Cove Rangers FC Matchday Programme – vs. Alloa Athletic 20.04.24

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vs ALLOA ATHLETIC

Saturday 20th April ‘24 • 5.30pm KO

BAL MOR AL GROUP Balmoral Comtec Balmoral Tanks Balmoral Business Park BLAZE Manufacturing Solutions Friends of ANCHOR www.balmoral‐group.com Proud sponsors of Balmoral Stadium
Match sponsor Matchball sponsor vs ALLOA ATHLETIC Balmoral Stadium • Saturday 20th April ‘24 • 5.30pm KO Features Stirling Albion Match Report 04 Falkirk Match Report 08 Annan Athletic Match Report 12 Arron Darge Feature 16 Regulars Fixtures & League Table 02 Season 23/24 Statistics 20 Player & Management Sponsorship 22 Captain’s Column 24 View from the Dugout 28 Club Partners 33 Club Information 36 Club Honours 37 Today’s Team Lines 39 01

50/50 WINNER

The winning number at the Stirling Albion game was 152604 with the £550 prize being claimed by Alan Joss.

cinch League One P W D L GF GA GD PTS Falkirk 33 27 6 0 89 21 68 87 Hamilton Academical 33 19 8 6 66 26 40 65 Alloa Athletic 33 15 7 11 55 50 5 52 Montrose 33 13 8 12 52 53 -1 47 Cove Rangers 33 13 7 13 53 57 -4 46 Kelty Hearts 33 12 7 14 45 55 -10 43 Queen of the South 33 10 7 16 42 50 -8 37 Annan Athletic 33 8 10 15 49 63 -14 34 Stirling Albion 33 9 7 17 35 56 -21 34 Edinburgh City 33 3 5 25 35 90 -55 8
A Sat 27th Apr, ‘24 Queen of the South v Cove Rangers cinch League One H Sat 4th May, ‘24 Cove Rangers v Edinburgh City cinch League One 02 FIXTURES
LEAGUE TABLE

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MATCH REPORT Cove Rangers 4 Stirling Albion 2 cinch League One Sat 30th March ‘24 Balmoral Stadium 04 STIRLING ALBION MATCH REPORT

The team pulled off a massive victory which, thanks also to Falkirk’s thrashing of Montrose, saw us climb back up into the playoff places. Albion helped, scoring two own goals, while Sena notched his first for the club and Rumarn Burrell netted his twentieth league goal of the campaign.

The big team news was the absence of captain Mitch Megginson, who pulled up in training on Thursday night with a groin injury. Kyle Connell took over up front. There was a change in goal too, Nick Suman back in for the first time since the Scottish Cup defeat at Kilmarnock.

Blair Yule and Matty Shiels were also posted missing, but fit-again Cameron Stewart returned to take his place on a depleted bench.

Stirling kicked-off in bright sunshine, but it was Cove who enjoyed the bulk of the early possession.

Jones sent in a couple of crosses, the first too long for Burrell, the second headed out for a corner by McGregor, then a Scully delivery found McGowan but the midfielder headed well wide.

Our next attack came from direct play, Suman firing the ball downfield towards Connell who flicked it into the path of Burrell. The striker laid it off for Scully, but after darting into the box, Connor shot over from just inside the box.

“...it was Cove who enjoyed the bulk of the early possession.”

Sixty seconds later we were behind. McPake again cut in, but this time sent a crossfield pass into the path of Kieran OFFORD who took a touch before firing low into the bottom corner from twenty yards.

The Cove players responded well to that setback, continued to enjoy most of the possession, and were level midway through the half. Mark Reynolds, a rich source of assists this season, drove forward and angled a long ball across the area. Rumarn BURRELL took a touch, moved clear of Clark, and sent his shot beyond Currie just inside the far post. It was his twenty-third goal in all competitions.

We might have scored an excellent goal in the thirty-fifth minute following a superb move. Kyle Connell switched play with a clever diagonal, Arron Darge fed in Burrell, and the striker’s low cross found Connell, but his first time effort was saved by Currie. The lead was however delayed only by seconds.

