Hamilton Programme - 15th November 2025

Saturday 15th November 2025 3:00pm KO

Hamilton Academical Saturday 15th November 2025, 3:00pm KO

Features

INVERNESS CT MATCH REPORT FORFAR ATHLETIC MATCH REPORT

04 08

Regulars Upcoming Fixtures & League Table Stadium Advertising Season 24/25 Statistics Player & Management Sponsorship Upcoming Events View from the Dugout Club Partners Club Information Club Honours Club Shop Todays Team Lines

Match Sponsor

02 14 16 18 21 22 24 25 26 28 29

Match Ball Sponsor

02 UPCOMING FIXTURES & LEAGUE TABLE SAT 22nd NOVEMBER | BALMORAL STADIUM | 3:00PM KO SAT 29th NOVEMBER | McDIARMID PARK | 3:00PM KO SAT 6th DECEMBER | PALMERSTON PARK | 3:00pm KO SAT 13th DECEMBER | BALMORAL STADIUM | 3:00PM KO

William Hill League 1

P

W

D

L

GD

PTS

INVERNESS CT

13

10

1

2

14

26

ALLOA ATHLETIC

13

7

2

4

9

23

STENHOUSEMUIR

13

6

5

2

5

23

QUEEN OF THE SOUTH

13

6

2

5

2

20

PETERHEAD

13

6

1

6

-2

19

EAST FIFE

13

5

4

4

-2

19

HAMILTON ACADEMICAL

13

7

3

3

17

18

MONTROSE

13

3

2

8

-16

11

KELTY HEARTS

13

2

2

9

-16

8

COVE RANGERS

13

1

2

10

-11

5

03 MATCHDAY 50/50 TICKETS

The half-time 50/50 tickets are available from the 50/50 Stand beside the Home Pie Hut! Not only will you be in with a chance to win a cash prize, but your ticket also gives you 10% off at Sea Salt + Sole – valid on matchday only

50/50 DRAW WINNER The half-time draw at the Peterhead match was claimed by a Alison Smith with winning ticket number 177845.

04 INVERNESS MATCH REPORT

INVERNESS CT MATCH REPORT

Despite a disciplined display in the Highlands, a first-half strike from Celtic loanee Mitchel Robertson proved enough to give Inverness a 1–0 victory on a wet afternoon.

The manager made one change to the team that faced Peterhead last weekend, with defender Justin Eguaibor coming in for midfielder Mackenzie Strachan - a switch that saw Cove line up with a back three.

05 It was a bright start from the team despite persistent rain that made for slick and testing conditions.

Cove came flying out of the blocks, winning a corner inside the opening minute. A neat routine found O’Donnell on the edge of the area, and after creating space, his shot was blocked - a promising early sign nonetheless.

Inverness began to find their rhythm and carved out their first opportunity on ten minutes when Wotherspoon cut inside from the right before drilling just wide.

Moments later, the hosts created a big chance to take the lead. Sole slid a pass through the Cove back line for Mackinnon, whose low cross found Zimba, but the striker blazed over from ten yards.

The forward remained lively and soon headed narrowly wide after connecting with Allan’s looping cross.

The breakthrough came just before the twenty-minute mark. After Darge did well to block a dangerous delivery from MacLeod, Cove failed to deal with the resulting corner, allowing ROBERTSON, the on-loan Celtic defender, to volley home from close range.

Caley Thistle continued to control possession and almost added a second on 28 minutes. Mackinnon found space inside the box and looked certain to score, but a crucial deflection from Darge sent the shot wide.

06 INVERNESS CT MATCH REPORT Mutch was called into action again shortly after, producing an excellent save to deny MacLeod after a clever flick from Allan opened up the Cove defence.

An injury to Arron Darge ten minutes before the break forced a reshuffle, with Strachan replacing the skipper and the team reverting to a 4–3–3.

Just before half-time, Mutch made another strong stop - this time getting down well to his right to push away Mackinnon’s low drive - keeping Cove in the contest at the interval.

The second half began quietly, with the wet surface continuing to make fluent play difficult for both sides. It wasn’t until the 66th minute that Inverness threatened again, Allan flashing a dangerous cross across the face of goal that thankfully found no takers in blue.

As the game entered its final stages, the hosts turned up the pressure. Substitute Alfie Stewart’s corner found captain Devine at the back post, but Justin Eguaibor made a vital block to prevent a second.

07 Moments later, Mutch again came to the rescue - diving sharply to his left to palm away a powerful strike from Sole after the winger cut inside from the flank.

