Cove Rangers FC Matchday Programme – vs. Stirling Albion 30.03.24

Balmoral

Balmoral

50/50

The winning number at the Montrose match was 151302 and the £500 prize was claimed by Graeme Anderson.

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We fell to an undeserved defeat as Accies hit us with a late double sucker-punch to snatch all three points. An unlucky Connor Scully own goal had given them the early lead, but the midfielder levelled with a stunning long-range strike, and Cove looked the more likely to go on to win the match until the heartbreak of the last seven minutes.

Blair Yule was still missing for this one, and Matty Shiels joined him on the sidelines, but having been absent last weekend, Sena returned to the squad. The one change from the win at Kelty saw Jacob Jones in for the injured Shiels.

With Cameron Stewart also on the casualty list, the manager had just three outfield players on the bench.

On a cold and blustery afternoon, Hamilton enjoyed the bulk of the early possession and might have grabbed an early advantage when after the second of two Smith crosses was cleared, Tumilty let fly a powerful angled shot, Demus making a fine save with his foot.

Scully and Megginson then mounted our first serious attack, Mitch chipping a shot goalwards, but it carried on the gusty wind and dropped wide of the far post. Seconds later, we again came close. After Fraser Fyvie was fouled in the centre circle, Josh Kerr had an audacious attempt on goal, his free-kick from inside his own half clearing keeper Lyness but landing just over the bar.

“ Megginson had a shot deflected wide, then Fyvie’s corner caused mayhem...”

Megginson had a shot deflected wide, then Fyvie’s corner caused mayhem as Accies attempted to scramble it away. Mitch looked to have been fouled in the melee, but referee Grainger waved away our claims.

Hamilton took the lead in their next attack. Wiliamson threaded a pass through, and Tumilty somehow appeared on the left, racing towards the byeline. His low cross took a nick off Connor SCULLY and flew past the helpless Demus.

Cove were undaunted, and after Longridge had given the ball away, Paul McGowan clipped a superb angled pass into the box, Burrell’s hitch-kick volley flying just wide. Midway through the half Fyvie’s header found McGowan and the midfielder’s twenty yard drive stung the fingertips of Lyness.

We kept up the pressure, Burrell forcing a corner and after the keeper had dropped Scully’s delivery Mark Reynolds’ overhead kick landed on the roof of the net.

“ ...at least we did not lose further ground in the race for the playoffs.”

The wind and driving rain made for difficult conditions, but both sides were creating opportunities. Smith sclaffed an effort wide for the visitors, then Cove came agonisingly close to equalising. After linking up with Darge, Fyvie fired in a vicious cross/shot which deceived the keeper but bounced off the back post.

Williamson shot wide from twenty yards for Accies, then Megginson set up Burrell who raced behind the Hamilton back line, but his final touch was too heavy, and allowed Lyness to gather.

We again came close just before the interval, Fyvie crossing from the right and Mitch heading inches over.

There was bright sunshine as the second half got underway and Cove dominated the early exchanges without making the breakthrough.

They might have fallen further behind though when Rose got in behind. Balint Demus saved his first effort, Reynolds blocked his second then Demus tipped over when the striker tried for the third time. We were to level soon after. Megginson chipped the ball infield, McGowan laid it off cleverly and Connor SCULLY rifled it into the top corner from the edge of the box.

It was all Cove now. Fyvie had a shot blocked, Reynolds had a header saved under the bar then Burrell’s shot on the turn was deflected wide.

Fyvie then found Megginson with an inch perfect pass and when the keeper pushed out Mitch’s shot, Burrell looked certain to score, but his first effort was saved and the follow up blocked.

Hamilton then mounted a rare attack, O’Hara’s snapshot hitting the bar.

Megginson almost got in behind but was hauled down by Longridge, who collected the games first booking. Scully’s subsequent low free kick was blocked by the wall.