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“ The boys finally secured the three points with the game moving into stoppage time...”

We extended our lead in the fifty-sixth minute. From a long Connell throw-in, the ball was half cleared, and after some interplay, SENA gathered, made space, and shot low across Currie into the bottom corner of the net.

In no time at all, our advantage was reduced as Albion hit back in spectacular fashion. The ball was played to Cammy CLARK, and with too much space to run into, the left-back smashed a thirty yard effort high past Suman.

Scully whipped in the resultant corner from the right, and under pressure from Kerr, Jordan McGREGOR could only send a powerful header soaring past his own keeper.

Five minutes before the interval, Burrell looked to have been fouled on the edge of the box, but the referee waved play on.

The striker required lengthy treatment and had to be helped from the pitch, Sena his replacement.

There was a scare soon after when the big keeper fell heavily collecting a high ball, and Doyle had to block a shot on the line. Referee McFarlane waved away Stirling shouts for a penalty, and Nick was eventually able to continue after lengthy treatment. Arron Darge also required the attention of physio Charlotte Clark, but he too carried on, and sent a superb ball over the top for Fyvie to chase, his cross being diverted for a corner.

06 STIRLING ALBION MATCH REPORT

McPake created an opening for Albion, his cutback finding Hilson, but the substitute’s shot was half blocked by Darge and Suman gathered the ball. Again, the visitors claimed for a penalty, again they were rebuffed.

The boys finally secured the three points with the game moving into stoppage time. A long ball forward caused issues for McGregor, and with Kyle Connell pressurising the centre-half, he played a hurried pass back towards keeper Blair CURRIE, who got a foot to it, but could only divert it into his own net.

It was a deserved, if hard-fought, victory for Cove, and with champions Falkirk putting seven past Montrose at Links Park a few hours later, the team moved back up into fourth place with just five games remaining.

Cove Rangers (4-1-3-2)

Suman; Darge, Doyle, Reynolds, Jones; Kerr; Fyvie (c), McGowan (Gillingham 78), Scully; Connell, Burrell (Sena 44)

Substitutes

Demus, Stewart

Goalscorers

Burrell (22), McGregor (OG 35), Sena (56), Currie (OG 90)

Booked

Connell (82), Kerr (90)

Stirling Albion (4-2-3-1)

Currie; McGeachie, McGregor, McLean (c), Clark; Banner (Cooper 84), Crane; Offord, Leitch (Milne 84), McPake; Spence (Hilson 72)

Substitutes

Weir, Cummins, Molotnikov, Moore

Goalscorers

Offord (17), Clark (58)

Booked

McGregor (34), Crane (60), McPake (67)

Referee

Dan McFarlane Attendance

536

07

MATCH REPORT

Falkirk 5

Cove Rangers 1

cinch League One Sat 6th April ‘24

Falkirk Community Stadium

The title winners put on a five star showing to clinch the points as they showed why they have run away with League One this season. Two-nil down after twenty-five minutes, the boys rallied and might have gone in level at the break, but defensive slackness after the restart cost us dear, and Falkirk capitalised in clinical fashion.

With Mitch Megginson still missing, the captain joining Blair Yule and Matty Shiels on the sidelines, there was mixed injury news on the injury front for Paul Hartley.

Josh Kerr had recovered in time to play, but top scorer Rumarn Burrell was fit enough only for a place on the

bench. Sena started, having come on for the striker last week, and Will Gillingham returned to the side in place of Paul McGowan, the manager opting for a back five.

Having given the newly crowned champions a guard of honour ahead of the match, the Cove players were hemmed in for the first few minutes as Falkirk dominated the ball, looking to give the big crowd an early goal.

While they had plenty possession, we held them off comfortably enough, and might have caught them out with a swift counter-attack. Fyvie and Connell exchanged passes in midfield,

08 FALKIRK MATCH REPORT

but when Fraser swung in a cross from the right, it was slightly overhit, and the striker could not make contact at the back post.

