COVE RANGERS FC COVE RANGERS FC MATCH PROGRAMME 2017/18. COVE RANGERS v TURRIFF UNITED MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2018/19. Issue 5. Highland Football League

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1 Issue 5 COVE RANGERS FC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2018/19 2 COVE RANGERS FC MATCH PROGRAMME 2017/18 Highland Football League COVE RANGERS v TURRIFF UNITED Saturday Main 25th Sponsor August Kick off 3pm Main Sponsor Main Sponsor Stadium Sponsor Youth Development Partner Ball Sponsor Ball Sponsor Transport Sponsor Design / Print Partner Design and Print by SPECIALIST RENTAL EQUIP AND SERVICES DESIGNED TODAY S ECONOMIC CLIMA Centurion is changing the offshore equipment and se on a global scale. Our clients benefit from significant cost savings throu

2 Proud transport partner of Cove Rangers FC CONTENTS/COVE DIRECTORY Table/Fixtures 5 View from the Dugout 7 Buckie Matchday Sponsors 8 Boardroom View 9 Cove Ladies 10 Cove v Buckie Thistle Action 12 Cove v Montrose Action/Match Report Player Profiles On this Day 20 Huntly v Cove Action 23 Charlie Allan Interviews Eric Watson Cove v Formartine Action/Match Report Todays Team News 30 Cove Rangers F.C. Balmoral Stadium Wellington Circle Altens, Abereen, AB12 3JG Telephone Fax Website Facebook CoveRangers F.C. Honorary President Directors Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Financial Controller Committee Football Manager Co-Manager Goalkeeping Coach Physios Kit Manager Alan McRae Keith Moorhouse Graeme Reid Duncan Little Robbie Gordon Russell McLeod Lynne Smith Darren Anderson Gary Leiper Ian Armstrong Michael Coull Michael Pirie Gordon Taylor John Sheran Graeme Mathieson John McCafferty Keith Paterson Jenni Butler Mike Pirie Andrew Wyness Stadium Manager Duncan Little Commercial Manager Angela Bruce Club Honours Highland League Winners: , , , , , Runners-up: , , , , , , Scottish Qualifying Cup (North) Winners: , Runners-up: , , , Highland League Cup Winners: , , , , Runners-up: , , , , , , Aberdeenshire Cup Winners: , Runners-up: , Aberdeenshire Shield Winners: , , , Runners-up: Aberdeenshire & District Winners: , , , , , League Runners-up: Aberdeenshire Centenery Cup Runners-up: Inter-League Trophy Winners:

3 COLIN LAWSON TRANSPORT LIMITED Established 1997 Road Haulage Services inaberdeen Specialist in the Oil & Gas Sector Crawpeel Road, Altens Industrial Estate Aberdeen AB12 3LG Tel: TABLE/FIXTURES BREEDON SCOTTISH HIGHLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2018/19 CLUB P W D L GF GA GD PT Fraserburgh Cove Rangers Formartine United Brora Rangers Inverurie Loco Works Turriff United Forres Mechanics Wick Academy Keith Buckie Thistle Rothes Huntly Deveronvale Nairn County Clachnacuddin Strathspey Thistle Lossiemouth Fort William COVE RANGERS UPCOMING FIXTURES: Breedon Highland League - Wednesday 29th August Inverurie Locos v Cove Rangers Breedon Highland League - Saturday 1st September Cove Rangers v Fort William PLAY THE COVE RANGERS FC LOTTO Sign up for your chance to win this week s jackpot! For more information please visit or cpeters@coverangersfc.com abruce@coverangersfc.com LUCKY DRAW WINNER The winning The winner number of the in the 50/ Lucky lucky Draw draw at at the the Formartine Spartans game match on was 28/04/18 John was Rennie Winning number was

