Cove Rangers FC Matchday Programme – vs Falkirk 050324

Balmoral

Balmoral

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The winning number at the Annan Athletic match was 147266 and the £500 prize was claimed by Allan Wallet.

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Birthday boy Josh Kerr was the Cove hero, coming on from the bench in the early stages to put in a man of the match performance, capped by the crucial winning goal just four minutes from the end.

Rumarn Burrell had put us ahead on the half hour mark, acrobatically forcing the ball over the line, only for Ndiweni to level matters after defensive slackness. The game looked to be heading for a frustrating draw until Kerr linked-up with Mitch Megginson before showing composure in the six yard box to score.

The big team news was the return to the starting line-up of Fraser Fyvie after a three month absence, the midfielder pitched straight back in having missed fourteen matches. Cameron Stewart dropped out, and with Nick Suman still injured, Balint Demus continued in goal.

It was a quiet start, both sides mounting attacks without seriously threatening until the fifth minute. Fyvie, Yule and Megginson combined down the right and when Fraser’s cross was knocked out, Connor Scully was first to react. He could not get the ball on to his left foot, but shot with his right, and it took an alert clearance from the line by McIntyre to thwart the midfielder.

Cove were then forced into an early change, Mark Reynolds taking a sore one in a head clash with Tommy Goss and having to be replaced by Josh Kerr. In our next attack, Rumarn Burrell was brought to the ground thirty yards out,

“

The big team news was the return to the starting line-up of Fraser Fyvie after a three month absence.”

and from the resultant free-kick Fraser Fyvie fired in a low effort just wide of the left post.

Despite their league position, Annan had clearly been buoyed by recent results, and were holding their own in the match, forcing a number of corners. From the latest of those, the ball was rolled out to the edge of the box, Gibson catching his shot well, but denied by Demus who made a fine save, tipping over the bar.

The opening goal came soon after. Sena gained possession in midfield and linked with Megginson, who spread the play wide to the right. Fyvie swung in the cross, and with Matty Shiels challenging, a defender knocked it back into the danger area. Rumarn BURRELL hooked in a volley, which Heraghty saved superbly, but the striker was alert, and while still falling, somehow got his foot to the ball to knock it over the line, despite the keeper’s attempts to keep it out.

The boys started strongly after the interval, Burrell winning a free-kick twenty-eight yards out. Fyvie shaped to shoot, but cleverly flicked the ball over the wall, Megginson unable to make decisive contact, allowing Heraghty to make the save.

Goss then missed a big chance for Annan, heading over from six yards when free in the box, and seconds later we were agonisingly close to doubling our advantage. Mitch gathered a loose ball and played in Burrell, who finished with ease, but his celebrations were cut short by the assistant’s flag.

Annan went straight up the pitch to equalise. Gillingham failed to deal with a cross, the ball falling for Michael NDWIENI who finished with an angled shot into the bottom corner.

Back came Cove, and when Fyvie’s corner was cleared, he returned the ball

to the danger area where Gillingham shot high over the bar. Shiels then sent in an inviting delivery but with Burrell waiting to pounce the keeper gathered at full stretch.

Scully shot over from twenty yards, and in our next attack we might have regained the lead. Josh Kerr played a superb ball out of defence; Blair Yule cleverly nodded it past Douglas and fired in a low cross which Megginson ran onto but could only shoot into the side netting.

Annan then had a glaring opportunity to go in front, Goss finding himself clear in the box, but Balint Demus raced from his line to make an excellent save.

Gillingham was then replaced by Arron Darge as Paul Hartley reverted to a back four.

The next big opening again fell to the visitors when a ball through the middle

... it was a hugely important first league win of 2024, one which kept the side very much involved in the play-off battle.”

found Walker running clear but the midfielder shot well over the bar from just fifteen yards.

Annan were made to pay for that minutes later. Substitute Kyle Connell hurled in one of his long throws and when the ball fell to Josh KERR, he fed it wide to Megginson. Mitch steadied himself and crossed low into the box, the defender taking a touch before flicking past Heraghty.

It might have been three just before full time when Kerr played a long ball out from defence and Megginson ran in behind the away rearguard. With the keeper off his line, Mitch lobbed him from thirty-five yards, but his effort cleared the crossbar by inches.

