goals, the first of which came from the Cove defence switching off momentarily. Clyde’s Forbes played a short corner to Scullion just

inside the area, who played it back to the corner taker. As the Cove defence looked to quickly close down, Mykyta slid in, wiping out Forbes, leaving the referee no option but to award a penalty.

RENNIE stepped up and slotted past Demus, who dived the right way, but was unable to get his hand to it.

The team more than made up for the error, scoring almost instantly from the restart. From kick-off, the ball found its way to Kyle Connell on the left hand side. The winger looked up, and floated an inch perfect cross to BURRELL, who calmly controlled under pressure, and poked beyond Leighfield to restore our lead.

Burrell netted his second not long after. After winning a free-kick around 25 yards out, Connell stepped up and delivered a deep free-kick into the area. The ball looked to have evaded everyone, but Reynolds popped up at the back post, and slid the ball across the face of goal for BURRELL who was standing waiting to tap into the empty net from just a few yards out.

Despite the visitors having a few big chances either side of the half-time break, including a Sula effort hitting the crossbar, we extended our lead in the 82nd minute through a moment of excellence from Connell.

CONNELL picked up the ball on the edge of the Clyde penalty box, and after dropping a shoulder, he cut inside on his right foot and whipped the ball delightfully into the far top corner. It was a spectacular strike from the striker on his first competitive start for the club.

The win was sealed just one minute later, when our captain got in on the goals. The ball was played from Burrell into Gallagher on the edge of the area. The midfielder looked as if he was going to shoot, however instead slipped the ball to his right, where MEGGINSON was standing unmarked. The skipper calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner.

That wasn’t the end of the goals, however. Clyde’s MULVANNY was played through on goal, and despite Demus doing well to block his initial shot, the substitute found the back of the net on second attempt to make it 5-2, which is how the game ended. It was an action packed night at Balmoral Stadium, and a great start to our Viaplay Cup Group C campaign.

Cove Rangers (5-4-1)

Demus; Darge, Gillingham, Reynolds, Scully; Mykyta (Vigurs 80’), Gallagher, Sena, Connell; Megginson, Burrell.

Unused Substitutes

Suman, Ochmanski, Gaffney.

Goals

Burrell (21’, 26’), Connell (12’, 82’), Megginson (84’).

Clyde (4-4-2)

Leighfield; McCulloch (Mulvanny 71’), Sula, Grant, Craig; Forbes, L. Scullion, Cuddihy, C. Scullion (Dunachie 74’); Cameron (Duncan 71’), Rennie.

Unused Substitutes

Parry.

Goals

Rennie (20’), Mulvanny (85’).

LATE COMEBACK SEALS WIN

In the heat of the Angus sun, the team turned it around late on to secure all three points against Brechin City in our second Viaplay Cup Group C fixture.

Last season’s Highland League champions took the lead in the match on two separate occasions, but summer signing Kyle Connell ensured there would be no upset, scoring twice late on to seal the win.

The manager made one change to the side that defeated Clyde 5-2 midweek. Aussie goalkeeper Nick Suman came into the starting line-up to make his competitive debut for the club, replacing Balint Demus.

The side dominated play for the majority of the first half, and created a number of good chances, the first of which fell to Mark Reynolds. A Connell corner dropped to the defender in the box, and after his first attempt was blocked, he rose

Brechin City 2 Cove Rangers 3

Scottish League Cup

Sat 22 July ‘23

Glebe Park

highest to win a header which looped just over the crossbar.

We continued to keep up the early pressure, and went within inches to taking the lead in the 25th minute. Mykyta whipped a cross into the box, and Gallagher got on the end of it, bulleting a header towards goal, but was unfortunate to see his effort crash off the bar. Reynolds was there on the follow-up, but he fired his effort high and wide.

Despite our early chances, it was the hosts who scored the opening goal of the game. The ball was slipped in behind the Cove defence, and MCGRATH got on the end of it, hitting low and hard past Suman.

Their lead didn’t last long, as Reynolds got us back on level terms within 5 minutes. Mykyta floated a cross into the packed penalty area, and despite Thomson initially heading away, REYNOLDS picked up the loose ball and poked into the far corner to get us back on level terms.

