UNCOVERED — Cove Rangers v Partick Thistle 27.04.21

Cove Rangers v Partick Thistle Scottish League 1 27.04.21 — 7pm KO

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02 03

— Contents

Cove Rangers FC Matchday Programme Partick Thistle: 27.04.21 — 7pm KO

Features

FALKIRK MATCH REPORT FALKIRK REACTION DEREK CARR INTERVIEW

06 16 20 Regulars

Upcoming fixtures & league table

04

Club information

05

Club partners

15

View from the dugout

28

Player and Management sponsorship

32

Season 2020/21 statistics

34

Captain’s view

36

Club honours

40

Today’s team lines

41

— Upcoming fixtures

A Thur 29th Apr, 2021

Montrose v Cove Rangers

Scottish League 1

H Sat 1st May, 2021

Cove Rangers v Airdrieonians

Scottish League 1

— League table

SPFL1

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Partick Thistle

19

10

6

3

31

13

18

36

Falkirk

19

9

5

5

28

17

11

32

Cove Rangers

19

9

5

5

24

14

10

32

Airdrieonians

19

9

2

8

29

23

6

29

Montrose

18

7

6

5

27

26

1

27

East Fife

19

9

3

7

25

26

-1

30

Peterhead

19

8

2

9

18

21

-3

26

Clyde

19

6

2

11

22

35

-13

20

Dumbarton

19

5

4

10

10

20

-10

19

Forfar Athletic

18

2

5

11

12

31

-19

11

04 05

— Club information

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

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

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

Assistant Manager - Gordon Young Fitness Coach - Tam Ritchie

Goalkeeping Coach - Alan Combe

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

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

Commercial Manager - Angela Bruce Media Officer - Charlie Allan

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

Club Photographers - Dave Cowe, Richard Forbes

Scottish League 1 Saturday April 24th @ Falkirk Stadium

FALKIRK 2 COVE RANGERS 2

06 07

— Falkirk match report

PROMOTION DRea A late strike from veteran striker Connor Sammon denied us what would have been a thoroughly deserved League One victory over the Bairns at the Falkirk Stadium.

We had shown real character to battle back from going behind to a very dubiously awarded spot-kick, which was converted by Callumn Morrison.

Leighton McIntosh nodded us level before the break – then saw his penalty saved during a second half in which we dominated our opponents with some fantastic passing football.

We struck the woodwork twice – with the second of those a spectacular volley from Seb Ross that defied science with the way it came back out off the inside of the post instead of going in.

We looked to have earned the reward we deserved for our dominance when skipper Megginson put us ahead in the 76th minute with a brilliant individual effort.

But we had to settle for one point instead of three when Sammon made the most of a long ball with just five minutes to go to ensure Falkirk avoided defeat.

>>>

ams alive

08 09

— Falkirk match report

10 11

We showed several changes to the side that faced Montrose in midweek. Daniel Higgins returned in the centre of the defence in place of the suspended Ryan Strachan, there were also starts for Adam Livingstone, Seb Ross and Leighton McIntosh.

Falkirk were first to threaten, when Callumn Morrison tried to net with a lob from 18-yards but sent his effort off target.

Keeper Stuart McKenzie also had to race outside his area to clear as Morrison chased a long through pass.

Our first chance came in the 12th minute. Blair Yule crossed from the right and Bairns keeper Robbie Mutch just managed to snatch the ball off the head of Megginson. Connor Scully’s excellent pass then sent Fraser Fyvie clear on the right. His cross reached Yule and he was unfortunate to see his shot from the edge of the area blocked by a defender.

Falkirk’s softest of soft penalties was awarded in the 18th minute, when Blair Altson appeared to fall over McKenzie as the keeper attempted to pick the ball up just inside the area.

There looked to have been no intent to foul the Falkirk forward but referee Gavin Duncan had no doubts as he pointed to the spot and also booked Megginson for his protests. Morrison gave McKenzie no chance with his well hit effort from the spot.

The equaliser came in the 35th minute, after Seb Ross had worked hard to retrieve the ball on the left then fed it back to Livingstone. His looping cross went to the edge of the six yard box, where McIntosh managed to beat Mutch to the ball and score with a deft header.

