Cove Rangers FC Matchday Programme – vs. Hamilton Academical 23.03.24

Balmoral

Balmoral

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MATCH REPORT

Cove Rangers

1 Montrose 4 cinch League One Sat 9th March ‘24

Balmoral Stadium

There were to be no celebrations to mark our 150th game in the SPFL as the side stuttered to one of the poorest displays of the season allowing Montrose to coast to victory. Three nil up with little over half an hour played, the visitors added a fourth with twenty minutes remaining. Connor Scully’s fine strike soon after was no more than minor consolation on what was a hugely disappointing afternoon.

Paul Hartley had named an unchanged line-up from the midweek encounter against Falkirk with Paul McGowan returning to the bench after recovering from a back problem. Blair Yule was still absent due to his troublesome ankle injury.

It was a scrappy start to the match on what was a cold, blustery afternoon, and having already come close when Lyons’ angled shot flew over the bar, Montrose took the lead in the ninth minute.

A long ball forward caused us problems –which was to be a recurring theme – and Kane HESTER dribbled past both Doyle and Kerr before shooting across Balint Demus and inside the far post.

Cove attempted to hit back quickly, but the final ball was never accurate enough and the visitors dealt comfortably enough with any potential threat. Shiels did get in behind, fastening on to a Scully pass, but Gill was quickly off his line to snatch the ball. Fyvie then had a free-kick charged down and Shiels sent in an inviting cross but failed to find a team-mate.

Montrose might have made it two midway through the half when Gardyne swung in a delivery and Graham appeared to get a flick in the midst of a sea of bodies. Demus threw himself to his left to make a fine onehanded save.

Doyle was adjudged to have pulled down Watson when Gardyne sent in a corner, and from the resultant penalty, Graham WEBSTER drove the ball low and hard into the bottom corner.

Sena had a shot charged down as the team tried to rally, but that was short-lived as Montrose again cut through us with ease. Having played a 1-2 with Webster, Kane HESTER ran clear to finish confidently.

Sena had to go off injured, Cammy Stewart his replacement with Kerr moving up into

saved with his left foot.

Our best chance of the first half came just before the interval, Burrell moving clear of Quinn inside the box, but his shot cannoned off the left post.

Little changed from a Cove point of view after the restart, Montrose comfortably clearing their lines whenever we attacked, but there was a big opening in the fifty-fifth minute. Fyvie and Megginson combined to set up Burrell who slipped away from Graham to create space inside the area.

“ ...we have been left trailing in the race for the playoffs.”

His shot was however weak and easily dealt with by Gill.

There was an even better opportunity in our next attack when Scully’s delivery found Josh Kerr free six yards out, but he could only head wide of the right post.

Demus denied Hester a hat-trick, quickly off his line to make a fine stop after clever play from Blair LYONS, who was to make it four within seconds, smashing a low shot beyond Demus after more slack defensive play.

Our only highlight of the day came soon after. Mark Reynolds drove forward and passed to Megginson who laid the ball off to Burrell. The striker in turn rolled it into the path of Connor SCULLY who lashed an excellent shot low into the net from twenty yards.

The only other moment of note came shortly before the end, Fyvie taking a quick free-kick and Connell collecting and cutting inside before curling his shot just over the bar.

The team could have no complaints, Montrose thoroughly deserving of their victory, and with Alloa also winning, we have been left trailing in the race for the playoffs.

Cove Rangers (3-5-2)

Demus; Doyle, Kerr (Connell 69), Reynolds; Darge, Sena (Stewart 40), Fyvie, Scully, Shiels (Jones 73); Burrell, Megginson (c)

Substitutes

Suman, Gillingham, McGowan

Goalscorers

Scully (72)

Booked

Megginson (64)

Montrose (3-5-2)

Gill; Quinn, Dillon, Graham; Webster (Bradford 86), Machado (Hermiston 69), Watson (c) (Shrive 69), Gardyne, Steeves; Hester (Brown 69), Lyons (Batchelor 80)

Substitutes

Matthews, Paton, Donaldson, Craig

Goalscorers

Hester (9, 32), Webster (pen 29), Lyons (70)

Booked

Gardyne (88)

Referee

Ross Hardie

Attendance

651

The team bounced back to winning ways at Kelty with a deserved, if narrow, success.

The only goal was high quality, Fraser Fyvie’s superb free-kick expertly guided home by Mitch Megginson, but the victory was also down to a strong defensive performance as the side secured a seventh clean sheet of the season.