The home side’s best chance to seal the win came soon after when a slip from Bisland allowed Allan a clear run on goal, but with only the keeper to beat, he fired high and wide.

Cove’s best opportunity of the match fell to Emslie in the closing minutes. The winger found space on the edge of the box and struck powerfully at goal, forcing Munro into an unconvincing save that just about diverted the effort behind for a corner.

Former Cove man Luis Longstaff combined well late on with MacLeod, whose effort from the right flew wide of the far post.

In the final act of the match, David Eguaibor tried his luck from 25 yards, but his curling effort drifted off target - the final action on a rain-soaked afternoon in the Highlands.

INVERNESS: (4-2-3-1) Munro; MacLeod, Devine (C), Savage, Mitchell; Allan, Chalmers (Alonge 88’); Sole (MacIntyre 88’), Mackinnon (Stewart 72’), Wotherspoon (Longstaff 72’), Zimba (Bavide 63’) Substitutes: Ross, Clark, Thompson Scorers: Jason Brown (7′), Smith (71′) Bookings: COVE RANGERS: (5-3-2) Mutch; Bisland, J.Eguaibor Darge (C) (Strachan 37’), Parker, Harrington; Yule; O’Donnell (Donaldson 83’), McAllister; Emslie, D. Eguaibor Substitutes: Demus, Milnes Scorers: Bookings: Yule (33’) Referee: Gary Hanvidge Attendance: 2,102

08 FORFAR ATHLETIC MATCH REPORT

KDM EVOLUTION TROPHY FORFAR ATHLETIC MATCH REPORT

The team battled in torrential rain at Balmoral Stadium but were left to rue a costly first half as Forfar Athletic claimed a 1–2 win in the KDM Evolution Trophy. Despite controlling much of the play and pulling a goal back through Reuben McAllister’s second-half free-kick, early defensive errors and missed chances proved decisive on a frustrating night.

With changes made following the weekend defeat to Inverness, the manager brought Balint Demus back between the posts, the number 21 continuing his run in the cup, while Mackenzie Strachan replaced the injured Arron Darge.

In difficult, rain-soaked conditions, Cove began on the front foot, pinning the visitors back from the first whistle.

The first chance came after just five minutes when Parker whipped a teasing ball across the face of goal. David Eguaibor stretched to make contact but couldn’t quite reach it at full stretch.

09 Cove kept up the pressure, and six minutes later Emslie showed neat footwork on the wing before laying the ball back to Harrington, who delivered a delightful cross into the area. David Eguaibor rose highest but couldn’t direct his header on target, the ball glancing wide to let Forfar off the hook.

Moments later, a costly error gifted the visitors the lead. After comfortably collecting a shot, Demus attempted to roll the ball out from the edge of his box, but his throw fell straight to Lorimer 30 yards from goal. The midfielder quickly found WHATLEY, who burst through and slotted past Demus to make it 0–1.

The goal settled Forfar, who began to enjoy more possession as Cove looked to recover from the early setback.

Just before the half-hour mark, Cove almost found an equaliser through a set-piece. A short corner between Emslie and O’Donnell ended with the latter curling a cross into a crowded penalty area.

Lorimer’s attempted clearance sliced backwards, clipping the crossbar before Stafford gathered under pressure to relieve the danger.

In the 36th minute, Forfar doubled their advantage in unusual circumstances. WHATLEY’s inswinging corner caught the swirling wind and sailed directly over Demus and into the net - a cruel blow on a stormy night at Balmoral.

Cove pushed to respond before the break. On 40 minutes, after several blocked efforts inside the box, Yule picked up the loose ball on the edge of the area and clipped in a cross for Parker, whose glancing header flew narrowly wide of the far post.

10 FORFAR ATHLETIC MATCH REPORT A minute later, Forfar broke down the other end, Shepherd getting in behind too easily down the right before squaring for Cannon, but Justin Eguaibor tracked back superbly to block the effort in front of Demus.

Cove came out after the restart determined to find a way back into the tie and were immediately on the front foot.

On 47 minutes, McAllister curled a free-kick goalwards from 25 yards, his effort taking a deflection on its way through. Stafford managed to push the ball over despite fumbling his save, and from the resulting corner McAllister’s delivery was clawed off the line as Cove pressed hard for an early second half goal.

The team found their breakthrough just past the hour mark. A McALLISTER free-kick from out on the right swung through a crowded box, evading everyone and nestling in the far corner to get back into the match.

