UNCOVERED — Cove Rangers v Dumbarton 04.12.21

Cove Rangers v Dumbarton cinch League One 04.12.21 — 3pm KO

Cove Rangers v Albion Rovers

SPFL Trust Trophy

09.10.21 — 3pm KO

BALMOR AL GROUP Proud sponsors of BALMORAL STADIUM

Balmoral Comtec Balmoral Tanks Balmoral Business Park ACE Winches BLAZE Manufacturing Solutions Friends of ANCHOR www.balmoral-group.com

02 03

— Contents Cove Rangers FC Matchday Programme Dumbarton: 04.12.21 — 3pm KO Match sponsor

Matchball sponsor

Features

RANGERS B MATCH REPORT RANGERS B REACTION CELEBRATING GORDON HUTCHEON MANAGER AND PLAYER OF THE MONTH Regulars Upcoming fixtures

04

Club information

06

Club partners

35

View from the dugout

36

Player and Management sponsorship

40

Season 2021/22 statistics

42

Captain’s view

46

Club honours

50

Today’s team lines

51

08 18 22 32

— Upcoming fixtures

A Tue 7th Dec, 2021

Queen of the South v Cove Rangers

Scottish Cup

A Sat 11th Dec, 2021

Falkirk v Cove Rangers

cinch League One

H Sat 18th Dec, 2021

Cove Rangers v Alloa Athletic

cinch League One

H Sun 26th Dec, 2021

Cove Rangers v East Fife

cinch League One

— League table cinch League One

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Cove Rangers

15

8

4

3

29

17

12

28

Airdrieonians

15

8

2

5

24

19

5

26

Montrose

15

6

7

2

25

13

12

25

Queen’s Park

15

5

8

2

25

17

8

23

Falkirk

15

6

4

5

20

17

3

22

Alloa Athletic

15

5

4

6

24

25

-1

19

Dumbarton

15

5

3

7

22

29

-7

18

Peterhead

15

5

2

8

22

24

-2

17

Clyde

15

4

4

7

18

30

-12

16

East Fife

15

3

2

10

17

35

-18

11

50/50 WINNER! The 50/50 winner at the Rangers B match was 099712, won by Jim Milne.

04 05

Together we can make a difference Talking saves lives No matter your club colours, everyone can support Scotland’s second team - FC United to Prevent Suicide.

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– 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, Richard Forbes & Gordon Taylor Football Manager - Paul Hartley

Assistant Manager - Gordon Young Fitness Coach - Tam Ritchie

06 07

Goalkeeping Coach - Derek Soutar

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

EXTRA A MONTH

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SPFL Trust Trophy - Quarter Final Tuesday November 30th @ Balmoral Stadium

COVE RANGERS 5 RANGERS B 1

08 09

— Rangers B Match Report

>>>

10 11

HISTORIC WIN AS COVE EASE INTO SEMI A blistering start saw us storm into the semi-finals of the SPFL Trust Trophy with a thoroughly deserved victory over our youthful opponents at Balmoral Stadium.

It’s the first time in the club’s history that we have made it to the last four of a senior cup competition, which is a remarkable achievement just three years on from when we were still playing in the Highland League.

And we did it in style, by blowing away Rangers B with some brilliant attacking football, particularly in the first half.

Fraser Fyvie netted twice, with our other goals coming from Mitch Megginson, Jamie Masson and substitute Leighton McIntosh, the latter after we had been reduced to 10-men because Harry Milne had been shown a second yellow card.

>>>

— Rangers B Match Report

We began the match like a runaway train.

We were two ahead inside the first five minutes, 4-1 up at the interval, and then managed the game perfectly after Milne went off.

The reward is a home semi against Morton or Queen of the South – who meet on Wednesday night – which is simply brilliant.

Illness and injuries had forced manager Paul Hartley to make changes and also meant we had only three outfield players on the bench. But we just took all of that in our stride and went ahead after just two minutes.

Milne got forward to lash in a powerful 18-yard shot that Rangers B keeper Lewis Budinauckas – who had a busy and impressive night – did well to save.

Fortunately for us FYVIE was quickest to latch on to the rebound and lashed the ball high into the net for his fourth goal of the campaign.

It was 2-0 by the fifth minute, when were awarded a penalty after Charlie McCann had tripped Shay Logan, as he broke into the Rangers B area.

MEGGINSON did the usually effective job from the spot. In fairness to the Rangers youngsters, they were full of running and enthusiasm and pulled a goal back on the 10th minute.

It was extremely harsh on Logan, who had done magnificently to clear two efforts off the Cove line, the first from Tony Weston. But the right-back could do nothing when Robbie FRASER latched on to the third rebound to hammer the ball home from six yards.

Within three minutes, we had restored our two goal advantage.

Fyvie played a great pass through to Blair Yule and when he crossed from the right MASSON was on hand to ram the ball past Budinauckas from 14-yards.