With Blair Yule still out and Sena sidelined with a groin injury, Paul Hartley made one personnel change as Paul McGowan returned to the starting lineup. The manager reverted to a back four with Kerr moving forward and Doyle partnering Reynolds in central defence.

Cove got the game underway and were to enjoy plenty possession in the early stages without making any kind of breakthrough. The closest we came was in the fourth minute when Fyvie sent an inviting long ball over the top, but with Burrell’s pace getting him in behind, Gourlay was quickly off his line to head clear.

In our next attack, Darge and McGowan combined, the midfielder winning a corner, but Scully’s inswinging delivery was headed away by McKay.

Kelty then forced a corner, Mark Reynolds making an important interception to concede it, and when the ball eventually fell to O’Ware, the defender’s shot from distance flew high over the bar.

“...the victory was also down to a strong defensive performance.”

We were almost caught out in the thirteenth minute when Doyle failed to cut out a high ball forward. Johnston raced away clear, but Balint Demus was alert, advancing to the edge of the box to make the save.

Bavidge was next to threaten after collecting the ball on the edge of the box. Matty Shiels did enough to take the steam off his shot, and Demus dived to prevent the corner.

Connor Scully did well to intercept an angled switch of play by O’Ware, but after driving forward, his ball inside was cut out by McKay. We kept up the pressure, Shiels flashing in a delivery, but the home rearguard again stood firm.

We came agonisingly close to opening the scoring midway through the half. Arron Darge fed a pass through to Fyvie who laid it off for Megginson. Mitch made for the byeline and sent in a superb cross, Burrell climbing above Gourlay to flick a header over the keeper. He was desperately unlucky to see the ball clip the crossbar.

The boys kept pressing and McGowan passed wide to Fyvie who swung in a dangerous cross, McCluskey racing back to sweep it behind for a corner. Fraser’s delivery was just too high for Kerr, who could only head wide at the back post.

Kelty looked to have snatched the lead with thirty-two minutes on the clock. After a scramble on the edge of the box, and with Shiels down injured, Bavidge fired low, his angled effort rebounding from the left post. With Demus trying to recover, McGlynn pounced on the ball, but shot wide from six yards out.

Matty was forced to leave the field after treatment, Jacob Jones his replacement.

We hit back quickly, Megginson and Darge combining well down the right,

but when the cross came in, Burrell was closed down by two Kelty defenders. Cove were seeing plenty of the ball, but struggled to find a way through what was an organised and well-drilled Kelty midfield and back line.

It had, nevertheless, been a much improved first half from last week, and the team were again on the front foot after the restart. With Fyvie heavily involved in the build-up, Burrell was shut down in the box before Megginson had an angled drive blocked.

O’Ware collected the game’s first booking for pulling down Megginson, the foul leading to us making a deserved breakthrough. From the freekick, the ball ran to Fraser Fyvie, who whipped in a vicious delivery towards the back post. With the home defence

watching on, Mitch MEGGINSON timed his run to perfection, diverting the ball low past Gourlay.

Kelty then won a corner, and with the ball bouncing around the area, Johnston unleashed a powerful close range shot, Balint Demus diving to make an outstanding save. It would not have counted, as the flag belatedly went up for offside, but it was still an outstanding stop.

Superb skill from Megginson just inside the Kelty half saw him move clear of his marker and the pass which followed found McGowan running into the box. The midfielder’s cross was headed behind by McKay, and the resultant corner easily dealt with.

Good link up play between Josh Kerr and Fraser Fyvie set up Rumarn Burrell

to run at the Kelty back line, but Paterson was able to stop the striker, conceding a throw-in down by the corner flag.

The home side were creating little at this stage, Moore’s long range effort which flew well over a sign of their frustration, and we were soon back on the attack, without creating any clear cut opportunities.

With ten minutes remaining, Paul McGowan was withdrawn, Kyle Connell coming on for his twenty-first substitute appearance this season, a new club record in the SPFL.

We came close to adding to our advantage when Burrell did well to keep the ball in and passed to Megginson. Mitch switched the play wide to Fraser Fyvie on the right and his well-struck

“ ...another match crucial to our hopes of making the playoffs.”

angled drive forced Gourlay into making a diving save to punch clear.

Kelty might then have levelled in the last minute. Megginson, back defending, headed the ball out, but it fell for McCluskey and from twentythree yards his volley bounced just wide of the right post.