The side continued to push for the next goal, but it was Brechin who would go in ahead at the break.

The Cove defence was caught out again by a through ball in behind the defence. Suman came rushing out to stop Louden, but when diving to reach the ball wiped out the midfielder, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot. LOUDEN stepped up and sent Suman the wrong way from the spot.

The second half continued in a similar way to the first. The team had the majority of the possession, and continued to look for a way back into the game, which we did in the 74th minute.

Iain Vigurs, who was substituted on for Sena in the 70th minute, fired a pass into Megginson who had his back to goal 25 yards out. The captain did extremely well, flicking the ball through on goal for CONNELL who poked the ball beyond McCabe into the back of the net.

The team had their tails up now, and in the 81st minute Kyle Connell scored the winner. Right-back Arron Darge floated the ball into the channel where Josh Kerr was running. The latest recruit, who impressed on his debut, looked up and looped the ball across the penalty area to CONNELL on the other side, who ran in and smashed past McCabe to give us the lead.

For the remainder of the match, the team comfortably saw the game out, and ensured our winning start to this season’s Viaplay Cup campaign continued.

Brechin City (5-4-1)

McCabe; Scott, Spark, Thomson, Martin, Cruickshank; Loudon, Patrick (Heenan 84’), Moreland, MacLeod; McGrath.

Unused Substitutes

Mudie, McArthur, White, Wilson.

Goals

McGrath (30’), Louden (39’).

Cove Rangers (4-4-2)

Suman; Darge, Gillingham, Reynolds, Scully; Mykyta, Gallagher (Vigurs 70’), Sena (Kerr 60’), Connell; Megginson, Burrell.

Unused Substitutes

Demus, Ochmanski, Gaffney.

Goals

Reynolds (34’), Connell (74’, 81’).

Kyle Connell in action during the Scottish League Cup game between Brechin City FC and Cove Rangers FC at Glebe Park, Brechin.

NEW SIGNINGS SPOTLIGHT

In last week’s programme, we highlighted Paul Hartley’s first four signings of the close season transfer window: Kyle Connell, Luke Strachan, Will Gillingham and Arron Darge.

Tonight we are putting the spotlight on the next quartet through the door at Balmoral Stadium: Rumarn Burrell, Mouhamed Niang, Mark Gallagher and Nick Suman.

Striker Rumarn is twenty-two and was most recently with Falkirk, where he scored twelve goals in just twenty starts last season.

The Englishman turned professional with Grimsby Town in 2019 and had a short loan spell with Kilmarnock before arriving at Falkirk Stadium last summer.

He has agreed a one-year deal, and says he is excited to be part of what will be a new-look Cove Rangers for the coming campaign:

“I can’t wait to get started. Obviously, I know the division from last season, and I know I can score goals in it, so I’m hoping to be able to do that for Cove.

“I’ve had a few conversations with the manager, he’s an experienced guy and I know I can learn from him, and I just want to repay the faith he’s shown in me.

“I’ve been at some big clubs, and I’ve picked up different experiences along the way, and I definitely feel I’m ready to play my part.

“I’ve got pace, I’ve shown I can score goals, and I think I can cause problems going wide or in behind. Hopefully I can prove that when the season gets underway.”

Paul Hartley is delighted to have landed the hitman, and feels he can make a big impact in the months ahead:

“He’s hungry to succeed, he’s young, enthusiastic and full of energy. He’s fast and he’ll stretch teams with his runs in behind. I’m hoping he’ll come here and have a really productive season.

“The main thing is finding the back of the net, and I fully expect him to do that. He’s at a good age and I see no reason why he won’t make a big contribution.”

“I’ve had a few conversations with the manager, he’s an experienced guy and I know I can learn from him...”

Twenty-three year old Mouhamed Niang, known as ‘Sena’, began his SPFL career with Partick Thistle in 2018, and after a loan spell with Montrose, played a major role as Thistle won promotion to the Championship in 2020.