Hamilton then snatched the game with two goals in four minutes. The first came from a cross from the right which was flicked on, and Euan HENDERSON almost inadvertently guided it inside the post. In their next attack Doyle cleared off the line from Henderson, but our reprieve was short lived, Kevin O’HARA lashing the ball high into the net from outside the box.

It was a cruel end to the encounter, the team’s performance undeserving of defeat, but with both Alloa and Montrose also losing, we at least did not lose further ground in the race for the playoffs.

Cove Rangers (4-1-3-2)

Demus; Darge, Doyle, Reynolds, Jones; Kerr; Fyvie, McGowan (Connell 85), Scully; Megginson (c), Burrell

Substitutes

Suman, Sena, Gillingham

Goalscorers

Scully (56)

Hamilton (4-2-3-1)

Lyness; Tumilty, McGowan (c), Owens (Kilday 23), Longridge; Williamson, Davidson; Smith (Redfern 81), O’Hara, Barjonas (Hastie 71); Rose (Henderson 81)

Substitutes

Fulton, Winter, Hewitt, Kirk, Hendrie

Goalscorers

Scully (og 13), Henderson (83), O’Hara (86)

Booked Longridge (79)

Referee

Graham Grainger

Attendance

521

FRASER FYVIE JOINS 100 CLUB

Fraser Fyvie joined an elite group during last weekend’s encounter with Hamilton, becoming just the fourth player to play 100 SPFL games for Cove Rangers.

The midfielder made his league debut back in August 2019, a 3-2 win against Cowdenbeath, in what was just our third match in the senior set-up.

He has started ninety-five times, and come on as substitute on five other occasions, scoring fifteen league goals along the way.

The quartet of centurions is made up of Connor Scully (145), Mitch Megginson (132) and Blair Yule (120).

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

SUPPORTING

Cove Rangers fan, and local Councillor, Richard Brooks is stepping down as Chairman of the charity he and his wife Amy founded more than two decades ago, but is pledging it will continue to serve the community, and to help those in need across this part of the north-east.

Altens-based TLC provides backing to locals affected by poverty and isolation, and runs a befriending service which has proved a lifeline to many. Richard estimates the charity has reached out to upwards of 120,000 people since the couple formed it in 2002, and while he would rather it was not necessary, he knows just how invaluable TLC has been:

“Back at the start, we became aware of children and families who were facing up to deprivation on a daily basis, so we looked to alleviate that by starting what we initially called a food library, and which, I gather, then became what was the first exclusive food bank in Scotland.

“When we started TLC, we would not have imagined there would still be a need today, but sadly, we have watched that dependency grow. It’s particularly sad to see so many children so badly affected by poverty.

“I’m sure that the depth of the problem would come as a surprise to many people across the north-east.”

THE COMMUNITY

“ Ideally, what we want is to reach people...”

TLC has been able to secure an association with the British Gas Energy Trust, and works closely with both the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and the Trussell Trust, partnerships which have allowed the charity to expand and continue to offer help. In addition, hundreds of volunteers have put in the hours, and Richard says that has been an important factor down the years:

“We particularly see those who have been helped themselves, who then turn a bad situation into a really good one, and come in to volunteer and help others. That is really heart-warming, there’s no hidden agendas, no political agendas, they just want to put something back in.

“Ideally, what we want is to reach people, to build resilience, not dependency, and make a real difference; to give people a handup, and not just a hand-out.”

Although he is about to take a back seat, Richard is confident TLC is about to enter a new era, one which he believes will see it grow and help even more in the local community:

“It happens to be my daughter-in-law, Gina Brooks, who is taking over, and having been around the charity for a long time, she is full of enthusiasm and energy. I have no doubt it will go from strength to strength.”

“With funding from British Gas and the National Lottery, we have the financial resources to keep making a difference, and I feel sure between them they will take it to a different level.”

TLC is always looking for volunteers, people to help particularly with distribution, the food bank and the befriending service. If you have a few hours to spare and would like to help those less fortunate, further details can be found at the charity website:

www.tlc.org.uk

BALINT DEMUS

relationship, we push each other on and work hard in training...”