Connor Scully then curled in an inviting ball which Josh Kerr met with his head, but his effort flew over the bar.

Falkirk took the lead in their next attack. From a short corner routine, the ball was rolled out to Miller, and his cross was inch perfect for Coll DONALDSON to glance beyond the helpless Nick Suman.

It was one-way traffic at this stage, Falkirk dominating, and when MacIver

got in behind, it took a last gasp challenge from Kerr to take the power off the cross, allowing Suman to gather. Miller then raced through on to a long clearance from Hogarth before trying to find Morrison in the box, Fyvie tracking back to prevent the winger from making contact just a few yards out.

The second goal was delayed only briefly. With far too much freedom in which to operate, Spencer threaded a pass through for Callumn MORRISON who found himself unmarked in the box. His low shot was powerful and accurate; it flew into the far corner.

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We had an opening with half an hour gone when Kerr fired a free-kick forward for Doyle to gather in the area, but with Connell and Darge waiting in the middle, Mikey’s cross hit the first Falkirk defender. Arron Darge then battled through a couple of challenges and delivered to the back post where Scully steadied himself before shooting, his effort deflecting off Yeats for a corner.

We were enjoying our best spell of the match, and Doyle was next to have a go, his shot cannoning off Mackie for another corner. It was from that, that the side grabbed a potential lifeline. Connor Scully whipped the ball in and Josh KERR, unmarked five yards out, powered a header down and into the net.

We might have equalised in the thirtyninth minute when Falkirk gave the ball away in midfield. Sena gathered, played a one-two with Connell, then shot low from eighteen yards. It was a fine strike, but Hogarth dived to his left to make an important save.

Having been on the back foot since scoring their second, the home side suddenly sprang to life when, out of nowhere, Morrison took possession, wheeled twenty yards out, and unleashed a well-struck shot which smashed against the face of the cross bar. MacIver attempted to convert the rebound but sliced his effort wide.

We made a strong start after the interval, Fyvie taking possession in midfield and driving at the Falkirk defence before spreading the play wide left. Scully gathered and delivered to the back post where Darge met the ball, heading it goalwards, his effort unluckily getting caught between Mackie’s legs just short of the line.

McCann then fired wide from fully thirty yards before the home side snatched their third in controversial fashion. During a sustained attack, the main stand assistant, Gordon McCabe, raised his flag to signal offside, only to then lower it again. Nesbitt’s powerful shot crashed off the underside of the bar, Miller failed to

10 FALKIRK MATCH REPORT
“Josh Kerr, unmarked five yards out, powered a header down and into the net.”

convert, but Ross MacIVER was on hand to nudge it over the line from close range.

The goal sparked a period of sustained Falkirk pressure, and they broke through again just past the hour mark. From the latest of a succession of corners, the ball was fed out to Dylan TAIT and the midfielder, unmarked twenty yards out, curled a superb effort beyond Suman.

Shanley was next to have a go, his powerful shot from the edge of the box being headed over by Doyle, then Ross ran at our defence before shooting from twenty yards, his effort well held by Suman.

In a rare foray forward, we might have reduced the arrears when Connell got in behind on the right and sent over an inviting cross. Scully met it, but his header lacked pace, and was easily held by Hogarth.

Our misery was compounded in stoppage time when Alfredo AGYEMAN, who looked well offside, ran on to a long ball and chipped it beyond Suman.