We were unlucky not to go ahead in the 43rd minute, when Higgins’ header from a Scully cross was deflected just wide for a corner. We were even unluckier a minute later when Seb Ross nodded the ball back to Megginson on the left edge of the Falkirk area and his excellent volley beat Mutch but rebounded to safety off the outside of the keeper’s right post.

>>>

— Falkirk match report

Mutch also had to make a save from Seb Ross’ shot from a tight angle on the left as we finished the half strongly.

Our penalty came just two minutes after the restart, when Gary Miller handled Megginson’s shot inside the area. McIntosh took the kick but Mutch dived to his right to save the striker’s effort.

Luck deserted us again in the 58th minute when Scully’s corner from the right fell into the path of Seb Ross. His spectacular 16-yard volley beat Mutch but somehow rebounded to safety off the inside of the Falkirk keeper’s left post.

Megginson then exchanged passes with Seb Ross before seeing his low shot from the edge of the area roll wide of the same post.

We had yet another chance in the 65th minute after Scully had been tripped 20-yards from the Falkirk goal. Higgins took the free-kick but blasted his shot well over the crossbar.

Mutch also blocked a Megginson shot just seconds after Rory McAllister had been brought on for Seb Ross in the 69th minute.

Falkirk finally got forward again in the 71st minute, but McKenzie easily gathered Lewis Neilson’s shot from the edge of the area.

We took the lead in the 76th minute thanks to a cracker of a goal. Megginson fed a pass in from the right touchline to McAllister, who then appeared to be fouled from behind, just inside the Falkirk area.

While everyone was screaming for the spot-kick Megginson latched on to the ball, raced into the area and then side stepped two defenders and keeper Mutch before firing it high into the net from a tight angle on the right, it was a quite sensational strike.

We kept pushing for another so it was cruel on our lads when Falkirk snatched their equaliser in the 85th minute when a long ball through the middle fell to Sammon and he managed to drill a low 16-yard shot past Mckenzie.

We almost regained the lead when McAllister cut the ball back from the right to Megginson but Mutch managed to get on the end of his effort at goal as Falkirk held on to deny us what would have been our second victory over them inside a week.

Falkirk: Mutch, Mercer, Miller, Alston, Neilson, Leitch, (Francis 83), Sammon, Fotheringham (Keena 76), Kelly, Morrison, McClelland.

Subs: Cantley, Laverty, Sneddon.

Cove Rangers: McKenzie, Scully, Scott Ross, Yule, Megginson, McIntosh, Higgins, Livingstone, Seb Ross (McAllister 69), Graham, Fyvie.

Subs: Watson, Smith, Logan, Ngwenya, Hanratty, Demus.

Referee: Gavin Duncan.

12 13

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14 15

— Club partners

Principal Club Partner

Principal Stadium Partner

Official Club Partners

MARC DARCY

DRAPERS MENSWEAR BRAND OF THE YEAR

— Falkirk reaction

FALKIRK REACTION Manager Paul Hartley and forward Leighton McIntosh share their reaction to our 2-2 League One draw with Falkirk last week at the Falkirk Stadium.

16 17

Paul said: “We had a dressing room of very disappointed players at the end because we drew the game. That shows the standards we have set at our club.

Our lads were fantastic, they gave everything in what we knew would be a very tough game - against full-time opponents.

We controlled the game, played some really good stuff and scored two excellent goals, so it was hard to concede the equaliser in the dying minutes. We also had loads of chances, the missed penalty and we hit the post twice.

We have shown we are a match for anybody in this league, so it’s just a case of focussing on the next game and going again.”

>>>

— Falkirk reaction

Leighton McIntosh is delighted to have finally got back on the goal trail in our 2-2 League One draw with Falkirk at the Falkirk Stadium. Leighton netted with a first half header for his second goal for the club, the first having come in our 3-1 home victory over East Fife in October. Leighton, who also saw a second half penalty saved by Falkirk goalkeeper Robbie Mutch, said: “It’s been a strange season for me. The last time I was playing in League One in Scotland (with Airdrie in 2018-19) I finished the campaign with 17 goals. It hasn’t quite worked out the way I wanted with Cove on that front, although in my own defence I have been playing a lot wider on occasion than I did with Airdrie.