Having signed his first full-time professional contract last summer, Cove Rangers goalkeeper Balint Demus says he is loving life at Balmoral Stadium and is all geared up for a

Having shared the League Cup matches with friendly rival Nick Suman, big Bal started the first four League One games before the

The twenty-two year old – he celebrated his birthday yesterday – then had to bide his time, his next outing not coming until early December when, deputising for the injured Nick, he fractured his

By the time he had recovered, it was Suman’s turn for a spell on the sidelines, the big man picking up an injury at Kilmarnock, and Balint has kept his place for the last seven matches, his longest

“It has been a bit up and down for both of us with injuries, so I’m pleased to have taken my opportunity when it came up. We knew right from the start we would be battling for that one spot, and we have a professional relationship, we push each other on and work

“We like to keep it fun, keep it competitive, but there’s that deadly

Having returned to the team in mid-February, Bal has seen plenty action in recent weeks, and believes he is the better for that...

“...we can’t afford to get caught up in what other teams need or what they’re doing.”

“It’s the longest run in the side I’ve had with Cove and my game has definitely improved. Every match you learn something new, there’s so much experience in the dressing room, the likes of Fyvie, McGowan, Reynolds, and they do so much to help the younger lads. Out on the pitch, they’re talking you through the game, and I’m just trying to soak it all in.”

With just half a dozen matches left, the pressure is on in the race to make the playoff positions, but that’s not something to fear according to the giant keeper:

“Of course, there’s pressure, but you just have to deal with it. We’ve put ourselves in the position where the heat is on, but you just have to push through and perform every Saturday. You look around, you see the rest of the squad, and you know these are boys you can trust one hundred percent. We get along well off the park, and on it, there is a real bond, we all want to help each other.

“Every game from here on in will be tough and we just need to focus on our battles; we can’t afford to get caught up in what other teams need or what they’re doing. It’s all about focusing on our game plan and objectives.

“It would be huge to get that top four finish, that’s why every match is massive and that’s why the pressure is on. The first objective is to make the playoffs, that’s part one, and if we can do that, you never know what can happen.

“However it all turns out, it’s going to be an exciting end to the season, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

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

CRFC offer excellent advertising opportunities to organisations who are looking to share marketing messages or build their brand.

To register interest for sponsorship, contact Angela Bruce: abruce@coverangersfc.com

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

I still find it hard to believe that we came away from last weekend’s game against Hamilton with nothing to show for our efforts.

The overall performance was good, I thought we controlled the first half and ramped it up after the interval, and we created chances, and looked dangerous. We should really have gone on to win the match.

After a couple of disappointing outings, we changed shape for the Kelty game and have looked more solid, more structured since, and the football has been good. You don’t always get what you deserve, and on another day, we could easily have gone on to win. But you have to take the positives, of which there were plenty, and we need to build on that for the run-in.

What has been most pleasing is the football we have played in the last couple of matches. It’s been really enjoyable to play like that, and I’m sure it has been a better watch for the fans.

That’s the style all our success has been based on, and with the players we have, it suits us. I know you can’t always hit top form, there are bound to be off days, and much of it is down to players’ confidence and selfbelief. That is going to be key over the last six matches.

When results are going against you, there is the temptation to play it safe, to take that extra touch, but we all have to understand that mistakes happen, take that on the chin, and be brave enough to play the football we are capable of.

The quality is there in the squad, we have set the standards in the past, and we need to reach those regularly is we are to get the results we all want. The players are good enough, they would not be here if they weren’t, and we just need to show that week in, week out.

“It has always been intense throughout my time with Cove...”

We are all aware of the pressures, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

It has been like this ever since I joined the club eight years ago, right the way through from the Highland League days we have been fighting for something at this stage of the season. It’s what you want, what you are building towards from day one of preseason, to put yourself in this position.

It doesn’t matter if you’re going for the title, for promotion, or as we are this year, for the playoffs, you do everything you can to achieve that success.