>>>

12 13

— Rangers B Match Report

The young Rangers keeper pulled off a series of fine saves after that to keep the scoreline respectable. The first came in the 21st minute, when Iain Vigurs fed then ball through to Connor Scully and his 25-yard shot was going in until Budinauckas stretched to tip the ball over his crossbar.

Within a minute, Vigurs had picked out Milne with another excellent pass and his 18-yard shot went inches wide of Budinauckas’ right post. Milne then set up Yule for a shot that the keeper beat to safety with his legs as the waves of Cove attacks continued.

Fyvie sent Milne clear in the 34th minute and Budinauckas made another brilliant save to push the ball wide of his right post. The constant pressure was rewarded when we made it 4-1 in the 35th minute and it was a cracker.

Milne played the ball up to Masson and when he laid it off perfectly into the path of FYVIE he hammered an unstoppable low shot beyond the reach of Budinauckas.

14 15

We were unlucky not to get a fifth just before the interval, when a swift passing move up the park ended with Megginson seeing his 18-yard shot roll just wide of the target.

The siege continued after the restart, with Milne’s low 18-yard shot well saved by Budinauckas. Rangers B got forward in the 49th minute, but keeper Kyle Gourlay was well placed to save Adam Devine’s powerful shot.

Gourlay created our next chance with a long ball that sent Fyvie dancing clear from half-way, but he was denied his hat-trick by yet another excellent save from Budinauckas.

Milne was booked in the 51st minute, for using a hand to push a Masson cross into the Rangers B net. Vigurs tested Budinauckas again with a spectacular 25-yard shot before we were reduced to 10 men on the hour.

Milne seemed to be harshly treated when he was yellow carded, after tackling Rangers B sub Kane Ritchie-Hosler, but the referee felt it was enough to merit a second caution so off he went.

>>>

— Rangers B Match Report

In fairness to our lads, they remained calm and organised to ensure being reduced in numbers wasn’t too much of a problem.

Any lingering hope of the visitors making a comeback was killed off when we went 5-1 up in the 66th minute. That goal came from some brilliant midfield play by Vigurs.

He picked the ball up at the edge of our box, wriggled past a couple of challenges then played an absolutely astounding pass through for McINTOSH to race clear, on the left.

The Cove substitute, who had only been on the pitch for a minute, then kept his cool as he advanced on Budinauckas to lash a well placed shot under the keeper.

It was game over, although we still had to defend strongly to ensure Rangers B didn’t threaten our goal, with the calmness shown at the back by Logan particularly impressive in the latter stages.

COVE RANGERS: Gourlay, Neill, Milne, Scully, Ross (Strachan 69), Yule, Megginson (Adeyemo 71), Masson (McIntosh 65), Vigurs, Fyvie, Logan.

Sub: McKenzie.

RANGERS B: Budinauckas, Devine, Fraser, King (Ritchie-Hosler 46), MacKinnon (McClelland 25), Kelly, Lowry, McKinnon, Weston (McKee 86), McCann, McCausland (Alegria 46).

Subs: Hogarth, Miller, Lindsay, Lyall, Strachan.

Referee: Mike Roncone.

16 17

— Rangers B Reaction

FYVIE’S DELIGHT Cove Rangers midfielder Fraser Fyvie is delighted to have played his part in helping the club make it to the semi-finals of a senior cup competition for the first time.

Fraser netted twice as we beat Rangers B 5-1 at Balmoral Stadium in the last eight of the SPFL Trust Trophy.

Fraser said: “It matches the ambitions of so many people at the club. That starts at chairman Keith Moorhouse and the people who work alongside him, who have done so much over many years to get the club to where it is right now.

The manager has also made it clear he wants to do well in the cups because it would obviously help to promote the club too. It lets people see what I happening up here - that there’s another club in Aberdeen that’s doing well and eager to keep on improving.”

Fraser also praised Rangers B for the way they approached the tie, despite losing out in the end.

He said: “We got the job done - and got it done quite early. We were told to make a high press from the start and that seemed to give them a bit of a shock. But I have to add that I really liked the style that they tried to play.

It was similar to ours and it’s great when you seems doing that, going out trying to win a game with exciting, attacking, football. You have to remember they are just young boys, but they showed a lot of confidence and even though they lost the experience of playing in this tie will help them in their careers.”

>>>

18 19

— Rangers B Reaction

“...It was good to make a contribution on a night when I thought we were really good as a team.”

Fraser was asked to play in an attacking midfield role, so is pleased to have used that to his advantage to notch another couple of goals to bring his tally so far for the season to five.

He said: “The manager has encouraged me to play a little bit higher up the park, which I’m loving. It’s with the aim of seeing me trying to get on the scoresheet a bit more, so it was very pleasing to add another couple.

It was good to make a contribution on a night when I thought we were really good as a team. I also liked the way we managed the game after Harry Milne was sent off.