They also claimed loudly for a penalty deep into stoppage time when Fyvie, acrobatically clearing a corner, appeared to catch O’Donnell with his boot, but referee Calder was unmoved by their protests.

The win narrowed the gap on fourth placed Montrose ahead of next week’s visit of Hamilton, another match crucial to our hopes of making the playoffs.

Kelty Hearts (4-4-2)

Gourlay; McCluskey, McKay, O’Ware, Paterson; Bavidge, Tidser, O’Donnell, Moore; McGlynn (Cunningham 83), Johnston (c),

Substitutes

Campbell, Biabi, L. Owens, B. Owens, McAllister, Shearer, Garvie

Booked

O’Ware (51)

Cove Rangers (4-1-3-2)

Demus; Darge, Doyle, Reynolds, Shiels (Jones 35); Kerr; Fyvie, McGowan (Connell 80), Scully; Megginson (c), Burrell

Substitutes

Suman, Gillingham, Stewart

Goalscorers

Megginson (52)

Booked

Darge (55), Kerr (90)

Referee

George Calder

Attendance

352

HOSPITALITY NOW AVAILABLE!

With the Balmoral Lounge all but sold out for the entire league season, the club is now offering alternative hospitality in the Players Lounge, an option which has proved highly popular.

Already, we have had stag parties, work and family outings, and other large groups, and the package is also available to individuals.

Competitively priced as just £70pp, which includes VAT and the cost of the match ticket.

The afternoon is hosted by the club’s former kit-man, Adrian ‘Edser’ Thomson – a popular and well-known figure among Cove fans.

To find out more and to secure your places, please contact Angela Bruce at abruce@coverangersfc.com

Package includes:

• Arrival ninety minutes prior to kick-off

• Complimentary drinks

• Sandwich platter pre-match

• Reserved seating in the West Stand

• Half-time tea, coffee and pie

• Full-time bar for 45 minutes after final whistle

• Car parking

• No dress code

• One-off option or book for the season

We currently have availability for the following games...

Alloa Athletic

Saturday, April 20th

Edinburgh City

Saturday, May 4th

SPFL150: CONNOR SCULLY

As featured in the last edition of the matchday programme, the recent game against Montrose was the 150th we have played in the SPFL since gaining promotion from the Highland League

The main headlines generated during that time were that Mitch Megginson, unsurprisingly, has been top scorer for Cove Rangers during our SPFL history, netting more than a quarter of our goals, and that Connor Scully tops the appearance list.

The midfielder has started 139 matches and come on as substitute on five other occasions. In total, his remarkable consistency and fitness levels mean Connor has missed just seven of the 151 league games played.

It is a record of which he is rightly proud:

“I really am! It’s great that these old legs can keep playing, particularly on the astroturf. It’s tough on the body that’s for sure, you feel it the next couple of days, but yes, extremely proud, and the family

“It speaks to my fitness, but also my consistency I guess, and that’s why the gaffer likes me. I’d say I’m normally a seven or eight out of ten every week and that’s a big part of my game. I couldn’t have imagined having the career here that I have! It was Edser (former kit-man Adrian Thomson) who took me in as a sixteen year old to play in the old Denis Law tournament at Seaton Park, and I’m still here!

“It’s been amazing; so many memories, so many brilliant team-mates.”

During his time with Cove in the SPFL Connor has lined-up alongside seventyfive separate players, and inevitably there are a few who stand out:

“It’s the characters in the changing room that always stick in your head, and I’ve made so many friends. Jamie Masson, being the kind of guy he is, probably tops the list and it was never dull when he was around! But there are plenty others, guys like Paul McManus, Jimmy (Martin) Scott, going back to Eric Watson, and so many more. Different personalities, but they all made such an impact, and as a younger player I learned so much from them. I still try to do that to this day.”

“It speaks to my fitness, but also my consistency I guess, and that’s why the gaffer likes me....”

“...we still have that heart of the team with myself, Blair and Mitch, and the likes of Fraser Fyvie and Mark Reynolds.”

The core of players who battled up from the Highland League with Connor has been whittled down with the likes of Masson, Scott Ross and Stuart McKenzie moving on, but some still remain, and the midfielder believes that is key to everything the club achieves:

“You need that stability. There were big changes last summer, but we still have that heart of the team with myself, Blair and Mitch, and the likes of Fraser Fyvie and Mark Reynolds who came in a bit later. We have a lot of young players who benefit from that experience, just as I did all those years ago.”