I was more through the middle this time though and it was pleasing that paid off with the goal. I should have scored a second, it was actually the first time I have failed to score with a penalty in my career. I did as I always do, I made up my mind on what side I was going to put the ball before I even stepped up and was confident I would score.

I should have put my laces through the ball a bit more, but you also have to give the keeper credit for making the save. You learn from those sort of things and it certainly won’t make me any less willing to take more penalties in the future.

We should have won the game anyway, it was really harsh that Falkirk managed to get their equaliser late on. We need to focus on the positives though, it’s a point away from home against full-time opponents - ones who were expected to be well ahead of us at this stage when people were making predictions at the start of the season.

I’m also hoping the goal will be the first of many between now and the end of the season. It’s a confidence thing with strikers, so it was good to be back in the team and to score.

18 19

I’ve found in the past that once I have got back to scoring after a barren spell I get into a rhythm and others follow.

I certainly felt a lot better about myself after the Falkirk game and I’m desperate to kick on now because I know this is a crucial week for the club.”

Next up, of course, is this evening’s meeting with table leaders Partick Thistle here at Balmoral Stadium. It will be the second of a run of four tough matches for is inside the space of a week, but Leighton is relishing that challenge.

“It’s been strange going for weeks when we weren’t even able to train together to having to play so many matches close together,” he said. “But we are the type of team who thrive on playing in actual matches as opposed to training.

We are also a passing side, we are all comfortable on the ball, so when we do play it tends to be less of a physical challenge than it might have been if we played in a different manner. We also have a strong squad and the manager will rotate things to ensure we have the best chance to get the results that we want.

It’s accepted we are all going to have to pull our weight and support each other as best we can.”

We had taken the lead at Falkirk through an outstanding individual effort from skipper Mitch Megginson, only to see our opponents salvage a point when veteran striker Connor Sammon netted five minutes from time.

Defender Daniel Higgins, who returned to the starting line-up while Ryan Strachan served a one match suspension, also felt we were unfortunate not to come away with what would have been our first victory at the Falkirk Stadium.

— Derek Carr interview

derek carr Derek Carr is a name the majority of Cove Rangers fans will be unfamiliar with, but he has played a key role behind the scenes since we made the step up to the SPFL. The 62-yearold Dundonian is manager Paul Hartley’s eyes in the stands at matches played by all of our opponents.

One of the most respected match analysts in the Scottish game, Derek coached for more than 21 years, mainly with Dundee Junior sides Lochee United and Tayport, before joining East Fife - for four years - then enjoying a second spell at Tayport and also a period with Linlithgow Rose.

Around eight years ago, then Brechin City manager Ray McKinnon asked Derek - whose full-time job is as a facilities officer with Dundee City Council - if he wanted to come on board as their match analyst.

McKinnon took Derek with him when he became team boss at Raith Rovers and also when he was appointed manager of Dundee United. Derek also worked under Csaba Laszlo and Robbie Neilson at Tannadice before finally agreeing to come to Cove Rangers just before the start of last last season.

>>>

20 21

— Derek Carr interview

>>>

How did your move to Cove Rangers come about?

Cove fitness coach Tam Ritchie and I have a mutual friend, Davie Westwood, who was the goalkeeping coach at Dunfermline. Tam spoke to Davie and said Cove were looking to secure a match analyst and asked for my number.

When I got the call from Tam I told him right away that it was something I would be really interested in taking on. Paul Hartley then phoned me, we had a meeting and things were agreed almost immediately.

That was at the start of last season, I was delighted to have been asked to play a part in the club’s first campaign competing at SPFL level.

22 23

So what exactly is it that you do?

My main responsibility is to analyse the sides Cove are due to come up against. I have template that I have used for most of the time I’ve being doing this type of job. It will include team selections for the side I’m watching, any changes made and things like any formation changes made during the game.

I also record - which includes taking photographs - how the teams set up at things like corners and free-kicks, in attack and when they are defending. I will also video any penalties so that our goalkeeper at least has an idea of where the taker prefers to put them if they happen to also get one against us.

It’s about pinpointing the strengths and weaknesses of the sides I’m watching in the hope that it will help Cove when we play them.

Our performance analyst Ryan Docherty includes any information the manager feels is relevant in the presentation to the players ahead of every game. Ryan is the one who deals with the more technical stuff using the loads of computer data and programmes that are available nowadays.