Falkirk (4-2-3-1)

Hogarth; Yeats, Donaldson, Mackie, McCann; Spencer (McGinn 65), Tait; Morrison (Agyeman 72), Nesbitt (Oliver 65), Miller (Ross 72); MacIver (Shanley 65)

Substitutes

Long, Henderson, Bisland

Goalscorers

Donaldson (13), Morrison (25), MacIver (50), Tait (62), Agyeman (90)

Cove Rangers (5-4-1)

Suman; Doyle, Gillingham, Kerr (McGowan 69), Reynolds, Jones; Darge, Sena, Fyvie (c), Scully; Connell

Substitutes

Demus, Burrell, Stewart

Goalscorers Kerr (34)

Booked Fyvie (90)

Referee

Peter Stuart

Attendance

4,810

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MATCH REPORT Annan Athletic 4 Cove Rangers 2 cinch League One Sat 13th April ‘24 Galabank 12 ANNAN ATHLETIC MATCH REPORT

More defensive woes contributed to a loss which could have a major impact on our dreams of making the top four.

Annan were gifted a 2-0 lead from corners, Goss and Douglas unmarked when scoring, but we battled back to level by the interval through Connell and Kerr. That was to be the highpoint of the match for us, Luissint and Walker clinching the victory for the home side after the break.

The manager made three changes for the long trip south with Balint Demus, Paul McGowan and fit again Rumarn Burrell all restored to the starting line-up. Suman, Gillingham and Jones dropped to the bench as Paul Hartley reverted to a 4-4-2 formation.

With the rain driving into their faces, Cove dominated early possession, and looked to have gone ahead in the thirteenth minute. Fyvie and Paul McGowan linkedup well in midfield before Fraser rolled the ball into Burrell. He laid it off for the overlapping Arron Darge who fired in a superb cross, McGowan converting as he dived in at the back post. Our celebrations were cut short when the assistant raised his flag to signal offside.

Annan countered and created their first opening, MacIntyre crossing from the left and finding Benjamin Luissint in the box, but the big midfielder headed over from eight yards.

“We snatched a lifeline three minutes later...”

We were enjoying plenty of the ball, but unable to make any kind of breakthrough as the home side sat deep, and then, following a swift counter-attack, Annan took the lead. Smith crossed from the left and Luissint let fly from fifteen yards, Balint diving to make a superb save, pushing the ball behind for a corner.

Gibson swung in the delivery from the right and the towering Tommy GOSS, unmarked, sent an unstoppable diving header high into the roof of the net.

The second goal came in the twentyninth minute and was again down to poor marking as we attempted to defend a corner which had been conceded by Reynolds. Gibson sent in the same delivery, and this time it was Matty DOUGLAS who had the freedom of the area to sidefoot home.

We snatched a lifeline three minutes later. Mark Reynolds sent a long pass forward, Douglas got to it, but could not retain control, and Kyle CONNELL passed the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

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With the pitch briefly bathed in sunshine, both sides enjoyed spells of possession without seriously threatening, until we very nearly levelled on the stroke of half time. McGowan chipped a superb cross into the box which Connell met with his head, Fleming pulling off a superb low save before Douglas smashed the ball out for a corner.

The goal was delayed only briefly. Fyvie swung in a pinpoint delivery which was flicked on, and Josh KERR climbed highest to head home at the back post.

Annan made the brighter start after the interval, Demus collecting a couple of crosses, then Scully forced a corner in our first attack of the half, the home defence scrambling the ball clear.

Good pressing by Sena forced Greg Fleming into conceding a throw-in and from Connell’s long delivery, we very nearly nudged in front. The ball bounced into a dangerous area and Rumarn Burrell’s header beat the keeper, only for Douglas to hack it away off the goal line.

Benjamin LUISSINT collected a booking for tugging back Sena, moments before putting the home side back in front. Picking the ball up thirty yards out, there appeared to be no danger, but the midfielder caught his shot superbly, and it flew into the roof of the net.

Nugent worked his way into the box soon after, Demus making an excellent save to prevent his cross finding a team-mate, then we countered, Burrell driving the ball

off Douglas to win a corner, which came to nothing.

Fyvie sent in a cross, finding Connell, but the home defence swarmed all over the striker and his shot was charged down. Annan then broke upfield to double their advantage. Josh WALKER skipped away from Kerr, rounded Reynolds, and from just outside the area, curled a low shot beyond Demus and inside the far post.