Connor still has a number of targets he hopes to tick off.

He is just six short of hitting his own personal tally of 150 SPFL league games for the club, and he also has an eye on Stuart McKenzie’s record of fifty straight starts set in our first couple of seasons after promotion. Connor is currently on thirty-eight:

“That one will have to be next season then! The targets are nice, but I just don’t like missing games, that’s what drives me on.

“I had to come off at Alloa a few weeks back, bruised ligaments which meant I could hardly walk for a few days, but I’m a quick healer, and Charlotte (club physio) was really surprised that I got back for the next game. I admit I’m not the greatest trainer! I put my heart and soul into it, it’s just that I prefer playing.

“I would like to know exactly how many matches I’ve played counting the Highland League days, I know it’s up around the 500 appearances mark, and I just want to keep adding to that.”

Cove Rangers fans will be delighted to hear that despite it taking a bit longer now to recover from the rigours of the games, Connor Scully has no intentions of calling it a day any time soon:

“I think it’s actually helped that I’ve always played part-time, I’m always on the move with my job, not stuck behind a desk stiffening-up and having to train afterwards, and it works for me.

“There’s still plenty I want to achieve in the game, I’ve loved my time with Cove, and I hope that continues for years to come.”

Paul Hartley

Tam Ritchie

1. Nick Suman

4. Connor Scully

5. Mouhamed Niang

2. Jacob Jones

8. Blair Yule

9. Mitch Megginson

Management Sponsors

Player Sponsors

7. Paul McGowan

6. Will Gillingham

3. Michael Doyle

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22. Mark Gallagher

21. Balint Demus

24. Fraser Fyvie

20. Myles Gaffney

11. Kyle Connell

10. Rumarn Burrell

16. Iain Vigurs

18. Tyler Mykyta

17. Josh Kerr

27. Cameron Stewart

26. Mark Reynolds

19. Dayshonne Golding

15. Arron Darge

14. Luke Strachan

It was a much-needed performance and victory down at Kelty last weekend. Getting those three points was massive, I thought we were better in terms of our shape, and we worked well as a defensive unit. Kelty didn’t have too many chances and we looked a threat going forward.

It was, in many respects, the perfect away game. Having the ability to bounce back like that is so important. We were all disappointed by what happened against Montrose, you sometimes get games like that when you just can’t put your finger on why it’s all going so wrong.

There were some defensive errors that day, so last Saturday it was vital that we pulled together; we worked hard for each other all across the park, and we were much more solid.

We went on that run earlier in the season when we weren’t conceding goals and we need to get back to doing that on a regular basis.

That’s not just down to the back line, especially when you’re away from home. You need that solidity right across the team, and it’s up to us, the strikers, and the midfielders to do their bit too, to limit the opposition as best we can.

That has to be the standard for us now over the last seven games. We know we’re going to create chances and score goals, and it’s important we give ourselves the opportunity to win as many of those matches as we can.

“...I’m sure there are still a few twists and turns ahead.”

From a personal point of view, it was obviously great getting the goal last week. I’ve played with Fraser Fyvie long enough now to know the quality he has on the ball, so when I saw him taking possession, I was expecting him to deliver. I knew exactly where he was likely to put it, so it was all about timing the run and it was nice to slot it past big Kyle.

I saw the stats the club put out last week to celebrate our 150th league game in the SPFL and it was interesting to see the totals. You do like to keep a tally, to set yourself targets, and that’s me up to seventy-one league goals now. Overall, I reckon that’s 213 I’ve scored since joining Cove and I’ll be doing everything I can to add to that over the next seven weeks.

The most important thing down at Kelty though was getting the win. Every good run has to start somewhere, and we are all determined to build on that and get some momentum going again.

Apart from Falkirk, every team in the division has had poor spells, and while we struggled a bit, our rivals Montrose and Alloa were able to make up ground.

The only way we are going to make the top four is if we can put together a consistent run, and that is what we are focused on, starting this afternoon against Hamilton. What the others do is out of our hands, but we have to make sure we do our job and hope that they have a few slip-ups.

There will definitely be points dropped, that’s what this league is like. There’s still plenty football to be played and I’m sure there are still a few twists and turns ahead.

Mitch COYC!