That’s particularly important when you are having to play Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, with games coming thick and fast.

You have to reserve energy as best you can and we did that in the second half by staying deep and keeping the ball well.

I must add I thought was Iain Vigurs was really good, in the whole of the game. He controlled the middle of the park for us, alongside Connor Scully, who was good as well and did a lot of running and tackling.”

20 21

— Celebrating Gordon Hutcheon

“Gordon Hutcheon was without doubt the biggest unsung hero in the club’s history.”

Those words, from our chairman Keith Moorhouse, sum up the part our former vice-chairman Gordon Hutcheon played in Cove Rangers’ journey from playing amateur football to our current position, at the top of the cinch League One table.

Everyone at our club was devastated by the news last week that Gordon had passed away, at the age of 74.

Gordon was a massive presence at Cove Rangers for close to 40 years, well beyond the two decades when he was actually a board member.

Along with his close friend - and brother-in-law - Alan McRae, he helped modernise every aspect of the way the club operated to ensure we could eventually make the step up to the SPFL three years ago.

GORDON HUTCH

HEON

22 23

>>>

— Celebrating Gordon Hutcheon

While saddened by Gordon’s untimely passing, it’s also an opportunity to celebrate just how special a man he was and attempt to explain why he will always have a place in the hearts of those who knew and worked with him.

We will hear more from chairman Keith later, but it’s appropriate to begin by asking honorary club president - and former chairman - Alan to share his memories of Gordon and their days working together at Cove Rangers.

“Gordon and I first got to know each other when we were teenagers growing up in Torry,” said Alan, who was club chairman until handing over the reigns to Keith in 2001.

“We went to Torry Academy at the same time and played football together, although Gordon would later prove to be a very accomplished rugby player (he played for Aberdeenshire alongside Scotland and British and Irish Lions star Ken Scotland).

“Gordon and I went to night classes together too, in the days when we were both keen to start our own businesses and were eager to gain as many qualifications as possible to help us succeed at that.

“From pretty much the day we met we shared the same views on almost everything - which included a passion for football.”

The old Torry pals went to Scotland’s famous victory over England at Wembley in 1967 and their bond became even stronger when Alan married his wife - Marlene - and Gordon then tied the knot with her sister, Lorraine.

It was often joked that Alan and Gordon were joined at the hip, the two men even did an amazing around the world in just 28 days trip together in 1990.

By then, they were already well involved in their other passion, Cove Rangers.

24 25

Alan had played for the club for a season, in 1969, but accepted the offer to return in 1981, initially as secretary.

From that first day, Alan dreamed of eventually seeing Cove Rangers playing at higher levels, but accepted he would need help to make that happen.

Alan said: “I immediately turned to Gordon because I knew he was the right person to help drive us up to where I wanted us to be.

“He was a brilliant businessman, with a knack of getting the very best out of the people he worked with.

“Gordon totally transformed the way the club worked commercially and in almost every other area away from the football side of things.

“He laid the foundations for what is now a very successful, professionally run, football club.”

Gordon also played his part in the crucial canvassing required to get us accepted as members of the Highland League, in 1986.

That included being alongside Alan when they met then Highland League chairman, Sandy Stables, and secretary John Grant - at Keith - for invaluable advice before lodging the official application to join the league.

“Having Gordon in place at just the right time was huge for the club,” said Alan.

Those words are echoed by current chairman Keith, who succeeded Gordon as vice-chairman at the turn of the century, before taking over from Alan.

— Celebrating Gordon Hutcheon

26 27

— Celebrating Gordon Hutcheon

Keith underlined why he described Gordon as the most unsung hero in the club’s now almost 100 year history.

He said: “I got to know Gordon before I was ever involved at Cove Rangers, he was a big customer of my previous business.

“We became closer as I began to come along to games and I was really honoured when it was suggested I should become involved at director level.

“Gordon stepped down as vice-chairman to allow that to happen, which was a huge thing for him to do, but he also took me through each step to ensure everything we did was for the benefit of the club.

“Everyone knows Gordon and Alan McRae were the driving forces behind the club during that crucial period, when we made the step up from playing at amateur level into the Highland League.

“Alan, as chairman, was the front man, but I’ve found out during my own time as chairman that you need to have the right people about you, offering support and the correct advice.

“Gordon was the perfect right hand-man for Alan, theirs was very much a dual success story.

“One thing that Gordon did that was of vital importance was to create a brilliant business strategy for the club, which carries on to this day.

“That will be his lasting legacy, as will be his dedication to the club, even after he had officially stepped down as a director.

“Gordon was always there, offering encouraging words and advice whenever I asked for it.

28 29

“That continued right until the last time we had an opportunity to speak at length, when Gordon was at our recent game against Montrose.

“He was and always will be a huge part of the Cove Rangers story because he did so much to help us along the path that took us to where we are today.”