To make things worse, both Connor Scully and Fraser Fyvie went down injured in separate incidents, the latter being forced to limp off to be replaced by Will Gillingham.

Kyle Connell raced in behind and rounded the onrushing Fleming, only to be stopped by the assistant raising his flag. He looked onside.

It was to be the last action of the game, another bitterly disappointing defeat severely damaging our hopes of making the playoffs.

“Fyvie sent in a cross, finding Connell, but the home defence swarmed all over...”
14 ANNAN ATHLETIC MATCH REPORT

Annan Athletic (4-1-3-2)

Fleming; Galloway (Nugent 56), T. Muir, Douglas (c), MacIntyre; Gibson (Ndiweni 90); Luissint, Hunter, Smith; Walker (Maxwell 90), Goss

Substitutes

Heraghty, R, Muir, McMenamin, Quitongo, Watson

Goalscorers

Goss (23), Douglas (29), Luissint (67), Walker (80)

Booked

Galloway (39), Luissint (64), Gibson (90)

Cove Rangers (4-4-2)

Demus; Darge, Kerr, Reynolds, Doyle; Fyvie (c) (Gillingham 86), Sena, McGowan, Scully; Burrell, Connell

Substitutes

Suman, Jones, Stewart

Goalscorers

Connell (32), Kerr (45)

Booked

Reynolds (90)

Referee Stewart Luke Attendance 416

15

ARRON DARGE

16 ARRON DARGE FEATURE
“...it’s been a real confidence boost the manager picking me week in, week out..”

While it has been a tough couple of months as the team has slipped off the pace in the battle for the playoffs, one highlight has been the emergence of Arron Darge as a key first team player.

The twenty-year old has featured in thirty matches for Cove Rangers in what is his debut full season at this level, and has started the last eight, impressing in a variety of roles. He admits he did have to be patient earlier in the campaign, but that did not come as a surprise:

“To be fair, I expected that as I settled in at a new club. It was up to me to work hard and give myself the best chance of playing, to make sure that I didn’t let the fact I wasn’t being picked affect me. I took the minutes whenever I was given them and did what I could

“It has been great to get the little run I’ve been on; it’s helped me get a good feel for the league and what’s expected of you. As for my best position? I honestly couldn’t tell you! Each has its merits, things I enjoy, but I’m just happy to play, to get on the pitch.

“Throughout my time at the academy – (Arron was captain of the Hearts B team) – I played at centre half, but whenever I went out on loan I was shoved out to right back or pushed up one into midfield. I genuinely don’t mind which position I play.

“I feel as if I’m in a good place right now, and it’s been a real confidence boost the manager picking me week in, week out.”

Paul Hartley has been delighted with the progress Arron has shown, but his performances have not come as a surprise to the gaffer:

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“I did my homework on Arron, I knew what I was getting, and he has not let me down. His attitude is first class, he always gives you everything, wants to win every ball, and he’s such a clean tackler.

“It took him a little while to get a regular run of starts, but he’s played in most of the games, and he does a job for the team wherever I ask him to play.”

Like everyone at the club, Arron has been disappointed by recent results, but he says it is vital to remain upbeat and positive, and believes we can still make the playoffs:

“It hasn’t gone our way of late, but you never know in football, look what happened to Montrose in midweek. There’s three games left, and we have to go out and do everything we can to win them.

“What has happened is in the past, you can’t let that affect you. We’ve still got plenty quality in the squad, despite the injuries, and we need to get back to playing the way we know we are capable of.

“I see it in training, I know it’s there, and being fulltime helps in that you see most of the boys, you can talk things through, and it is a supportive dressing room. We’re all in this together, it’s a really positive environment; the frustration is that we haven’t been able to show that on the pitch in recent weeks.

“We know the importance of the Alloa game, it’s huge, and we have to go out there, perform, and win it. You do look at the league table, the other fixtures, we’ve all been talking about it, but it’s on the pitch where it really matters, and we’re all fired-up to get the three points which would set us up for a dramatic finish to the season.”