Mouhamed was then loaned out to Alloa Athletic for the following campaign, featuring in more than thirty games. He signed for Hartlepool United last summer and will now be reunited with manager Paul Hartley at Balmoral Stadium.

Paul says ‘Sena’ enhances his midfield options, and will add strength to that part of the team:

“He’s competitive, he can operate in a couple of different positions, can fill in at the back if we need him there, but primarily he’ll be used at the heart of the team. He’s an aggressive player, which I like, and he also keeps it simple. He knows how to play the position.

“I know him pretty well, obviously I took him to Hartlepool last year, and we did try to bring him in during the January transfer window, but we just couldn’t make it happen then. I’m delighted to get him on board.

“He’s a good team-mate, the rest of the boys will enjoy having him here, and he’s a good sort, a great lad, which is important in the dressing room.”

Mouhamed has agreed a two year fulltime contract and is looking forward to the next chapter of his career:

“I’m really happy to have signed for Cove Rangers. We had been talking for a few weeks, so it was good to get everything completed.

“I know the manager, he signed me before, and to be honest that played a big part in my decision to come here; I’m really looking forward to working with him again.

“Given my past experience with Montrose, Partick Thistle and Alloa Athletic, I understand the division, I’ve picked up good experience in League One, and I believe I can do well for the club. I’ll work hard to make sure that happens.

Mouhamed ‘Sena’ Niang

The manager then made two signings in the space of a couple of days with midfielder Mark Gallagher the first to put pen to paper.

Now twenty-two, he came through the youth ranks at Ross County, making his debut in a Challenge Cup meeting with Hearts U20s in August 2018. Such was the impact Mark made, Aberdeen bought him in January 2020, and while he did not make the breakthrough at Pittodrie, he did enjoy productive loan spells at Forfar Athletic and Cliftonville.

Mark joined Formartine United last summer, helping the club to a 4th place finish in the Highland League, and impressed during a trial spell at Balmoral Stadium.

Now he says he’s looking forward to kicking-on with Cove Rangers:

“I’m very happy to be here. As soon as I heard there was some interest, I was keen to get it done. Playing full-time again was always my ambition, and I feel this is the perfect place to continue my development.

“Last season was definitely the best of my career. I played every week with Formartine, and I learnt a completely different side to the game. There are some very talented players in that league, and we faced tough opposition every match. It was a real test, but one I loved, and it has certainly helped me improve.”

“...I saw him a few years ago at Aberdeen and you could see he had talent”

Mark Gallagher

Paul Hartley has seen that development in Mark and believes there is more to come:

“He’s a young lad, but he’s had a lot of experience already. I saw him a few years ago at Aberdeen and you could see he had talent. He’s now at a good age for us and he’s keen to do well.

“His career stalled a bit, but being at Formartine helped him to start enjoying his football again, and he does add quality to what is a strong midfield. He’ll also benefit from playing alongside some experienced boys in there.”

Forty-eight hours after announcing Mark’s capture, the club confirmed the signing of giant goalkeeper Nick Suman, also on a two-year contract.

Six foot four inch Nick played as a trialist during Connor Scully’s testimonial, and despite having only flown in from Australia a few days previously, pulled off some outstanding saves against Fraserburgh.

The manager is thrilled to have landed the highly-rated keeper:

“Nick comes highly recommended, we had a look at him and spoke to some contacts, and we were determined to get him on board.

“He has played at a good level in Australia, is a big physical presence and commands his back line well.

“We now have two really good goalkeepers at the club, and it’ll be up to Bal (Balint Demus, who has also now signed on full-time) and Nick to fight it out for the number one jersey.”

Nick sees this as a major step in his career:

“I’m ecstatic to be here! I played professionally for the past five years in the top league in Australia, and clearly it was a big step to move to Scotland, but I have confidence in my ability, and it definitely feels like the right thing for me.

“Everyone at the club has been so friendly and welcoming, and that has helped me to settle in. I’ve got to know Bal, he’s a really nice guy, and we’ll definitely be pushing each other to get better throughout the course of the season.

“I just can’t wait to show everyone what I’m all about.”