Long serving club secretary Duncan Little, who also worked for Gordon’s company - Hutcheon Services Ltd - before going fulltime at Balmoral Stadium, spoke on behalf of all of those outside the boardroom who knew Gordon.

Duncan said: “Everyone who worked with or knew Gordon will have fond memories of him.

“When I joined the Cove Rangers Social Club in the early 1980s he was one of the leading lights, driving it on and encouraging as many people in Cove as possible to become involved.

“He was actually the one who took my yearly subscription when I joined.

“That’s a reminder that he was very much a hands-on director, nothing was too much for Gordon if he felt it would help the club.

“That included taking his turn to call the bingo numbers at the social club.

“After I became involved, there were times when I had to ask Gordon if he would be able to help out at the turnstiles, which wasn’t a problem even though it meant missing out on being with the other directors on a match day.

“Away from games, Gordon and Alan McRae were constantly going about Allan Park doing odd jobs if they felt it could save the club a bit of money - and they continued doing that after we moved to Balmoral Stadium.

— Celebrating Gordon Hutcheon

“They were putting shelves up in one of the rooms inside the stadium, to store our record books and other memorabilia, at the time when the Covid pandemic shut everything down.

“That sort of stuff underlined just how much he cared for and loved the club.”

A minute’s applause, in tribute to Gordon, was held before last weekend’s Scottish Cup tie against Queen of the South.

Alan was there to witness it, although he admitted it was tough because the seat to his left in the main stand that bears his name, which would normally be occupied by Gordon, was empty.

Alan said: “My son, Derren, draped the Cove Rangers scarf Gordon always wore to games over the back of the seat, which was pretty moving.”

That tartan scarf will now have a permanent home in the trophy cabinet situated just outside the corporate lounge at Balmoral Stadium. Alan continued: “It’s going to he hard going to games without him from here on, but I will do so because it will make me think of Gordon.

“Some of the happiest times we had together were when we were cheering on Cove Rangers.”

It is with heavy hearts that we can advise the funeral service arrangements for Gordon.

Due to current restrictions, a private funeral service is to be held at Aberdeen Crematorium on Monday, December 13 at 11am by invitation only.

All other friends are welcome to join the family via a live stream at the Chester Hotel, Queens Road from 10:30am.

The funeral party will follow on to the Chester after the service.

30 31

— Manager Rangers Band Match Player Report of the Month

DA There was a dandy double for Cove Rangers in the awards handed out to the top manager and player in cinch League One for November.

Paul Hartley picked up the League One Glen’s Vodka managerof-the-month award in a month that ended with sitting on top of the cinch League One table after remaining undefeated without losing a goal - in the three league games played.

We kicked off November with a hard earned 0-0 draw away to Montrose. That was followed by a 3-0 victory over Peterhead at Balmoral Stadium and then a 2-0 win over Airdrieonians, at The Penny Cars Stadium, that saw us leapfrogged over The Diamonds into top spot.

Team captain Mitch Megginson was voted the cinch League One player of the month for November. He scored twice in our 3-0 win over the Blue Toon and netted again in the 2-0 win away to Airdrieonians.

We also drew 2-2 with Queen of the South in the third round of the Scottish Cup and finished November in style by securing a place in the semis of the SPFL Trust Trophy with a 5-1 victory over Rangers B at Balmoral Stadium.

Paul and Mitch dedicated their awards to the club’s coaching staff and the rest of the first team squad for the parts they played in what was an extremely successful month for the club.

32 33

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— Club partners

Principal Club Partner

Principal Stadium Partner

Official Club Partners

34 35

— View from the dugout

PAUL HARTL I will begin by thanking the players for the effort they have put in to take our club through to the semi-finals of the SPFL Trust Trophy.

They played really well in our victory over Rangers B at Balmoral Stadium in midweek, particularly in the first half. The second half, when we were reduced to 10 men, was more about managing the game to ensure we progressed, which they did magnificently. It doesn’t matter what competition it is in, making it through to a semi-final is a good achievement for any team.

Now that we have got that far, it’s difficult not think that maybe we can go all the way.

There will, of course, be three other clubs thinking exactly the same way, so we accept there is still a huge job to be done if that is to happen. But the players deserve full praise for achieving what is the latest important step forward for Cove Rangers. Our club was used to playing in semi-finals and finals on a regular basis in the Highland League, but we are at a far higher standard now.

The players have reaped their reward for their performances over the last couple of months, not just that one game against Rangers B. It gives us something to look forward to in March right now it’s about staying focussed on maintaining our good run in cinch League One. It’s pleasing we are beginning December leading the table, but the first thing we said to the players when we got there was that the hardest part is going to be staying there. We are in a highly competitive division and I’ve said right from the start of the season that you need to be at the top of your game every week if you want to do well.