The team might not have hit the heights, but it was a hugely important first league win of 2024, one which kept the side very much involved in the play-off battle.

Cove Rangers (3-5-2)

Demus; Doyle, Gillingham (Darge 72), Reynolds (Kerr 10); Yule, Sena, Fyvie (Connell 79), Scully, Shiels; Burrell, Megginson (c)

Substitutes

Robertson, Jones, McGowan, Stewart, Lawal

Goalscorers

Burrell (30), Kerr (86)

Booked Scully (85)

Annan Athletic (4-4-2)

Heraghty; Galloway, Douglas (c), T. Muir, MacIntyre; Nugent, Hunter, Gibson, Docherty (Walker 34); Goss, Ndiweni (Luissint 79)

Substitutes

Fleming, R. Muir, McMenamin, Maxwell, Watson

Goalscorers

Ndiweni (53)

Booked

Nugent (61), Galloway (84)

Referee Scott Lambie Attendance

506

MATCH REPORT

Edinburgh City 0

Cove Rangers 2

cinch League One

Sat 2nd March ‘24

Meadowbank Stadium

The side recorded an important victory in Edinburgh, a spectacular Connor Scully effort in the first half and a Mitch Megginson header early in the second enough to claim a deserved three points.

With Mark Reynolds suffering from a slight calf injury, and Blair Yule being told to rest his troublesome ankle, Paul Hartley made two enforced changes from the win over Annan Athletic, Arron Darge and Josh Kerr returning to the starting line-up. Nick Suman, having missed the last two matches, was fit enough for a place on the bench.

We kicked-off, but it was the home side immediately on the front foot, Demus quickly off his line to gather the ball as Sambou gave chase just inside the box.

Cove hit back immediately and might have scored with just two minutes on the clock. Scully took possession on the halfway line and drove forward before playing the ball wide for Shiels. Matty’s cross was inviting, but Rumarn Burrell, rising at the far post, only just failed to make contact.

We came closer soon after, Fraser Fyvie taking possession from Megginson and cutting in from the left to unleash a wicked twenty-five yard shot which had Adams diving full length to push to safety.

A flurry of chances followed with Shiels having a deflected shot saved and Mitch Megginson also being denied by the keeper. In between, Edinburgh had a big opportunity when we gave away

possession and Zaid found Sambou in the box, but the striker could only slice his shot well wide.

The opening goal came in the fifteenth minute, and it was of the highest quality. Megginson won a corner on the left, and with the area packed, Fyvie rolled a low ball out to the edge of the box. Connor SCULLY caught it sweetly, his powerful curling strike crashing off the underside of the bar and into the net.

Cove continued to enjoy the bulk of the possession, but the home side might have equalised in freakish circumstances midway through the half. With Kerr battling the giant Faye for a high ball, it bounced into the path of Sena who played it first time high towards his own

goal. Thankfully, with Demus scrambling back, it bounced wide of the left post. The resultant corner was half cleared, but only as far as Faye, Balint dealing comfortably with his eighteen yard shot.

Connor Scully then came within inches of doubling our advantage, and it would have been another top class goal. Winning possession thirty yards out, the midfielder rifled another superbly struck effort which looked to be arrowing into the top corner only for Adams to get his fingertips to the ball, diverting it on to the crossbar and over.

Kelsey Ewen had been causing us issues, overlapping down the Edinburgh right, and in the twenty-eighth minute he waltzed past four challenges and into

the box. His shot however lacked power, and Demus made a comfortable save.

We again came close to making it two-nil soon after. Burrell got in behind down the right, and chipped his delivery across goal. Fyvie took possession and rolled the ball back to Megginson who made space and shot powerfully, Parker rushing out to block his effort.

It should certainly have been two in our next attack. Mitch Megginson raced clear on the left and delivered into the box. His cross deflected off Flatman’s foot and fell perfectly to Burrell, but with the goal at his mercy, Rumarn shot too close to the keeper, allowing Adams to touch it behind.

We had one final opportunity in the first half. Megginson won a free-kick wide on the right which Fraser Fyvie swung in, but Burrell was able only to head over.

There was another big opening for Rumarn seconds after the restart when the striker cashed-in on defensive uncertainty, but his angled shot was straight at Adams.