Moments later, O’Donnell almost levelled the score, skipping past a series of challenges before cutting inside and curling a strike toward the top corner, only for Stafford to produce a superb fingertip save.

At the other end, Demus denied Sutherland with a strong stop after the striker broke through from halfway and fired low toward goal.

Cove continued to push for an equaliser, with Emslie producing a terrific driving run on 80 minutes to turn his marker inside out before clipping a cross to the back post, where David Eguaibor headed narrowly wide of the post from close range.

11 Demus was again called into action late on, reacting sharply to save from Richardson after a Forfar counter-attack in the closing minutes.

Despite sustained second-half pressure in testing conditions, the team were unable to find the equaliser. The 2–1 defeat brought the group stage of the KDM Evolution Trophy to a close, but our earlier results in the competition were enough to see us progress to the Round of 32.

COVE RANGERS: (4-2-3-1) Demus; Bisland, J.Eguaibor, Parker, Harrington; Yule (C), Strachan; McAllister, O’Donnell, Emslie; D. Eguaibor Substitutes: Mutch, Donaldson, Milnes Scorers: Bookings: McAllister (87’), Parker (90’) FORFAR: (4-4-2) Stafford; Lemon, Allan (C), Dolzanski, Martin; Bright, Whatley (McLinden 69’), Lorimer, Cannon (Richardson 46’); Shepherd (Sutherland 46’), Rennie (Mailer 69’) Substitutes: Scorers: Whatley x2 Bookings: Dolzanski 34’, Mailer 86’, McLinden 90’ Referee: George Calder Attendance: 154

Pick the team We do the rest Play for free Registered UK/IE players. Runs EPL season. Free to play. Enter and make first pick by Round 1 start. Pick new team before each Round; each team can be picked once per League. Prizes vary and apply to Public Leagues only. Min prize £1,000. 1 active League at a time unless prize is £100k or more. Winner takes all if 1 left; Prize split if all lose in same Round or if multiple players left at end of League. Paid within 48h. Online. T&Cs apply.

14 STADIUM ADVERTISING

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

15 Balmoral Stadium is the ideal place for local businesses, large and small, to increase their visibility and reach out to a wider client base With thousands of supporters visiting each season, it is an opportunity to attract attention and get your company noticed perimeter adverts can be custom made and sized to suit your requirements, and we have limited spaces available now for further information please contact our commercial team at mmilne@coverangersfc.com