>>>

LEY

36 37

— View from the dugout

>>>

That will certainly be the case against a Dumbarton side who are always well organised and have some good experience in their squad. This is a good, hard, league and you know you are in for a really tough fight every weekend. We are approaching the half way point in the league and I can promise you there will be more twists and turns as we go through the campaign. The challenge for us is to try and be as consistent as we can with our results and see where that takes us to.

I have to also thank my staff and the players for the parts they played in helping me pick up the Glen’s Vodka League One manager of the month award for November. Managers can only do well if they have the right people around them and I certainly have that at Cove Rangers.

We all have our strengths that we try to utilise as best we can for the benefit of the team. Everyone is also happy to roll up their sleeves and muck in when there is a need to. That was highlighted when it became clear ahead of our Scottish Cup tie against Queen of the South that the snow would have to be cleared off the pitch for the game to go ahead.

Without a second thought, my backroom staff - coaches and physios - went out and joined the efforts that made sure the game was played. It was also great to see our captain Mitch Megginson pick up the cinch League One player-of-the-month award.

That came on the back of Rory McAllister winning the award the month before. It’s a reminder of how well we are performing as a team at the moment. Strikers always get the recognition, which is fine. But they would be the first to say that would never happen without the guys behind them setting high standards too.

These awards are gained thanks to a combined effort and we have to keep showing that unity, and working hard, if we want to enjoy the rest of the season as much as we have these last few weeks.

Stay safe and enjoy the game.

Paul Hartley

38 39

“ We are approaching the half way point in the league and I can promise you there will be more twists and turns as we go through the campaign.”

— Player and management sponsorship

MANAGEMENT Paul Hartley

Gordon Young

Tam Ritchie

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

GOALKEEPERS Stuart McKenzie

Kyle Gourlay

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DEFENDERS

WWW.MGSLOGISTICS.CO.UK

Jevan Anderson

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40 41

MIDFIELDERS

Fraser Fyvie

Connor Scully

Blair Yule

Iain Vigurs

Robbie Leitch

Mitchel Megginson

Leighton McIntosh

Jamie Masson

FORWARDS

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Rory McAllister

— Season 2021/22 statistics

Date

Fixture

Game H/A

F

A

Starting

Starting

Starting

Starting

Starting

Starting

Starting

Starting

Starting

10/07/2021

Stirling Albion

PSC

H

2

3

S.McKenzie

M.Neill

H.Milne (R.Thomas)

S.Ross

R.Strachan (C.Scully)

B.Watson

B.Yule

R.McAllister (M.Megginson)

R.Draper

13/07/2021

Hearts

PSC

A

0

3

K.Gourlay

M.Neill

H.Milne (R.Thomas)

C.Scully (R.McAllister)

S.Ross (B.Watson)

B.Yule

M.Megginson

L.McIntosh

R.Draper

17/07/2021

Peterhead

PSC

A

1

3

S.McKenzie

M.Neill

C.Scully

S.Ross

B.Yule

M.Megginson1 (L.McIntosh)

D.Higgins (H.Milne)

R.McAllister (B.Watson)

R.Draper

20/07/2021

Inverness CT

PSC

H

3

1

K.Gourlay

M.Neill

H.Milne

C.Scully

B.Yule1

M.Megginson1

L.McIntosh1 (R.McAllister)

R.Draper

I.Vigurs

31/07/2021

Falkirk

SPFL1

A

1

1

K.Gourlay

M.Neill

H.Milne

S.Ross

B.Yule

M.Megginson

R.Draper

I.Vigurs

R.Leitch (C.Scully)

07/08/2021

Queens Park

SPFL1

A

0

2

K.Gourlay

M.Neill (J.Anderson)

H.Milne

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson

L.McIntosh (R.McAllister)

I.Vigurs

R.Leitch (C.Scully)

14/08/2021

East Fife

SPFL1

H

5

2

K.Gourlay

H.Milne

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson3 (L.McIntosh)

R.McAllister1 (B.Watson)

I.Vigurs

21/08/2021

Dumbarton

SPFL1

A

3

1

K.Gourlay

M.Neill (J.Anderson)

H.Milne

C.Scully (L.McIntosh)

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson1

R.McAllister1

28/08/2021

Clyde

SPFL1

A

1

2

K.Gourlay

M.Neill

C.Scully

S.Ross

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson

R.McAllister1

J.Anderson (J.Masson)

04/09/2021

Stenhousemuir

CC

H

0

0

S.McKenzie

M.Neill

C.Scully

S.Ross

B.Yule

M.Megginson

J.Masson

L.McIntosh (R.Leitch)

R.McAllister

11/09/2021

Montrose

SPFL1

H

1

1

S.McKenzie

M.Neill

C.Scully (H.Milne)

S.Ross

B.Yule

M.Megginson

R.McAllister (L.McIntosh)

I.Vigurs

R.Leitch

18/09/2021

Peterhead

SPFL1

A

1

0

S.McKenzie

M.Neill

H.Milne

C.Scully

S.Ross

M.Megginson

J.Masson (R.Leitch)