I see myself as an addition to that, trusting my own eyes and gut instincts to seek out ways to give us an advantage in games. Things can get over complicated at times and I’m a great believer in having someone there first hand actually witnessing what the other teams are getting up to. It’s my job to notice things that maybe won’t be picked up from footage or basic reports on games.

It’s not always simple and I don’t always get things right, nobody ever does, no matter what job they do.

I might see a player on an off day and he then ends up being man-of-the-match against us, there are loads of things like that which can’t be legislated for.

But I will give my honest opinion every time and do the very best that I can.

>>>

— Derek Carr interview

“ I will give my honest opinion every time and do the very best that I can.”

Do you get a lot of job satisfaction from what you do?

Absolutely, 100%. Things have changed a lot from when I first started out as a football coach. I’ve had to learn new things almost every year, but I really enjoy that challenge. I’ve also seen some fantastic games - since I started eight seasons ago I think I’ve only been at one 0-0 draw.

I’ve also visited every ground in Scotland during that period, which was something I had always hoped to do. But the most enjoyable part is when you see something you have suggested to the manager paying off for Cove in a match.

The great thing about Paul is he values the opinions of the others on his coaching staff. The final decisions, of course, are always down to him. But it’s really encouraging when Paul pinpoints something we have spoken about and uses it to team’s advantage on a match day.

It makes all the travelling - and hours spent at home most Sunday’s drawing up when I’ve seen so that it can be sent to Paul - worthwhile.

24 25

We have won League Two and made it into the top half of league one since you joined us, is that also a source of satisfaction?

All the credit for that has to go to the management team and the players. But you do feel pleased to have supported them as best you can.

I’ve been at some games when all I’ve heard is opposing directors speaking about Cove Rangers and clearly more concerned about our result than how their own team is doing.

That’s a sign of just how much of an impact Cove have made in their short time as an SPFL club.

I’m proud to be playing a small part at a club that is ambitious and determined to keep improving. Dare I mention that the club I have been with have always done well? Raith Rovers and Brechin City made it to the promotion play-offs and Dundee United won the Championship.

When I was part of the coaching team at Tayport we won the Scottish Junior Cup three times and made it to six finals. So it was pleasing to see Cove win League Two and also get to where they are in League One now. I joke that I’ve proved to be a bit of a lucky charm to the clubs I’ve been with and I’m obviously hoping that continues.

If I’ve got symptoms or I’m to take a test – for work or rate’s high in my area – I’ll d So we can keep moving forward and get back together again.

m asked if the do it.

NHSinform.scot

— View from the dugout

PAUL HARTL I will begin by welcoming the players, coaching staff and officials of Partick Thistle to Balmoral Stadium for tonight’s meeting in League One. I’m sure it will prove as challenging as our previous two encounters this season. I would like to thank the players for ensuring we are where we are in the division at this late stage of the campaign. They have been absolutely terrific. The attitude they have shown to play football the right way in what we always knew would be a tough season has been impressive.

They underlined that down at Falkirk at the weekend. Thanks to their sheer effort and determination, we were able to control the bulk of that game.

It says a lot for the standards they have set for themselves that the players were sitting in the dressing room afterwards disappointed not to have won. The positive for us is it was a point on the road against full-time opponents and one that could prove to be invaluable when we are looking back at the end of the campaign.

>>>

LEY

28 29

— View from the dugout

>>>

At the start of the season we were honest about what we hoped to achieve. Because we are new to this level, the target was to simply stay in the division and look to build from there.

We have now created the opportunity to perhaps finish in the top four, which would make it a great season for us. That’s far from certain because we face a tough finale, but at least we are still in there with a fighting chance. That’s down to the players and their hunger to do the very best they can for our club.

It’s going to be tough going with this the second of four games to play inside a week, on the back of what was already a very busy period. It has meant the players having to make a lot of sacrifices to fit their full-time jobs and family time around what is needed to ensure they are able to give their best in every match.

They have done that though, they have been absolutely amazing. We have hardly had time to train over the last few weeks, it’s been more a case of only meeting up from game to game. The players have taken all of that in their stride and done themselves and the club proud.

We have a brilliant group in our dressing room and I know they will be ready to go again when needed.