18 ARRON DARGE FEATURE

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

PLAYERS LOUNGE 19
Date Fixture Competition H/A Score 18/07/23 Clyde VPC H 5 - 2 22/07/23 Brechin City VPC A 3 - 2 25/07/23 Livingston VPC H 0 - 5 29/07/23 Hamilton Acad. VPC A 2 - 2 05/08/23 Hamilton Acad. SPFL1 A 0 - 1 12/08/23 Falkirk SPFL1 H 2 - 2 19/08/23 Montrose SPFL1 A 3 -0 26/08/23 Queen of the South SPFL1 H 1 - 2 02/09/23 Alloa Athletic SPFL1 A 0 - 1 09/09/23 Montrose SPFL Trust Trophy H 0 - 2 16/09/23 Kelty Hearts SPFL1 H 2 - 2 23/09/23 Edinburgh City SPFL1 A 2 - 2 30/09/23 Stirling Albion SPFL1 A 2 - 2 07/10/23 Annan Athletic SPFL1 H 3 - 2 28/10/23 Queen of the South SPFL1 A 1 - 0 04/11/23 Hamilton Acad. SPFL1 H 1 - 0 11/11/23 Kelty Hearts SPFL1 A 1 - 0 14/11/23 Montrose SPFL1 H 1 - 0 18/11/23 Stirling Albion SPFL1 H 3 - 1 25/11/23 Stirling Albion Scottish Cup A 2 - 0 09/12/23 Annan Athletic SPFL1 A 3 - 1 16/12/2023 Alloa Athletic SPFL1 H 1 - 2 Name Appearances Goals Position Yellow Red Nick Suman 26 0 GK 1 0 Balint Demus 15 0 GK 0 0 Jacob Jones 27 0 DF 3 0 Michael Doyle 26 1 DF 3 1 Will Gillingham 28 0 DF 5 1 Arron Darge 30 0 DF 5 0 Josh Kerr 27 4 DF 4 1 Cameron Stewart 18 0 DF 1 0 Matthew Shiels 8 0 DF 0 0 Mark Reynolds 34 1 DF 2 0 20 SEASON 23/24 STATS
Date Fixture Competition H/A Score 23/12/23 Edinburgh City SPFL1 H 7 - 2 30/12/23 Montrose SPFL1 A 1 - 1 06/01/24 Kelty Hearts SPFL1 H 2 - 2 09/01/23 Falkirk SPFL1 A 0 - 4 13/01/24 Hamilton Academical SPFL1 A 0 - 2 27/01/24 Queen of the South SPFL1 H 0 - 2 30/01/24 Brora Rangers Scottish Cup A 3 - 1 03/02/24 Stirling Albion SPFL1 A 2 - 2 10/02/24 Kilmarnock Scottish Cup A 0 - 2 17/02/24 Alloa Athletic SPFL1 A 1 - 4 24/02/24 Annan Athletic SPFL1 H 2 - 1 02/03/24 Edinburgh City SPFL1 A 2 - 0 05/03/24 Falkirk SPFL1 H 0 - 1 09/03/24 Montrose SPFL1 H 1 - 4 16/03/24 Kelty Hearts SPFL1 A 1 - 0 23/03/24 Hamilton Academical SPFL1 H 1 - 3 30/03/24 Stirling Albion SPFL1 H 4 - 2 06/04/24 Falkirk SPFL1 A 1 - 5 13/04/24 Annan Athletic SPFL1 A 2 - 4 20/04/24 Alloa Athletic SPFL1 H 27/04/24 Queen of the South SPFL1 A 04/05/24 Edinburgh City SPFL1 H Name Appearances Goals Position Yellow Red Connor Scully 41 6 MF 4 0 Mouhamed Niang 38 1 MF 5 0 Blair Yule 24 3 MF 1 0 Iain Vigurs 2 0 MF 1 0 Fraser Fyvie 17 2 MF 2 0 Paul McGowan 29 1 MF 2 1 Ola Lawal 3 0 MF 0 0 Mitch Megginson 28 11 FW 4 1 Rumarn Burrell 40 23 FW 0 0 Kyle Connell 36 9 FW 3 0 21
22
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Paul Hartley LOCAL , NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL ROAD HAULAGE ABERDEEN 01224 – 781698 WWW.MGSLOGISTICS.CO.UK Tam Ritchie 1. Nick Suman 4. Connor Scully 5. Mouhamed Niang 2. Jacob Jones 8. Blair Yule 9. Mitch Megginson Advertising opportunities Management Sponsors Player Sponsors 7. Paul McGowan 6. Will Gillingham 3. Michael Doyle 24 SPONSORSHIP