R.McAllister1

I.Vigurs

25/09/2021

Airdrieonians

SPFL1

H

1

0

S.McKenzie

M.Neill1

H.Milne

C.Scully (L.McIntosh)

S.Ross

M.Megginson

J.Masson (F.Robertson)

R.McAllister

I.Vigurs

02/10/2021

Alloa Athletic

SPFL1

A

3

1

S.McKenzie

M.Neill

H.Milne

S.Ross

B.Yule (L.McIntosh)

M.Megginson

R.McAllister3

I.Vigurs

F.Robertson (J.Masson)

09/10/2021

Albion Rovers

CC

H

4

1

K.Gourlay

M.Neill

H.Milne

C.Scully

S.Ross

B.Yule

M.Megginson1

L.McIntosh (O.Adeyemo)

R.McAllister2

16/10/2021

East Fife

SPFL1

A

2

4

S.McKenzie

M.Neill1

C.Scully

S.Ross (R.Strachan)

M.Megginson

J.Masson (O.Adeyemo)

R.McAllister

I.Vigurs

R.Leitch1 (F.Robertson)

23/10/2021

Clyde

SPFL1

H

3

0

S.McKenzie

M.Neill

C.Scully1

R.Strachan

M.Megginson

J.Masson1 (R.Leitch1)

R.McAllister

I.Vigurs

F.Robertson (B.Yule)

30/10/2021

Queen’s Park

SPFL1

H

3

3

S.McKenzie

M.Neill

C.Scully (H.Milne)

R.Strachan

M.Megginson1

J.Masson (L.McIntosh)

R.McAllister1

I.Vigurs

F.Robertson

06/11/2021

Montrose

SPFL1

A

0

0

S.McKenzie

M.Neill

H.Milne

S.Ross

R.Strachan

M.Megginson

J.Masson

R.McAllister (O.Adeyemo)

I.Vigurs

13/11/2021

Peterhead

SPFL1

H

3

0

S.McKenzie

M.Neill

H.Milne

S.Ross

R.Strachan1

B.Yule

M.Megginson2

J.Masson (R.Leitch)

R.McAllister (L.McIntosh)

20/11/2021

Airdrieonians

SPFL1

A

2

0

S.McKenzie

M.Neill

H.Milne

C.Scully

R.Strachan

B.Yule

M.Megginson1 (F.Robertson)

J.Masson (F.Fyvie)

R.McAllister (L.McIntosh)

27/11/2021

Queen of the South SC

H

2

2

S.McKenzie

M.Neill

H.Milne (J.Masson)

C.Scully

S.Ross

B.Yule

M.Megginson

L.McIntosh (R.McAllister)

J.Anderson (S.Logan)

30/11/2021

Rangers B

CC

H

5

1

K.Gourlay

M.Neill

H.Milne

C.Scully

S.Ross (R.Strchan)

B.Yule

M.Megginson1 (O.Adeyemo)

J.Masson1 (L.McIntosh)

I.Vigurs

04/12/2021

Dumbarton

SPFL1

H

(Cove win 4-2 on penalties)

12/11/2021

Falkirk

SPFL1

A

18/12/2021

Alloa Athletic

SPFL1

H H

26/12/2021

East Fife

SPFL1

02/01/2022

Peterhead

SPFL1

A

08/01/2022

Clyde

SPFL1

A H

15/01/2022

Montrose

SPFL1

29/01/2022

Dumbarton

SPFL1

A

SPFL1

H

05/02/2022 Airdrieonians 12/02/2022

Queen’s Park

SPFL1

A

19/02/2022

Falkirk

SPFL1

H

26/02/2022 Alloa Athletic

SPFL1

A

05/03/2022 Peterhead

SPFL1

H H

12/03/2022

Clyde

SPFL1

19/03/2022

Montrose

SPFL1

A

26/03/2022 Airdrieonians

SPFL1

A

02/04/2022 Queen’s Park

SPFL1

H

09/04/2022 Falkirk

SPFL1

A

16/04/2022

SPFL1

H

23/04/2022 Dumbarton

SPFL1

H

30/04/2022 East Fife

SPFL1

A

Alloa Athletic

)

42 43

Starting

Starting

Sub

Sub

Sub

Sub

Sub

Sub

Sub

Sub

Sub

Referee

AS1

AS2

ATT

I.Vigurs

F.Fyvie2

C.Scully

M.Megginson

R.Thomas

K.Gourlay

-

-

-

-

-

Barry Cook

Craig Ferguson

Harry Bruce

298

I.Vigurs

F.Fyvie

B.Watson

R.McAllister

R.Thomas

S.McKenzie

-

-

-

-

-

Colin Steven

David McGeachie

Graham McNeillie

I.Vigurs

R.Leitch (F.Fyvie)