4 VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT WITH JOHN SHERAN PROUD TO BE MAIN SPONSORS OF COVE RANGERS 2018/19 WELCOME to Balmoral Stadium for today s Breedon Highland League clash with Turriff United. We are expecting another very difficult test from our opponents because I ve been hearing really good things about Turriff. Management duo Kris Hunter and Davie Cormack have introduced a lot of good young players and are doing an excellent job. As you would expect from a team led by them, Turriff will come out really fired up and determined to get the better of us. It will be tough going for both sets of players because we played Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup ties in midweek. I m sure Kris would be the first to agree it s hard to keep lifting players to perform at their best when they are playing Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, Wednesday. But that is our task and I m sure you are in for a match that will be a marvellous advert for the standard of the Highland League, as most of our clashes with Turriff tend to be. I m delighted with the start we have made in the league, with four wins. But, as I always say, it s the next game that counts and we know we are going to have to produce our best if we are to have any hope of maintaining that good start. I m happy to be going into the match on the back of a well earned win over Formartine United in the Aberdeenshire Cup. Everyone had been talking about how strong they are this season and I could see why in our tie, which we edged thanks to a goal from Eric Watson late in extra-time. There was very little to choose between the two sides, as usually tends to be the case when we meet. Formartine are an excellent team, well organised and hard working, who limited the amount of opportunities we created. We were just delighted Eric was able to pop up with the winner when the tie looked as if it was heading to penalties. Any win over Formartine is welcomed and good for team confidence. I have to say a special thanks to the fans who have come out in big numbers to all of our home games so far. We really appreciate your backing and hope you will agree that we do our best to reward you by attempting to win every match and trying to play attractive, attacking, football. That will certainly be our intention again this afternoon. COME ON THE COVE John

5 MATCHDAY SPONSORS COVE v BUCKIE THISTLE BOARDROOM VIEW Steven Anderson and guests of MOTM Sponsor ARR Craib Doug Milne receiving the signed ball from MOTM, Mitchel Megginson Steven Anderson with MOTM, Mitchel Megginson Doug Milne and guests Matchball Sponsors MTM Construction Today we welcome all directors, committee, players and supporters from Turriff United for our scheduled home league game. Turriff United are currently sitting a very respectable sixth in the league table on ten points having won three, drawn one and lost one of their opening five league games. Kris Hunter has certainly turned the team around and although they have largely a youthful squad, it s bolstered with experienced players such as Mike Ewen who is a proven goal scorer at this level of football. Our last home league game at Balmoral Stadium was against Buckie Thistle. After having Jordan MacRae sent off after thirty minutes with the game goalless, a superb second half display ensure we bagged maximum points courtesy of a 2-0 victory with goals from Paul McManus and Mitch Megginson. Last Saturday we made the journey to Huntly again on league duty. Although eventually we won the game 4-0 thanks to a brace from Paul McManus and further strikes from Harry Milne and Jordon Brown, Huntly had a chance to get back into the game at 2-0 with a penalty. Thankfully Stuart McKenzie dived wide to his right-hand side and pulled off a fantastic save. Stuart has been immense this season so far. A goalkeeper is worth so many points in a season where defeats can ultimately become draws and draws become victories. Stuart is arguably the best keeper in the league and we are delighted to have him at the club. Our league form has been superb this season to date. Not only are we the only club to have maximum points from the games we ve played, we ve equally not lost a league goal as yet. We ve scored twelve goals without reply in four league games. I m sure Turriff United will be looking to be the first team to take points at Balmoral Stadium so we ll need to be at the top of our game today. After our midweek exertions following a terrific 1-0 extra time victory against Formartine United in the Aberdeenshire Cup courtesy of an Eric Watson goal, we now hope some of our niggling injuries start to clear up. Thankfully the boys that have stepped in have done the club proud as always. It s great to see some of the youth players getting a chance also. Young Cameron Beattie got the last ten minutes of the game at Huntly and his potential is there for all to see. Certainly now with all the games that are played over the season, there s a huge incentive for the young lads to try and break into the first team squad. Cammy Milne has made the step up this season to be part of the first team squad. He s done really well to date and his performances have been very assured from one so young. He is another great example of the talent coming through the youth ranks. After today, we make the short journey to take on our close rivals, Inverurie Locos on Wednesday next week. Inverurie will be out to put their stamp on a league challenge this season so the game will no doubt prove to be a difficult trip. Although we do have the added advantage that Harlaw Park served us well over the three seasons of ground sharing. Our record there was very good and the lads enjoy playing there as a venue. Inverurie also have some of our ex-players in the shape of Jordan Leyden, Stuart Duff and the recent addition of Jonny Smith. It s unfortunate that Jonny has suffered a knee injury early on in his Locos career and we as a club wish him well in his recovery. This season is shaping up to be a really tight title race. Whoever comes out top of the pile at the end of the season will deserve the accolade as champions. We ll be there fighting to retain the championship also and every game played becomes even more difficult as all teams want to put down a marker. Please get behind the lads today as usual. Your backing can make the difference. Enjoy today s game. CRFC Board of Directors