16 25/26 SEASON STATS Date

Fixture

Competition

H/A

Score

15/07/2025

The Spartans

PSC

H

1-0

19/07/2025

Falkirk

PSC

H

0-0

22/07/2025

Brechin

PSC

A

3-0

26/07/2025

Queen’s Park

PSC

A

1-2

02/08/2025

Queen of the South

SPFL 1

H

0-2

09/08/2025

Stenhousemuir

SPFL 1

A

0-1

12/08/2025

The Spartans

KDM Trophy

H

1-1

16/08/2025

Montrose

SPFL 1

H

3-3

23/08/2025

Peterhead

SPFL 1

A

1-3

26/08/2025

Dundee B

KDM Trophy

H

1-0

30/08/2025

Hamilton Academical

SPFL 1

A

0-0

06/09/2025

Elgin

KDM Trophy

A

0-1

13/09/2025

Inverness C Thistle

SPFL 1

H

0-1

20/09/2025

Alloa Athletic

SPFL 1

A

0-2

23/09/2025

Hibernian B

KDM Trophy

H

1-1

27/09/2025

Kelty Hearts

SPFL 1

H

0-2

04/10/2025

East Fife

SPFL 1

A

0-2

11/10/2025

Dundee Utd B

KDM Trophy

H

5-1

18/10/2025

Stenhousemuir

SPFL 1

H

0-1

25/10/2025

Montrose

SPFL 1

A

3-0

01/11/2025

Peterhead

SPFL1

H

1-2

08/11/2025

Inverness C Thistle

SPFL 1

A

0-1

11/11/2025

Forfar

KDM Trophy

H

1-2

Robbie Mutch

Layton Bisland

Michael Doyle

Mackenzie Strachan

Appearances - 16

Appearances - 23

Appearances - 14

Appearances - 22

00

00

00

01

06

00

00

06

00

00

01

00

Justin Eguaibor

Ryan Harrington

Blair Yule

Mitchel Megginson

Appearances - 19

Appearances - 22

Appearances - 18

Appearances - 16

00

01

00

01

02

00

00

06

01

Declan Glass

Jackson Mylchreest

Appearances - 07

Appearances - 12

01

01

00

02

02

00

04

05

00

17 Date

Fixture

Competition

H/A

15/11/2025

Hamilton Academical

SPFL 1

H

22/11/2025

Alloa Athletic

SPFL 1

H

06/12/2025

Queen of the South

SPFL 1

A

13/12/2025

East Fife

SPFL 1

H

20/12/2025

Kelty Hearts

SPFL 1

A

27/12/2025

Peterhead

SPFL 1

A

03/01/2026

Montrose

SPFL 1

H

10/01/2026

Inverness C Thistle

SPFL 1

H

24/01/2026

Hamilton Academical

SPFL 1

A

31/01/2026

Alloa Athetlic

SPFL 1

A

07/02/2026

Queen of the South

SPFL 1

H

14/02/2026

East Fife

SPFL 1

A

21/02/2026

Kelty Hearts

SPFL 1

H

28/02/2026

Stenhousemuir

SPFL 1

A

07/03/2026

Peterhead

SPFL 1

H

14/03/2026

Inverness CT

SPFL 1

A

21/03/2026

Hamilton Academical

SPFL 1

H

28/03/2026

Montrose

SPFL 1

A

04/04/2026

Alloa Athletic

SPFL 1

H

11/04/2026

Queen of the South

SPFL 1

A

18/04/2026

Stenhousemuir

SPFL 1

H

25/04/2026

Kelty Hearts

SPFL 1

A

02/05/2026

East Fife

SPFL 1

H

Score

Arron Darge

Reuben McAllister

Adam Emslie

Cole Donaldson

Appearances - 15

Appearances - 05

Appearances - 07

Appearances - 07

01

06

00

01

01

00

00

00

00

00

00

David Eguaibor

Balint Demus

Lewis O’Donnell

Fraser Fyvie

Appearances - 22

Appearances - 07

Appearances - 11

Appearances - 02

10

05

01

00

00

00

02

00

Mikey Milnes

Liam Parker

Appearances - 04

Appearances - 23

00

01

00

00

08

00

00

00

00

00

00

18 SPONSORSHIPS Management Sponsors

Paul Hartley

Player Sponsors

Home Sponsor

Away Sponsor

Home Sponsor

Away Sponsor

Home Sponsor

Available

1. Robbie Mutch

8.Blair Yule

Home Sponsor

Away Sponsor

Available

2. Layton Bisland

3. Michael Doyle

Away Sponsor

Home Sponsor

Away Sponsor

Available

Available

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Bill Nicholson

6. Justin Eguaibor

7. Ryan Harrington

4. Mackenzie Strachan

Home Sponsor

Away Sponsor

19

Home Sponsor

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8. Blair Yule

Home Sponsor

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9. Mitchel Megginson

Home Sponsor

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10. Declan Glass

Home Sponsor

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14. Jackson Mylchreest

Away Sponsor

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MICHAEL McDOUGALL & DOUGIE SMITH

18. Adam Emslie

19. Cole Donaldson

17. Reuben McAllister

Home Sponsor

8.Blair Yule

Home Sponsor

15. Arron Darge

Away Sponsor

20. David Eguaibor

20 SPONSORSHIPS

Home Sponsor

Away Sponsor

RichardBrooks.org Aberdeen South

21. Balint Demus

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24 . Fraser Fyvie On Loan

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11. Grady McGrath

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22. Lewis O’ Donnell

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23. Jack Robertson

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25. Mikey Milnes

32. Liam Parker

21 UPCOMING EVENTS

22 A VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT Welcome to Balmoral Stadium this afternoon as we return to league action looking to put a difficult week behind us and get back on track with a positive result.

It has been a frustrating week for us in the build-up to today’s game. Up in the Highlands last weekend, I felt we produced a resolute defensive performance in really challenging conditions, and for long spells we managed the game well. Unfortunately, a poor goal to concede from a setpiece undid our hard work, and we left with nothing to show for the effort the players put in.

Tuesday night in the cup was another disappointing result. It really was a game of two halves - we dominated possession after the break and looked the stronger side, but we didn’t work the Forfar goalkeeper anywhere near enough over the 90 minutes. For all the play we had, we didn’t force him into the saves we needed to turn the game around. The goals we conceded were extremely poor from our perspective, and that ultimately summed up our evening.

23 We are again facing a difficult challenge this afternoon, not least because of our ongoing injury situation. Arron Darge, who has been a key player for us, picked up a foot injury in Inverness and scans have confirmed he has fractured a bone, meaning he will be out for a number of weeks. He joins a long list of others in the treatment room, and once again we will be calling on a limited squad group to go and get a result.