Stay safe and enjoy the game.

Paul Hartley

30 31

“ We have a brilliant group in our dressing room and I know they will be ready to go again when needed.”

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— Season 2020/21 statistics

Date

Fixture

Game

H/A

F

A

Starting

Starting

Starting

Starting

Starting

Starting

Starting

Starting

Starting

Sta

BFC

H

1

2

S.McKenzie

H.Milne

C.Scully

S.Ross

B.Yule

M.Megginson

J.Masson

L.McIntosh

D.Higgins1

10/10/2020

Hibernian

13/10/2020

Brora Rangers

A.Liv (J.Se

BFC

A

2

2

S.McKenzie

T.Leighton (S.Ross)

H.Milne

C.Scully

B.Watson

D.Higgins

R.McAllister1 (A.Livinsgtone)

A.Livingstone

J.Semple1

17/10/2020

J.Bro (B.Yu

East Fife

SPFL1

H

3

1

S.McKenzie

H.Milne

C.Scully (Seb Ross)

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson2 (R.McAllister)

J.Masson

L.McIntosh1

D.Hig

24/10/2020

Peterhead

SPFL1

A

0

2

S.McKenzie

H.Milne1

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson1 (R.McAllister)

J.Masson

L.McIntosh (B.Watson)

D.Hig

31/10/2020

Partick Thistle

SPFL1

H

1

0

S.McKenzie

H.Milne

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson (Seb Ross)

J.Masson

L.McIntosh

D.Hig (R.G

07/11/2020

Forfar Athletic

SPFL1

H

3

0

S.McKenzie

H.Milne

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson2

J.Masson

L.McIntosh

R.Mc (B.W

10/112020

Dundee

BFC

A

0

3

S.McKenzie

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson (R.McAllister)

J.Masson

L.McIntosh (B.Watson)

A.Livingstone

J.Semple (R.Graham)

Seb (C.S

14/11/2020

Forfar Athletic

BFC

H

1

0

S.McKenzie

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Watson (J.Semple)

M.Megginson

R.McAllister1

A.Livingstone

Seb Ross

R.Gr

21/11/2020

Falkirk

SPFL1

A

0

1

S.McKenzie

H.Milne

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson

L.McIntosh

R.McAllister (B.Watson)

A.Liv (J.Se

28/11/2020

Airdrieonians

SPFL1

A

1

1

S.McKenzie

H.Milne

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson

J.Masson1

L.McIntosh

R.Gr

05/12/2020

Montrose

SPFL1

H

1

2

S.McKenzie

H.Milne

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson

L.McIntosh

R.McAllister (B.Watson)

A.Liv (J.Se

12/12/2020

Dumbarton

SPFL1

A

0

1

S.McKenzie

H.Milne

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson

J.Masson1

L.McIntosh

R.Gr

19/12/2020

Clyde

SPFL1

H

2

3

S.McKenzie

H.Milne

C.Scully

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson2

J.Masson

L.McIntosh

D.Higgins

Seb (R.M

26/12/2020

Forfar Athletic

SPFL1

A

1

0

S.McKenzie

H.Milne

R.Graham

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

J.Masson

L.McIntosh

M.Megginson1

R.Mc

02/01/2021

Peterhead

SPFL1

H

1

0

S.McKenzie

H.Milne

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson

J.Masson

L.McIntosh

R.McAllister1

R.Gr

09/01/2021

Alloa Athletic

SC

A

3

2

S.McKenzie

H.Milne

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan1

B.Yule

M.Megginson

J.Masson1

R.McAllister1 (L.McIntosh)

R.Gr

20/03/2021

Partick Thistle

SPFL1

A

1

1

S.McKenzie

C.Scully (B.Watson)

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson1

J.Masson

L.McIntosh (R.McAllister)

A.Livingstone

R.Graham

F.Fyv

27/03/2021

East Fife

SPFL1

A

0

0

S.McKenzie

S.Ross (K.Ngwenya)

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson

J.Masson (Seb Ross)

L.McIntosh (K.Hanratty)

A.Livingstone (R.McAllister)

R.Graham

C.Sm (B.W

30/03/2021

Airdrieonians

SPFL1

H

2

0

S.McKenzie

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule (B.Watson)

M.Megginson (C.Smith)