The second finally came five minutes into the half. Arron Darge did well to hold off a challenge then passed down the line to Doyle. The full-back took possession and sent in an inch-perfect delivery, Mitch MEGGINSON applying the final touch with an accurate downward header for his tenth goal of the season.

Will Gillingham picked up the game’s first booking, adjudged to have fouled Sambou twenty-five yards out. Liam Parker stepped up to take the free-kick, shooting powerfully over the wall, but Balint Demus was alert, diving to his left to make a fine save.

Edinburgh came close again seconds later, the impressive Ewen driving to the byeline before crossing low, and with Doyle and Sambou both trying to make contact, the ball bounced up into the hands of the keeper.

Paul Hartley made his first substitution midway through the half, Kyle Connell replacing Burrell, but it was Edinburgh who created the next big chance, Zaid shooting high over the bar from fifteen yards.

Darge then won a free-kick down the right, Parker booked for his challenge, and Fyvie curled in an excellent delivery. Connell rose highest, his header arcing inside the far post, but Adams was able to get across his line to gather the ball.

Cameron Stewart replaced Will Gillingham for the closing stages, and with eleven minutes remaining, Paul McGowan came on for Matty Shiels, Scully dropping to left-back.

Edinburgh were creating little at this stage, but Sambou disposed Stewart wide left and raced in on goal. The striker opened up his body, shaping to curl an effort to the far post, but Demus read his intention, diving to comfortably catch the ball.

It was to be the last real scare, the side seeing out an important victory, and recording our first clean sheet in the league since the win over Montrose in mid-November.

Edinburgh City (4-4-2)

Adams; Ewen, Flatman, Parker, Mitchell; Marshall (Fisher 82), Wilson (Mair 89), Faye (c), Zaid; Sambou, McDonald (McNamara 68)

Substitutes Quate, Devine, Pitt

Booked Parker (74)

Cove Rangers (4-4-2)

Demus; Doyle, Gillingham (Stewart 72), Kerr, Shiels (McGowan 79); Darge, Sena, Fyvie, Scully; Burrell (Connell 66), Megginson (c)

Substitutes Suman, Jones, Lawal

Goalscorers

Scully (15), Megginson (50)

Booked

Gillingham (58), Fyvie (90)

Referee

Lloyd Wilson

Attendance 341

NECK AND NECK

This evening’s rearranged fixture will be just the eleventh meeting between Cove Rangers and Falkirk, with the overall head-to-head pretty much as tight as it could be.

We have won four of the previous encounters, three have been drawn, and the visitors have prevailed in the three others.

The sides first came across each other in the Scottish Cup in February 2018, and with Cove between grounds, the tie was hosted at Harlaw Park in Inverurie. With Paul Hartley then in charge of Falkirk, they took an early lead through Alex Jakubiak, the advantage almost immediately cancelled out by Mitch Megginson.

The senior side finally won through with a double soon after the interval, earning a money-spinning quarter final at Ibrox. Our first SPFL meeting came in the truncated 2020-21 League One season, Falkirk claiming the three points thanks to a Callumn Morrison goal early in the second half, and it was not until five months later the teams next met, with successive encounters in April.

Cove gained revenge at home, Megginson netting both goals in a 2-0 victory, before a thrilling 2-2 draw seven days later. Morrison’s early penalty was levelled by Leighton McIntosh, and Mitch

looked to have secured another win when he gave us the lead late in the match, only for Conor Sammon to level things up with just four minutes left on the clock.

There were four more encounters in the next campaign, the first of those on day one of 21-22 when Aidan Nesbitt opened the scoring for Falkirk, only for Rory McAllister to earn us the first point of what would be a memorable season.

It was into December before our paths crossed again, Cove securing the win with a fine performance down at Falkirk. Morgyn Neill gave us the lead with a long range thunderbolt and McAllister made it two before the break. Substitute McIntosh made it 3-0 late on, the only downside on the day, the sending-off of Shay Logan.

The side made it two victories in a row with a 2-0 success at Balmoral Stadium in mid-February, Mitch Megginson scoring in the first half, Fraser Fyvie in the second, and we maintained our unbeaten run against them by repeating that scoreline at the Falkirk Stadium in early April, Harry Milne grabbing a second half double.