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
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14. Luke Strachan

The season is now in what will clearly be the decisive phase, and given the situation we find ourselves in, we all know that we are going to have to beat Alloa to give ourselves a chance of making the playoffs.

The season is now in what will clearly be the decisive phase, and given the situation we find ourselves in, we all know that we are going to have to beat Alloa to give ourselves a chance of making the playoffs.

It is disappointing to be in this position, but we only have ourselves to blame, and we have an opportunity to put things right in these last three games, starting this evening.

I have missed the last three because of injury, which has been hugely frustrating. As a player, you just want to be out there helping your teammates, doing your bit for the side, and I feel that strongly, given the time I have spent with Cove and my love for the club.

It is a part of the game you just have to accept, but that doesn’t mean it is easy to deal with, and you obviously want to get back as quickly as possible. I have been getting treatment and have started to get back involved in training, so I am hoping to be able to get involved again tonight, and to contribute to the cause.

“...we have an opportunity to put things right in these last three games...”
26 CAPTAIN’S VIEW
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28 CAPTAIN’S VIEW
“Your support has been so important to us throughout the season...”

The boys will be desperate to pick up the three points.

Two heavy defeats on the road, at Falkirk and Annan, have cost us dear, and we know we are going to have to get back on track quickly.

You saw what happened to Montrose on Tuesday night, anything can happen in this league, so there is still a chance for us to make the top four. That’s what we have been targeting since starting pre-season training last summer, and we are not going to go down without a fight.

Win this one, and the situation looks very different. We would get a real lift, while the pressure would increase on the others, and you never know what might happen in the last couple of weeks of the campaign.

Your support has been so important to us throughout the season, and we are going to need you tonight as well. With your backing, I am sure we can get the victory. Do that, and we can move on to Dumfries next weekend with our hopes still alive.

COYC!

29

PAUL HARTLEY

Welcome to Balmoral Stadium for this evening’s crucial encounter with our playoff rivals, Alloa Athletic.

We are all well aware of the importance of the ninety minutes ahead, and it is a game we simply have to win, particularly after last week’s disappointment down at Annan.

The manner of that defeat still hurts.

I thought we played well first half, despite going 2-0 down, and having levelled it up before half-time, I was confident we would go on to take the points. We had all the momentum, we should have been on the front foot, but we just never got going at all after the interval.

I fully expected us to go on and win the game, and it’s very difficult to understand why we then put in the performance we did. It probably sums up our season, we have been so inconsistent, playing some good football at times, then just letting it slide.

I don’t think it was down to the pressure at this stage of the campaign, we have suffered in that way throughout; it’s all about making bad decisions and poor mistakes.

Despite that, the aim remains the same; to keep our challenge alive until the last game of the season. To do so, tonight will be vital. There are no doubts about it, we have to get the victory, pure and simple. No point in trying to dress it up, you just have to be honest and lay it on the line. Unless we win, the playoff hopes are gone.

It may be that we actually need to take maximum points from the last three games, but we can think about that after Alloa. I would expect there still to be a few twists and turns, that’s what it’s like in this league, but we have to put ourselves in position to capitalise on any slip-ups the others make.