H.Milne

B.Watson

L.McIntosh

F.Fyvie

K.Gourlay

-

-

-

-

Matthew MacDermid

Ralph Gordon

Graham Chambers

R.Leitch (B.Watson)

F.Fyvie

B.Watson

R.McAllister

S.McKenzie

-

-

-

-

-

-

Chris Graham

Greame Leslie

Chris Hobbs

F.Fyvie (R.McAllister)

S.Logan

C.Scully

R.Strachan

B.Watson

D.Higgins

R.McAllister1

J.Anderson

-

-

-

Alan Newlands

George King

Andy Gamble

F.Fyvie

S.Logan

C.Scully

B.Watson

D.Higgins

R.McAllister

J.Anderson

S.McKenzie

-

-

-

Calum Scott

Scott Anderson

Chris Hughes

R.Leitch1 (J.Masson)

S.Logan

M.Neill

B.Watson

J.Masson

L.McIntosh

J.Anderson

S.McKenzie

-

-

-

Euan Anderson

Steven Traynor

Gordon McCabe

I.Vigurs

R.Leitch1 (J.Masson)

B.Watson

J.Masson

L.McIntosh

J.Anderson

S.McKenzie

-

-

-

-

Duncan Williams

Graham Chambers

Regan Wallace

I.Vigurs

R.Leitch1 (L.McIntosh)

J.Masson

L.McIntosh

S.McKenzie

-

-

-

-

-

-

Grant Irvine

Stuart Hodge

Duncan Nicolson

F.Fyvie

S.Logan

H.Milne

R.Strachan

R.Leitch

K.Gourlay

-

-

-

-

-

Barry Cook

Steve Traynor

Craig Macrae

F.Fyvie

S.Logan

H.Milne

J.Masson

L.McIntosh

O.Adeyemo

K.Gourlay

-

-

-

-

Matthew MacDermid

Drew Kirkland

Calum Doyle

F.Fyvie (L.McIntosh)

S.Logan

L.McIntosh

O.Adeyemo

R.Leitch

K.Gourlay

-

-

-

-

-

Gavin Duncan

Andrew McWilliam

Ian Hart

F.Fyvie (R.Leitch)

S.Logan

R.Strachan

B.Yule

L.McIntosh

O.Adeyemo

F.Robertson

R.Leitch

K.Gourlay

-

-

Peter Stuart

Alastair Mather

David McKniff

R.Leitch (F.Fyvie)

S.Logan

C.Scully

R.Strachan

J.Masson

L.McIntosh

O.Adeyemo

F.Fyvie

K.Gourlay

-

-

Alan Muir

Andrew McWilliam

George King

R.Leitch (J.Masson)

F.Fyvie

J.Masson1

J.Anderson

O.Adeyemo

S.McKenzie

-

-

-

-

-

Graham Grainger

Graham McNeillie

Colin McAlpine

F.Fyvie

S.Logan

R.Strachan

J.Anderson

O.Adeyemo

L.McIntosh

F.Robertson

K.Gourlay

-

-

-

Scott Lambie

Gordon Crawford

Cameron Telfer

F.Fyvie

S.Logan

H.Milne

B.Yule

J.Anderson

O.Adeyemo

R.Leitch1

K.Gourlay

-

-

-

Barry Cook

Craig Ferguson

Brian Christie

F.Fyvie

S.Logan (B.Yule)

H.Milne

S.Ross

B.Yule

L.McIntosh

O.Adeyemo

R.Leitch

K.Gourlay

-

-

Graham Grainger

Steven Traynor

Paul McAvinue

F.Robertson (B.Yule)

F.Fyvie (R.Leitch)

C.Scully

B.Yule

L.McIntosh

J.Anderson

O.Adeyemo

R.Leitch

K.Gourlay

-

-

Grant Irvine

Andy Milne

Gary Hilland

I.Vigurs

S.Logan (C.Scully)