It has always been intense throughout my time with Cove, and I thrive on that; you need that competitive edge, you’re hungry, and you have to work hard, to fight and battle.

As a player, these are the challenges you have to embrace, you can use that pressure to give you the extra few percent that can make all the difference.

The lows in football can be draining and you want to avoid them, but you feed off that and try to make them a positive spur, something that drives you on.

We have good experience in the squad, boys who have shown they have what it takes to succeed, and we need to utilise that over the next few weeks. It is all about having a strong finish and giving ourselves a shot at promotion, and that’s what we will be targeting in the last six games of the season.

Mitch COYC!

PAUL HARTLEY

Last week’s defeat at home to Hamilton was a sore one to take. It was really disappointing to lose the game, it certainly wasn’t a 3-1, and I felt for large parts of the match we were excellent.

For eighty minutes it looked as if there was only going to be one winner and then they hit us with that late sucker punch.

We should have done better with the goals we lost, but overall, the team performance was really good, our play at times was excellent, and we created some really good chances, especially in the second half.

I enjoyed the movement, and some of the passing and link-up was exactly what I want from the boys. We looked a real threat, and if we had got that second goal, I feel sure we would have gone on to take all three points.

It’s worth remembering how bad the conditions were too, when it’s as windy as that, it really is difficult to play your football, but they overcame that, handled it really well, and I feel for them; they didn’t deserve to come away empty-handed.

What matters now is how you respond. You don’t always get what you deserve in this game, that’s the nature of football. We have had poorer performances than that and won matches. You just have to take it on the chin and bounce back in a positive manner.

We are going to have to be more clinical, and I hope to see that this afternoon. Certainly, if we put in a similar performance we will give ourselves a real chance of clinching what would be a massive win for us.

“ There is pressure, and it’s about how you handle that. Not just us, but our rivals too.”

Despite the result against Hamilton, it was pleasing that we backedup what had been a good showing down at Kelty, and that’s what we are going to need for the last few weeks of the season.

The players should be feeling good about themselves, they need to maintain those levels, and we need to stay positive, to keep encouraging them.

It’s still all there for us, plenty points to play for, and the aim is to get to that last match of the season with a playoff place either secured, or there for the taking.

There is pressure, and it’s about how you handle that. Not just us, but our rivals too, and we saw that last week when Alloa and Montrose also lost. That was frustrating in one way, it felt like a missed opportunity, but at least we didn’t lose any ground, and we remain very much in the mix.

The players must embrace that; they have to enjoy the battle. I would much rather have this than sitting comfortably mid-table with nothing to play for. Football is about the competition, the highs and lows, and I have full faith in the boys that they can rise to this challenge.

Stirling Albion have adapted well to this league and that was a big result for them last week against Montrose, one which also did us a favour. They have plenty to play for too, possibly still needing a couple of results to avoid the relegation playoff place, and I expect another tough ninety minutes.

We have to show the right attitude, and if the boys can match the last couple of performances, I feel confident we can get the victory.

Enjoy the game!

Paul Hartley

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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Keith Moorhouse - Chairman

Graeme Reid - Vice Chairman

Darren Anderson

John Sheran

Grant Moorhouse

Willie Young

Graeme Anderson, John Morgan

Michael Coull, Richard Forbes

Paul Hartley

Tam Ritchie

Derek Soutar

Gary Hake

Rhys Sutcliffe

Charlotte Clarke

Ian Sellar

David Fowler

Angela Bruce

Davey Byrne

Richard Gordon

Andrew Jamieson

Dave Cowe, Richard Forbes

Kate Dean

Dougie Simpson

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 Rumarn Burrell 11

Stirling Albion

Manager -Darren Young

1 Blair Currie

2 Ross McGeachie

3 Cammy Clark

4 Paul McLean

5 Jordan McGregor

6 Adam Cummins

7 Rudi Molotnikov

8 Ross Davidson

9 Dale Carrick

10 Jack Leitch

12 Kyle Banner

14 Josh McPake