I can’t fault the commitment of the boys I’m asking to go again every week. The effort and attitude have been there — we now need to turn that into points. Every single game is tough in this league, and today will be no different. We have to stay positive, stick together, and do everything we can to come away with something. We really need a result.

Our opponents have had a strong season so far and have shown real resilience despite everything going on at their club.

They have good players throughout their side and we’re expecting another hardfought contest. But if we bring intensity, defend properly, and take our chances when they come, we give ourselves every opportunity.

As always, your backing means a great deal to the players - especially during difficult spells - and we will be doing everything we can to reward that support this afternoon.

Enjoy the game!

24 CLUB PARTNERS Principal Club Partner

Official Club Partners

Principal Stadium Partner

25 CLUB INFORMATION Balmoral Stadium Wellington Circle, Altens, Aberdeen, AB12 3JG

T: 01224 392111 F: 01224 392859 coverangersfc.com

Facebook Twitter Instagram @coverangersfc

Honorary President

Alan McRae OBE

Directors

Keith Moorhouse - Chairman Graeme Reid - Vice Chairman Darren Anderson Grant Moorhouse John Sheran Willie Young Alastair Donald

Football Manager

Paul Hartley

Goalkeeping Coach

Derek Soutar

Sports Scientist

Fraser Bennie

Performance Analyst

Adam Ponton

Physiotherapist

Joe Dawson

Sports Therapist

Mia Paul

Kit Manager

Ian Sellar

Club Doctor

Michael Anthony

General Manager

Alan Booth

Sales & Marketing

Morgan Milne

Head of Media & Communications

Richard Gordon

Digital Media

Andrew Jamieson

Club Photographer

Finlay Thom

Supporter Liasion Officer

Michael Coull

Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer

Kate Dean

Club Chaplain

Dougie Simpson

26 CLUB HONOURS Scottish League 1 Winners

Scottish League 2 21/22

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 Runners-Up

‘90-’91, ‘00-’01 ‘88-’89, ‘91-’92, ‘01-’02, ‘03-’04

Highland League Cup Winners Runners-Up

‘94-’95, ‘99-’00, ‘04-’05, ‘14-’15, ‘16-’17, ‘18-’19 ‘90-’91, ‘92-’93, ‘95-’96, ‘97-’98, ‘05-’06, ‘07-’08, ‘11-’12

Aberdeenshire Cup Winners Runners-Up

‘01-’02, ‘10-’11, ‘18-’19 ‘92-’93, ‘94-’95, ‘16-’17, ‘17-’18

Aberdeenshire Shield Winners Runners-Up

‘90-’91, ‘00-’01, ‘08-’09, ‘17-’18 ‘94-’95, ‘12-’13, ‘15-’16

CLUB SHOP

29 TODAYS TEAM LINES

Cove Rangers

Hamilton Academical

1 Robbie Mutch 2 Layton Bisland 3 Michael Doyle 4 Mackenzie Strachan 6 Justin Eguaibor 7 Ryan Harrington 8 Blair Yule 9 Mitch Megginson 10 Declan Glass 11 Grady McGrath (On loan to Brechin City) 14 Jackson Mylchreest 15 Arron Darge 17 Reuben McAllister 18 Adam Emslie 19 Cole Donaldson 20 David Eguaibor 21 Balint Demus 22 Lewis O’Donnell 23 Jack Robertson 24 Fraser Fyvie 25 Mikey Milnes 32 Liam Parker

2 Zander Hutton 4 Lee Kilday 7 Kevin O'Hara 8 Connor Smith 9 Oli Shaw 10 Steven Bradley 11 Bobby McLuckie 13 Idris Munir 14 Barry Maguire 15 Cian Newbury 16 Kyle MacDonald 17 Scott Robinson (C) 18 Liam Morgan 19 Ewan Simpson 22 Cale Loughrey 23 Mikey Stone 27 Stuart McKinstry 30 Tony Gallacher 31 Jamie Smith 32 Aaron Eadie 33 Stephen Hendrie 34 Marcus Syme 40 Darian MacKinnon 43 Ben Reilly 44 Kayden Aitken 45 Finlay Cameron 47 Josh Carson 48 Jamie Herd 49 Dominic Shiels 52 Michael Marks

Manager: Paul Hartley

Manager: John Rankin

Today’s Referee - Graham Grainger Today’s Assistant Referees - Alastair Mather, Ross Anderson

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