30 VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT
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32 VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT
..I would hope they come back better prepared to play in our team next season.”

Team selection has been tough throughout the season, I’ve had to chop and change regularly, and we have missed key players for long spells; that’s definitely not helped. We have barely had a full bench at any time, so the options to change games have been limited too.

There has to be an improvement defensively, that’s plain to see given how many goals we have conceded, but the problems there have not been helped by constantly having to change formations and personnel, depending on who was available. That’s an issue when you are trying to find the consistency you need, we’ve even had to chop and change the goalkeepers because of injuries; if I had been able to put out a settled back line, I’m sure that would have made a big difference.

I took the decision to put some of the younger players out on loan, and despite the issues we have had, I stick by that call. The kids needed to get first team football, which we couldn’t guarantee them, and they just weren’t ready for the demands of this division. It was a gamble, but you take that chance for their development, and I would hope they come back better prepared to play in our team next season.

We can still get something from this campaign though, and we are going to need a positive mindset. The objective at the start was to make the top four, and it’s not just us who have struggled on occasion, other sides who would have targeted the playoffs are in a much worse position than us.

It is now out of our hands, but we have to be upbeat and hope that things go our way.

The result in midweek, Edinburgh City beating Montrose, helped; now we have to concentrate on doing our job, and with your backing, we can still make sure it is a positive end to the season.

Enjoy the game!

33
Principal Club Partner Principal Stadium Partner Official Club Partners CLUB PARTNERS 35

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

Honorary President

Alan McRae OBE

Directors Keith Moorhouse - Chairman

Graeme Reid - Vice Chairman

Darren Anderson

John Sheran

Grant Moorhouse

Willie Young Safety Officers Graeme Anderson, John Morgan Committee

Michael Coull, Richard Forbes

Football Manager

Paul Hartley Fitness Coach Tam Ritchie Goalkeeping Coach

Derek Soutar Coach Gary Hake

Performance Analyst

Physiotherapist

Rhys Sutcliffe

Charlotte Clarke Kit Manager Ian Sellar Club Doctor David Fowler

Commercial Manager

Angela Bruce Club Secretary

Richard Gordon Digital Media

Andrew Jamieson Club Photographers

Dave Cowe, Richard Forbes

Davey Byrne Head of Media & Communications
Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer Kate Dean Club Chaplain
38 CLUB INFORMATION
Dougie Simpson Balmoral Stadium Wellington Circle, Altens, Aberdeen AB12 3JG T 01224 392111 F 01224 392859 coverangersfc.com Twitter Facebook Instagram @coverangersfc

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

CLUB HONOURS
39 39

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Team lines sponsor Tonight’s referee - Chris Graham Tonights’s assistant referees - Chris Rae, Brian Christie & Andy Gamble
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 Kyle Connell 12 Milosz Ochmanski 14 Luke Strachan 15 Arron Darge 16 Iain Vigurs 17 Josh Kerr 18 Tyler Mykyta 19 Dayshonne Golding 20 Myles Gaffney 21 Balint Demus 22 Mark Gallagher 23 Jack Robertson 24 Fraser Fyvie 25 Mikey Milnes 26 Mark Reynolds 27 Cameron Stewart 28 Matty Shiels
Athletic Manager -Andy Graham 1 PJ Morrison 2 Scott Taggart 3 Euan Deveney 4 Steven Hetherington 5 Andy Graham 6 Morgyn Neill 7 Kevin Cawley 8 Kurtis Roberts 9 Luke Donnelly 11 Taylor Steven 12 Stefan Scougall 14 Miko Virtanen 16 Ally Roy 18 Conor Sammon 19 Steven Buchanan 20 Cammy O’Donnell 22 Paul McLaren 23 David Devine 25 Jon Robertson 26 Quinn Coulson 28 Bobby Wales 30 Ethan Sutherland 41 Tochukwu Ogayi 41 TONIGHT’S TEAM LINES
Cove Rangers
Alloa

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