L.McIntosh (R.McAllister)

Seb Ross (J.Masson2)

R.Graham

F.Fyv

04/03/2021

Rangers

SC

A

0

4

S.McKenzie

C.Scully

S.Ross

B.Watson (L.McIntosh)

M.Megginson (R.McAllister)

J.Masson (K.Hanratty)

D.Higgins

A.Livingstone

R.Graham

C.Sm

06/04/2021

Clyde

SPFL1

A

1

1

S.McKenzie

C.Scully1

R.Strachan

B.Watson (K.Hanratty)

B.Yule

R.McAllister

Seb Ross (C.Smith)

R.Graham

F.Fyvie

C.Lo

10/04/2021

Dumbarton

SPFL1

H

1

0

S.McKenzie

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson

L.McIntosh (C.Smith)

R.McAllister1

A.Livingstone

R.Gr

17/04/2021

Falkirk

SPFL1

H

2

0

S.McKenzie

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson2

R.McAllister (Seb Ross)

R.Graham

C.Smith (L.McIntosh)

F.Fyv

20/04/2021

Montrose

SPFL1

A

0

1

S.McKenzie

C.Scully

S.Ross (B.Watson)

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson (K.Hanratty)

R.McAllister (L.McIntosh)

R.Graham

C.Smith (Seb Ross)

F.Fyv

24/04/2021

Falkirk

SPFL1

A

2

2

S.McKenzie

C.Scully

S.Ross

B.Yule

M.Megginson1

L.McIntosh1

D.Higgins

A.Livingstone

Seb Ross (R.McAllister)

R.Gr

27/04/2021

Partick Thistle

SPFL1

H

29/04/2021

Montrose

SPFL1

A

01/05/2021

Airdrieonians

SPFL1

H

Name

Appearances

Goals

Position

Yellow

Red

Stuart McKenzie

25

0

GK

1

0

Balint Demus

0

0

GK

0

0

Harry Milne

14

2

DF

3

0

Scott Ross

22

0

DF

3

0

Ryan Strachan

21

1

DF

1

1

Daniel Higgins

10

1

DF

2

0

Adam Livingstone

13

0

DF

1

0

Ross Graham

18

0

DF

3

0

Cammy Logan

5

0

DF

0

0

Kieran Ngwenya

4

0

DF

0

0

Connor Scully

22

1

MF

3

0

34 35

arting

Starting

Sub

Sub

Sub

Sub

Sub

Sub

Sub

Sub

Sub

Referee

AS1

AS2

ATT

vingstone emple)

R.Graham

T.Leighton

B.Watson

R.McAllister

J.Semple

J.Brown

B.Demus

-

-

-

Euan Anderson

Ross Macleod

Chris Graham

0

own ule)

R.Graham

S.Ross

B.Yule

L.McIntosh

B.Demus

-

-

-

-

-

Duncan Williams

Paul Mcavine

Graham Chambers

-

ggins

J.Semple (B.Watson)

B.Watson

R.McAllister

A.Livingstone

Seb Ross

J.Brown

R.Graham

B.Demus

-

-

Gavin Ross

Stuart Hodge

Ian Hart

0

ggins

J.Semple (Seb Ross)

B.Watson

J.McAllister

A.Livingstone

Seb Ross

J.Brown

R.Graham

B.Demus

-

-

Alan Newlands

Michael Banks

Elliott Husband Powton

-

ggins Graham)

A.Livingstone (R.McAllister1)

B.Watson

R.McAllister

J.Semple

Seb Ross

H.Ritchie

J.Brown

R.Graham

B.Demus

-

D. Lowe

Graham McNeillie

Ross Clark

0

cAllister1 Watson)

R.Graham

B.Watson

A.Livingstone

J.Semple

Seb Ross

H.Ritchie

J.Brown

B.Demus

-

-

Scott Lambie

Michael Banks

Steven MacDonald

0

Ross Scully)

J.Brown (H.Ritchie)

C.Scully

B.Watson

R.McAllister

H.Ritchie

R.Graham

B.Demus

-

-

-

Craig Napier

Graham McNeillie

Michael MacDermid

-

raham

F.Fyvie (J.Brown)

H.Milne

J.Semple

J.Brown

B.Demus

-

-

-

-

-

Duncan Williams

Gary Hilland

Eddie Ferguson

0

vingstone emple)