It was not until August of last year that we next locked horns, the second League One fixture of the campaign finishing in an entertaining 2-2 draw. Josh Kerr put Cove in front from the penalty spot, only for the visitors to level thanks to

looked to have secured another win when he gave us the lead late in the match, only for Conor Sammon to level things up with just four minutes left on the clock.

There were four more encounters in the next campaign, the first of those on day one of 21-22 when Aidan Nesbitt opened the scoring for Falkirk, only for Rory McAllister to earn us the first point of what would be a memorable season.

“...the eleventh meeting between Cove Rangers and Falkirk with the overall head-to-head pretty much as tight as it could be.”

PAST MEETINGS

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...

Stirling Albion

Saturday, March 30th

Alloa Athletic

Saturday, April 20th

Edinburgh City

Saturday, May 4th

Paul Hartley

Tam Ritchie

1. Nick Suman

4. Connor Scully

5. Mouhamed Niang

2. Jacob Jones

8. Blair Yule

9. Mitch Megginson

Management Sponsors

Player Sponsors

7. Paul McGowan

6. Will Gillingham

3. Michael Doyle

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

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

22. Mark Gallagher

21. Balint Demus

24. Fraser Fyvie

20. Myles Gaffney

11. Kyle Connell

10. Rumarn Burrell

16. Iain Vigurs

18. Tyler Mykyta

17. Josh Kerr

27. Cameron Stewart

26. Mark Reynolds

19. Dayshonne Golding

15. Arron Darge

14. Luke Strachan

Welcome to Balmoral Stadium for what is clearly going to be a big one against the league leaders.

We go into it off the back of two straight wins in what were difficult matches, they all are at this stage of the season, and that has been a real confidence boost after the poor run we had been on.

I thought down in Edinburgh at the weekend, we were pretty good in the first half, weren’t great after the break, allowing them to get back into it, but we managed to see it through.

They clearly have nothing to lose, and they way the played caught us out at times, there was no real style, they just flooded forward in numbers as they chased the game, but getting the second had given us a cushion, and we saw it out pretty comfortably in the end.

Connor’s goal was an absolute screamer! We tried that out three times in training on the Tuesday night and he sclaffed every one, so I’m glad he saved it for Saturday!! He caught it as sweet as anything and as soon as he hit it, I thought that’s in. He won’t hit many better than that, and it was good to see it flying into the top corner.

As for my goal, I’d been joking with Doyley about getting to the line and getting the ball in early, so we have a chance to get across the defenders, and he played it perfectly. I managed to get in between them and get a good header on it.

That’s me into double figures for the season now, which as a striker is always your first target, and now I want to keep on scoring, get a few more before the end of the season, and keep chipping away at the overall Cove tally.

“...we want to be involved in the battle, we want to make sure we’re in those playoffs. ”

It’s so important to get the three points, which we have done in the last two games, but we know we still have a lot to work on in terms of how we play; we could probably have been better on the ball against both Annan and Edinburgh, but with a tough period coming up, it was vital to get those wins.

I would like to highlight the contribution of Arron Darge. He’s been very good since he came in, his attitude has been superb when, at times, he has had to wait for his chance to get into the team. In training, he works hard, his commitment is second to none, and I thought he was excellent against Edinburgh City. He was getting into tackles, making passes, up and down the pitch and really helping the team.

That’s the mentality and application we are going to need tonight. Falkirk are a very good side, they deserve to be where they are sitting right now, and we are going to have to be at it to take something from the game. But we are at home, that’s an advantage for us, and we need to make the most of that.

With matches running out, it might be that it’s down to two from three for the playoff places, ourselves, Montrose and Alloa, and we know what to expect from them, they’re going to push all the way. We plan on doing that too.

It is important we focus on ourselves, give everything in each game, pick up maximum points. It’s the business end of the season, ten games to go, and that’s what we’re here for, we want to be involved in the battle, we want to make sure we’re in those playoffs.

Mitch COYC!

PAUL HARTLEY

We go into tonight’s meeting with Falkirk on the back of two straight wins, and at this stage of the season, that’s exactly what you have to do.

It was always going to be a tough game down in Edinburgh at the weekend, I warned the players about that, and they responded in the first half, we had some really good moments. We got a bit loose in the second half, they had a few opportunities, so we have to defend a bit better, but overall, we did enough.