PAUL HARTLEY

We go into this afternoon’s meeting with Hamilton in a much more positive frame of mind off the back of what I thought was a strong performance last weekend against a decent Kelty side.

From start to finish, we played as a team. We needed a big reaction, and we certainly got that. We were solid defensively, we controlled the play, particularly in the first half, and the players gave me everything I could have asked from them.

We had spoken about being patient, and we had to be at times given how they set up, but there was more speed about the team, and we got behind them on a number of occasions. Even going in nil-nil at half time I was pleased with how we had done, there was no panic, and we got that bit of quality when we needed it; a great ball in from Fraser Fyvie and Mitch doing what he does best.

There’s good experience in the group and we just need to show a bit more confidence at times. The boys were excellent right through the team, and that’s the kind of level we’re going to need for the run-in.

We are low in numbers, there have been injuries to key players, but it’s up to the lads who step in to take their chance and show the resilience you must have in this league. It’s a good dressing room, full of strong characters, and I was delighted they showed that down at Kelty.

“It’s certainly not been dull being with Cove in the SPFL!”

There are so many players in there who have been over the course before, who have won things, but have also suffered disappointments throughout their careers. It’s about bouncing back and proving just how good they are, and using that in a positive way.

That cannot be a one-off, we now need the consistency. When we’re on it, we can be really good, and that’s what I hope to see over the seven matches we have left.

Hamilton will be a test, I think John Rankin has recruited well, he signed a lot of good players, some of whom I know really well and have worked with, so I know what to expect.

The games between the sides this season have been really tight, and I would expect the same this afternoon. We have the home advantage; we need to try to make that count if we are to get the win.

I have been involved in many run-ins over the years, both as a player and manager, and the most important aspect is the ability to show calmness when the pressure is on. It doesn’t matter what the objective is, you need to keep a level head, stay relaxed, and play to your ability. If you can do that, and you have a strong mentality, you’re giving yourself a real chance of success.

Since we came into the leagues, it has been the same every season, there’s always been something to play for.

We won League Two the first season, lost in the playoffs the next year and then won League One. The fourth season was of course fighting relegation, which was tough, but we’re in there again battling for a playoff place this year.

It’s certainly not been dull being with Cove in the SPFL!

Enjoy the game!

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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CLUB HONOURS

Scottish League 1

Winners ‘21-’22

Scottish League 2

Winners ‘19-’20

Highland League

Winners ‘00-’01, ‘07-’08, ‘08-’09, ‘12-’13, ‘15-’16, ‘17-’18, ‘18-’19

Runners-up ‘89-’90, ‘92-’93, ‘94-’95, ‘95-’96, ‘09-’10, ‘11-’12, ‘16-’17

Scottish Qualifying Cup (North)

Winners ‘90-’91, ‘00-’01

Runners-up ‘88-’89, ‘91-’92, ‘01-’02, ‘03-’04

Highland League Cup

Winners ‘94-’95, ‘99-’00, ‘04-’05, ‘14-1’5, ‘16-17, ‘18-’19

Runners-up ‘90-’91, ‘92-’93, ‘95-’96, ‘97-’98, ‘05-’06, ‘07-’08, ‘11-’12

Aberdeenshire Cup

Winners ‘01-’02, ‘10-’11, ‘18-’19

Runners-up ‘92-’93, ‘94-’95, ‘16-’17, ‘17-’18

Aberdeenshire Shield

Winners ‘90-’91, ‘00-’01, ‘08-’09, ‘17-’18

Runners-up ‘94-’95, ‘12-’13, ‘15-’16

Aberdeenshire & District League

Winners ‘00-’01, ‘08-’09, ‘10-’11, ‘11-’12, ‘12-’13, ‘14-’15

Runners-up ‘06-’07

Aberdeenshire Centenary Cup

Runners-up ‘86-’87

Inter-League Trophy

Winners ‘01-’02

Cove Rangers

Manager - Paul Hartley

1 Nick Suman

2 Jacob Jones

3 Michael Doyle

4 Connor Scully

5 Mouhamed Niang

6 Will Gillingham

7 Paul McGowan

8 Blair Yule

9 Mitch Megginson

10

Hamilton Academical

Manager -John Rankin

1 Ryan Fulton

3 Jackson Longridge

4 Lee Kilday

5 Jamie Hamilton

6 Jamie Barjonas

7 Euan Henderson

8 Scott Martin

9 Kevin O’Hara

10 Ahkeem Rose

11 Lewis Smith

12