F.Fyvie

B.Watson

J.Semple

Seb Ross

J.Brown

R.Graham

B.Demus

-

-

-

David Dickinson

Graham Chambers

Kevin McElhinney

-

raham

F.Fyvie

B.Watson

R.McAllister

A.Livingstone

J.Semple

Seb Ross

J.Brown

B.Demus

-

-

Graham Grainger

Ralph Gordon

Duncan Nicolson

-

vingstone emple)

F.Fyvie

B.Watson

J.Semple

Seb Ross

J.Brown

R.Graham

B.Demus

-

-

-

Lloyd Wilson

Stuart Stevenson

Keiran Trayner

0

raham

F.Fyvie

B.Watson

R.McAllister

A.Livingstone

J.Semple

Seb Ross

J.Brown

B.Demus

-

-

Alan Newlands

Michael Banks

Duncan Nicolson

-

Ross McAllister)

F.Fyvie

B.Watson

R.McAllister

A.Livingstone

J.Semple

J.Brown

R.Graham

B.Demus

-

-

David Dickinson

Alastair Mather

Alan Proctor

0

cAllister

F.Fyvie

D.Higgins

A.Livingstone

Seb Ross

C.Scully

J.Semple

B.Watson

B.Demus

-

-

David Lowe

Graham McNeillie

Calum Doyle

-

raham

F.Fyvie

C.Scully

D.Higgins

Seb Ross

B.Demus

-

-

-

-

-

Peter Stuart

Drew Kirkland

Colin Drummond

0

raham

F.Fyvie

L.McIntosh

Seb Ross

B.Demus

C.Smith

C.Logan

-

-

-

-

David Dickinson

Ross MacLeod

Gordon McCabe

-

vie

C.Logan (C.Smith)

B.Watson

D.Higgins

R.McAllister

Seb Ross

C.Smith

B.Demus

-

-

-

Steven Reid

Graham Chalmers

David McKiff

-

F.Fyvie

C.Scully

B.Watson

D.Higgins

R.McAllister

Seb Ross

C.Logan

K.Ngwenya

K.Hanratty

B.Demus

Mike Roncone

John McCrossan

Ross Anderson

-

vie

K.Ngwenya (C.Logan)

B.Watson

J.Masson

D.Higgins

R.McAllister

A.Livingstone

C.Smith

C.Logan

K.Hanratty

B.Demus

Peter Stuart

Ross MacLeod

Steven Taylor

0

mith

F.Fyvie

R.Strachan

B.Yule

L.McIntosh

R.McAllister

Seb Ross

C.Logan

K.Ngwenya

K.Hanratty

B.Demus

Kevin Clancy

Dougie Potter

Gary Hilland

-

ogan

K.Ngwenya

S.Ross

D.Higgins

A.Livingstone

C.Smith

K.Hanratty

B.Demus

-

-

-

Matthew MacDermid

Ross MacLeod

Chris Newman

-

raham

F.Fyvie

B.Watson

D.Higgins

Seb Ross

C.Smith

C.Logan

K.Ngwenya

K.Hanratty

B.Demus

-

David Lowe

Craig Ferguson

Greig Haynes

0

vie

K.Ngwenya (C.Logan)

B.Watson

L.McIntosh

D.Higgins

A.Livingstone

Seb Ross

C.Logan

K.Hanratty

B.Demus

-

David Dickinson

Paul O’Neill

Colin Drummond

0

vie

C.Logan (A.Livingstone)

B.Watson

L.McIntosh

D.Higgins

A.Livingstone

Seb Ross

K.Ngwenya

K.Hanratty

B.Demus

-

Scott Lambie

Andrew McWilliam

Jonathan Bell

-

raham

F.Fyvie

B.Watson

R.McAllister

C.Smith

C.Logan

K.Ngwenya

K.Hanratty

B.Demus

-

-

Gavin Duncan

Graham McNeillie

Kevin McElhinney

-

mith Watson)

Name

Appearances

Goals

Position

Yellow

Red

Blair Yule

23

0

MF

2

1

Broque Watson

15

0

MF

0

0

Jamie Masson

17

4

MF

5

1

Fraser Fyvie

18

0

MF

5

0

Kevin Hanratty

4

0

MF

0

0

Seb Ross

14

0

MF

0

0

Connor Smith

8

0

MF

0

0

Mitchel Megginson

21

12

FW

5

0

Rory McAllister

22

7

FW

2

0

Leighton McIntosh

23

2

FW

3

0

PTAIN

’S VIE

W

CA

— Captain’s view

36 37

MUCH HAS BEEN MADE OF HOW BIG FACING PARTICK THISTLE TONIGHT IS FOR US, BUT IT REALLY IS JUST ANOTHER GAME IN OUR EYES.