With the manager working hard to add to his squad, more new signings will be on their way, and they will be featured in forthcoming matchday programmes.

“I’m ecstatic to be here! I played professionally for the past five years in the top league in Australia, and clearly it was a big step to move to Scotland...”

Nick Suman

This evening’s encounter will be just the second between Cove Rangers and Livingston with both taking place in the group stages of this competition.

Having also been drawn together twelve months ago, Livi made the trip to Balmoral Stadium on July 16th 2022.

Both sides had begun with away wins over Albion Rovers, but the Premiership side had subsequently lost at home to Caley Thistle, and travelled to the north east knowing another defeat would end their hopes of qualification.

The match started well for us, Robbie Leitch and Connor Scully each coming close to opening the scoring, and it swung Cove’s way with the sending-off of Esmael Goncalves in the twentyfourth minute for a kick out at Scott Ross.

The situation looked even brighter when, on the stroke of half-time, we took a deserved lead. A corner was only partially cleared, and Iain Vigurs met the ball sweetly on the half-volley from the edge of the box, his strike flying beyond Konovalov and into the bottom corner.

David Martindale’s side rallied in the second half, and soon after the restart got back on level terms. After a scramble in the home box, they eventually bundled the ball in to the net, Obileye appearing to get the final touch.

Back came Cove and Scully, Leitch and Mitch Megginson all came agonisingly

close to restoring the lead, but it was the visitors who were to snatch all three points with a last-gasp sickener.

After a fine move, Omeonga slipped in Nicky Devlin and the overlapping fullback smashed his left foot shot into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

Livingston would go on to qualify from Group G as one of the best runners-up, while defeat in our next game, at home to Kelty Hearts, ended Cove hopes of reaching the knock-out stages for the first time.

“Back came Cove and Scully, Leitch and Mitch Megginson all came agonisingly close to restoring the lead...”

PAUL HARTLEY

We go into this evening’s game against Livingston in a good position having won our opening Viaplay Cup Group C fixtures.

We got off to a great start by beating Clyde 5-2 in our first game. Our attacking play in particular was really impressive that night, and some of our goals were excellent. The front three, sometimes even four, caused some real havoc, and there were some promising signs.

Our game against Brechin was a completely different test for the team. We knew it was going to be a difficult game, and credit to Brechin, they made it tough for us.

The pitch was very sticky, and we struggled to get into any rhythm. But in football, you are not always going to be at your best, so it is about trying to find a way to win. We went in at the break behind, despite creating a lot of chances.

The message to the players was to make sure we come into the changing room at full-time with all three points, which they managed to do thanks to a late Kyle Connell brace.

It was a real test of character going behind to the Highland League champions at a difficult venue, but the boys worked hard for each other and found a way.

Kyle now has four goals in his opening two games for the club. He is a great finisher, and he has got a real eye for goal. He has impressed in our opening games, but we know we can get more out of him, and we are working him hard to maximise his potential.

It was also good to give some minutes to our recent signing Josh Kerr. He was excellent when he came on and was important in helping us get the three points. He commanded the game, calmed the team down, and went on to get the assist for Kyle’s winner.

The next game is always tough, and tonight will be a real test for the team, as we come up against Premiership opposition. Livingston are a great side; they have a lot of quality in their squad. David Martindale will have them really well organised, and they’ll be up for the fight.

However, we are the home side, and we’ll go for it. We must take confidence from our opening two games into this one.

We are sitting in a good position as it stands, and we look a real threat in the final third. It will take a lot of hard work, and we must tighten up at the back, but we must take the game to Livi and look to keep our winning start going.

Enjoy the game!

Paul Hartley

“...We are sitting in a good position as it stands, and we look a real threat in the final third.”

Principal Club Partner

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Richard has pioneered work with charities, community hubs, befriending and foodbank groups, raising over £200,000 in the last 24-months to help worthy causes and individuals facing challenging times.

If you would like an opportunity to me et with him and discuss any matters that you feel he can be of assista nce with , please contact Richard on 07977 399 537 or email rbrooks@aberdeencity.gov.uk

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