C.Scully

L.McIntosh

J.Anderson

O.Adeyemo

F.Robertson

R.Leitch

K.Gourlay

-

-

Calum Scott

Graham McNeillie

Brian Christie

J.Anderson

I.Vigurs

L.McIntosh

O.Adeyemo

F.Robertson

F.Fyvie1

K.Gourlay

-

-

-

-

Craig Napier

Graham Chambers

Barry Reid

I.Vigurs1

F.Fyvie

J.Masson

R.McAllister1

O.Adeyemo

S.Logan

K.Gourlay

-

-

-

-

Scott Lambie

Steven Traynor

Gordon McCabe

F.Fyvie

S.Logan

R.Strachan

L.McIntosh1

O.Adeyemo

S.McKenzie

-

-

-

-

-

Mike Roncone

Andy Milne

Paul McAvinue

506

— Season 2021/22 statistics

#CRFCLIVE

44 45

Name

Appearances

Goals

Position

Yellow

Red

Stuart McKenzie

14

0

GK

0

0

Kyle Gourlay

9

0

GK

0

0

Harry Milne

19

0

DF

4

1

Scott Ross

18

0

DF

4

0

Ryan Strachan

12

1

DF

1

0

Morgyn Neill

22

2

DF

2

0

Jevan Anderson

5

0

DF

0

0

Shay Logan

14

0

DF

0

0

Rhys Thomas

2

0

MF

0

0

Connor Scully

21

1

MF

1

0

Blair Yule

20

1

MF

2

1

Jamie Masson

16

3

MF

2

0

Fraser Fyvie

19

5

MF

4

1

Iain Vigurs

21

1

MF

6

0

Finlay Robertson

7

0

MF

0

0

Ross Draper

5

0

MF

1

0

Robbie Leitch

17

4

MF

1

0

Mitchel Megginson

23

12

FW

5

0

Leighton McIntosh

18

2

FW

0

0

Rory McAllister

22

13

FW

3

0

Ola Adayemo

3

0

FW

0

0

— Captain’s view

W

C

’S VIE

AIN T P A

46 47

“ I want to dedicate what we have achieved so far in the SPFL Trust Trophy to the Cove Rangers supporters.”

I want to begin by saying how delighted all of us are to have made it through to the semi-finals of the SPFL Trust Trophy.

Our club was used to featuring in the latter stages of cup competitions when we played in the Highland League. We knew that would be tougher to achieve once we stepped up to the SPFL. So it’s extremely pleasing that, just three years after being promoted, we already have a semi-final tie to look forward.

I want to dedicate what we have achieved so far in the SPFL Trust Trophy to the Cove Rangers supporters.

It’s been a tough couple of years, a fair bit of which you were unable to even get to our games. But you continued to support us as much as was possible in what was a very testing period for the club.

It’s good that we have been able to reward your loyalty by setting up the opportunity to see us play in the cup semi-final - at Balmoral Stadium as well. Making it to a cup semi is also a reward for the hard work that has been done behind the scenes by countless people to ensure we have been able to compete at a higher level.

That work began more than 40 years ago, which is why I would also like give a special mention to our former vice-chairman Gordon Hutcheon.

>>>

— Captain’s view

>>>

We were all devastated to learn before last weekend’s Scottish Cup tie against Queen of the South that Gordon had passed away. The huge part he played in the development of Cove Rangers is highlighted elsewhere in this programme Gordon was a wonderful man and a true gentleman and you can be sure he would have been as proud as punch to see the club that meant so much to him getting through to the cup semi. We will, of course, be hoping to go all the way in the competition now, that’s the winning mentality that was installed at Cove Rangers long before I joined the club.

We still have a lot of huge games ahead of us before we turn our attentions to the cup semi though, including today’s cinch League One meeting with one of my previous clubs, Dumbarton.

We go into game leading the division, but we know there is still a long, long, way to go and ours is without doubt the most competitive of all four of the leagues in the SPFL. Things are so tight, nobody can be certain of winning any game.

We know we are going to have to be at our best this afternoon if we want to stay at the top of the table.

I will conclude with a thank you to my team-mates and our coaching staff for helping me pick up the cinch League One player-of-the-month award for November.

Individual awards are always nice to receive, but football is a team game and I see the trophy as recognition of what did collectively during last month. Well done as well to the gaffer, Paul Hartley, who was named the Glen’s Vodka manager-ofthe-month for November.

He and the rest of the coaching and backroom staff do amazing work, a lot of which tends to be unseen by our fans. It’s nice to see them getting some recognition too.

CYCR! Mitch Megginson

48 49

— 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

50 51

— Today’s team lines

Cove Rangers FC Manager - Paul Hartley

Dumbarton FC Manager - Stephen Farrell

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

8.

9.

10.

11.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

23.

24.

25.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

24.

25.

28.

Stuart McKenzie Morgyn Neill Harry Milne Connor Scully Scott Ross Ryan Strachan Blair Yule Mitchel Megginson (C) Jamie Masson Leighton McIntosh Rory McAllister Ross Draper Jevan Anderson Iain Vigurs Ola Adeyemo Finlay Robertson Rhys Thomas Robbie Leitch Balint Demus Kyle Gourlay Fraser Fyvie Shay Logan

Today’s referee - Chris Fordyce Today’s assistant referees - Gary Hilland, Ross Nelson Team lines sponsor

Sam Ramsbottom Ryan McGeever Paddy Boyle Edin Lynch Gregor Buchanan Stuart Carswell Conner Duthie Andy Geggan Kalvin Orsi Eoghan Stokes Ross MacLean Calum Erskine Joe McKee Carlo Pignatiello Mark Lamont Kris Syvertsen Paul Paton Callum Wilson Sam Muir Paddy O’Neill Kirk McKnight Evan Maley Ryan Schiavone David Hopkirk