We never treat any we go into any differently from any other.

It was accepted at the start of the season that making the step up into League One was a big challenge for our club, which meant every game we faced would be huge.

It was vital we didn’t look too much at who we might be up against, it’s always been more about focussing on what we can put into the 90 minutes as a team in the hope that it would help us compete at this level.

That one game at a time approach might not be what a lot of people want to hear, but it’s always been the way things have been done at Cove Rangers.

This being the second of four games inside a week presents it’s own challenges, but we aren’t too worried by that. It will be hard going for a part-time side like ourselves, but we have been dealt the cards we got, so just have to get on with it.

Doing as well as we did in our two recent games against Falkirk offers us a lot of encouragement going forward.

We played very well to beat them 2-0 at Balmoral Stadium and I felt we were unlucky not to back that up with another victory down at Falkirk on Saturday.

>>>

— Captain’s view

>>>

Given how well we played - and the amount of chances we created - it was hard coming off the pitch having ended up drawing the match 2-2. But showing we were up to the challenge of competing with full-time opponents over the two tough games inspires confidence as we attempt to finish the season strongly.

It was particularly pleasing to see Leighton McIntosh scoring our first goal down in Falkirk. I know it was preying on Leighton’s mind that the goals hadn’t been coming as regularly as he would have liked. Everyone in the squad admires how much unselfish work Leighton puts in every time he plays, so it was pleasing to see him finally get some reward for his efforts Leighton was unlucky to see a penalty saved in the second half too. You are maybe wondering why I didn’t take that penalty.

It was my choice to make a change, mainly because I have missed a couple this season and my gut instinct suggested it might be better to hand over the responsibility at that moment.

It’s always been about doing what is best for the team.

Leighton was in top form and feeling confident, so I was happy to give him the ball. I might take the next one or it could be trusted to someone else, it will all depend on the circumstances at that exact moment.

Leighton will have received a boost from the goal he scored, as strikers always tend to do. That’s great because we are going to need all of us digging deep and eager to do our bit if we are to have any chance of getting the results we would like over the next period.

CYCR! Mitch Megginson

38 39

— Club honours

Scottish League 2 Winners: 2019-20

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

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

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

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

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

40 41

— Today’s team lines

Cove Rangers FC Manager - Paul Hartley

Partick Thistle FC Manager - Ian McCall

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

16.

19.

20.

21.

22.

24.

25.

26.

27.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

88.

Stuart McKenzie Tom Leighton Harry Milne Connor Scully Scott Ross Ryan Strachan Broque Watson Blair Yule Mitchel Megginson (C) Jamie Masson Leighton McIntosh Daniel Higgins Rory McAllister Adam Livingstone Seb Ross Rhys Thomas Ross Graham Balint Demus Connot Smith Fraser Fyvie Cammy Logan Kieran Ngwenya Kevin Hanratty

Team colours Blue jerseys Blue Shorts White Socks

Jamie Sneddon (GK) Ryan Williamson James Penrice Tam O’Ware Darren Brownlie Steven Bell Joe Cardle Stuart Bannigan Brian Graham Zak Rudden Blair Lyons Kieran Wright (GK) Shea Gordon Chris Erskine Ciaran McKenna Connor Murray Charlie Reilly Scott Tiffoney Gospel Ocholi Mouhamed Niang Richard Foster Ross Docherty

Billy Owens Mason McCready (GK) James Lyon Luke Scullion (GK) Andy Rodden Dean Watson Bradley Renfrew Ross MacIver Andy Geggan

Team colours Yellow jerseys Black shorts Black Socks

Today’s referee - Craig Napier Today’s assistant referees - Ralph Gordon, Scott Anderson