We had to be really professional to overcome their youthfulness, their enthusiasm, but we got the win, two very good goals and a clean sheet, so it was a pleasing afternoon.

I was delighted for Connor Scully, that was an excellent strike, one that was straight off the training ground. We’d worked on it during the week, a little routine I though might pay off, but it’s an unbelievable finish; the technique was absolutely brilliant.

It is so satisfying when you work on something, and it pays off. We had some really good individual performers on Saturday. Connor was so good against Edinburgh, as was young Arron Darge. He has suffered a bit because of his versatility, he can play so many positions, and he has been unfortunate not to play more, but I trust him, and he is important for us. He’s only twenty, his attitude is spot on, and I though some of the football he played was good, and he makes brilliantly timed challenges. I was really pleased for him.

I would also like to highlight the captain; Mitch’s work rate was first class at the weekend, and he capped off a fine display with an excellent finish.

“It’s exciting! You want to be at that end of the table, heavily involved in the run-in...”

The clean sheet was important, that’s what gives you the basis to go on and win your games, and it gives the whole team confidence when you shut your opponents out, as we did.

It was pleasing for our travelling support I’m sure, they pay a lot of money to follow the team, so I hope they enjoyed their afternoon. It’s going to be a bit of a rollercoaster between now and the end of the season, and their backing means a lot to us. I know they will be there for us tonight!

We’ve got to keep working, keep believing, and picking up the three points. Of course it will be tough against Falkirk, we know that, but there’s a real battle on now for the playoff places, and we have to embrace that.

It’s exciting! You want to be at that end of the table, heavily involved in the run-in, and we are going to have to make sure we are ready for every game, which we will be.

In terms of Falkirk, we were well beaten down there, but might have nicked the previous one up here in what was just the second game of the season. They are a good team; they’re top of the league for a reason. John McGlynn has done a brilliant job, but if we’re on it, we are a match for anyone.

We will be going out to win this one, just like we do every game. If we can, we’re back in the top four, and that’s a great incentive for us, and I know our players absolutely have the belief they can pick up the three points.

Enjoy the game!

Paul Hartley

Richard has pioneered work with charities, community hubs, befriending and foodbank groups, raising over £200,000 in the last 24-months to help worthy causes and individuals facing challenging times.

If you would like an opportunity to me et with him and discuss any matters that you feel he can be of assista nce with , please contact Richard on 07977 399 537 or email rbrooks@aberdeencity.gov.uk

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Darren Anderson

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Grant Moorhouse

Willie Young

Graeme Anderson, John Morgan

Michael Coull, Richard Forbes

Paul Hartley

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Ian Sellar

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Angela Bruce

Davey Byrne

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Dave Cowe, Richard Forbes

Kate Dean

Dougie Simpson

CLUB HONOURS

Scottish League 1

Winners ‘21-’22

Scottish League 2

Winners ‘19-’20

Highland League

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

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

Scottish Qualifying Cup (North)

Winners ‘90-’91, ‘00-’01

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

Highland League Cup

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

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

Aberdeenshire Cup

Winners ‘01-’02, ‘10-’11, ‘18-’19

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

Aberdeenshire Shield

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

Runners-up ‘94-’95, ‘12-’13, ‘15-’16

Aberdeenshire & District League

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

Runners-up ‘06-’07

Aberdeenshire Centenary Cup

Runners-up ‘86-’87

Inter-League Trophy

Winners ‘01-’02

Cove Rangers

Manager - Paul Hartley

1 Nick Suman

2 Jacob Jones

3 Michael Doyle

4 Connor Scully

5 Mouhamed Niang

6 Will Gillingham

7 Paul McGowan

8 Blair Yule

9 Mitch Megginson

10 Rumarn Burrell

11 Kyle Connell

12 Milosz

14 Luke Strachan

15

Falkirk

Manager - John McGlynn

1 Sam Long

2 Tom Lang

3 Leon McCann

4 Stephen McGinn

5 Liam Henderson

6 Coll Donaldson

7 Callumn Morrison

8 Brad Spencer

9 Jordan Allan

10 Aidan Nesbitt

11 Alfredo Agyeman

14 Finn Yeats

15 Dylan Tait

29