6 COVE LADIES COVE Rangers Ladies manager Vicki Paterson has her sights on making them one of the leading lights in the Scottish womens football. The former Elgin, Ross County and Aberdeen player took the helm at Cove in May and is pleased to have been given the opportunity to develop what is essentially a new club, born from the take over of the previously established Granite City Ladies. I ve been in the city for a while so was obviously aware that Cove had taken over the old Granite City side that were established a few years ago, said the 36-year-old, who hails from the Highlands. I was delighted when I was invited to get involved with them. Since coming in I have been really taken aback by the ambition Cove have shown on the men s side and they have shown the same for the women s team too. The directors have made that clear from my first day, it s great to know we have that sort of commitment as we look towards the future. Cove are currently mid table in the SWF North First Division, effectively the third tier of the womens game. Vicki, as you would expect, has her sights set on going much higher. She said: We have a lot of hard work to do if we hope to achieve that, but that has to be the target for a club like Cove. Ladies football in the north-east has fallen away a bit in recent years in comparison to what is happening down in Glasgow and Edinburgh. When I first started to play for Aberdeen we also had Buchan Ladies and Inverness who were competing well with the top sides. The better players were happier to stick with their local teams rather than be tempted to go to the likes of Glasgow City or Hibs. Unfortunately, that isn t the case now so we need to see if we can sort that out. One way of doing that is to convince the better players in this area that Cove is where they should be if they wish to fulfil their ambitions. We also aim to have a thriving youth programme, producing our own players in the future. Hopefully that will help us eventually bring Premier League football back to the area, but we know we are way off that standard at this stage. Vicki believes playing out of Balmoral Stadium will help when it comes to player recruitment at the end of the current season. As far as ladies football is concerned, you would be hard pushed to find better facilities in the whole country than those that are on offer at Cove, she said. It s going to be good to be able to say to players these facilities are actually ours and that they will be playing all home games here. They will also discover there is a real family atmosphere about the place when they come to Balmoral. No matter which Cove side you are coaching or playing for, there is a desire to work together to ensure you are the best you can possibly be. That s a huge plus for all of us. Cove recorded a 3-1 home victory over Raith Rovers last weekend but Vicki accepts this season, which ends in October, is all about consolidation. The girls have done brilliantly since I ve come in, she said. Hopefully we will be able to finish mid-table and take things from there. Her ambitions are underlined by the fact Vicky is spending what little spare time she has after juggling her full-time job with her Cove commitments studying for her SFA B-licence coaching badge. If I want Cove to be the best then I have to make sure I m as best as I can be as a coach, she said. I already do some work with the SFA, coaching youngsters in the mornings. The aim is to keep developing as a coach in the hope that I m better equipped to do the job needed at Cove. The directors and staff at Balmoral Group would like to wish Cove Rangers the best of fortune in their bid to retain the SHFL title in season 2018/19 Proud sponsors of BALMORAL STADIUM Balmoral Business Park Balmoral Offshore Engineering Balmoral Tanks

7 COVE v BUCKIE ACTION COVE 2 BUCKIE 0 - Breedon Highland League - Balmoral Stadium MATCH REPORT COVE 2 MONTROSE 2 - Irn Bru Cup - Balmoral Stadium (Montrose won 4-3 on penalties) Glory in defeat for Cove after IRN BRU cup thriller Images courtesy of Dave Cowe and Richard Forbes COVE Rangers exited the Irn Bru Cup with their heads held high after taking League One side Montrose all the way to a penalty shoot-out. There was a mixture of agony and ecstasy for home keeper Stuart McKenzie, who made a series of outstanding saves against his former club, including during the dramatic penalty finale, only to then miss from the spot to open the door for the Gable Endies to steal victory. Defeat was also harsh on Cove striker Paul McManus, who scored twice, one of them a wonder goal, and was by far the best player on the pitch throughout. The pain was even worse for Cove because Montrose were gifted a first half lead when one of the referee s assistants signalled for a penalty for an alleged push by McKenzie which no one else in the ground, including the ref, had spotted. Despite Cove s gallant fight back it would all ultimately end in agony for them as Jordon Brown saw his spot-kick saved and last season s SPFL League Two champions sneaked through by the narrowest of margins. Skipper Eric Watson returned to a much changed Cove side because of a spate of injuries. Former Dons youth player Luke Emmett also made his first competitive start. There was little to choose between the sides in the early stages of the first half. The visitors created the first real chance, on the half hour, when McKenzie made a fantastic block from Josh Skelly s close range shot. Montrose then went ahead two minutes later, thanks to their dubious penalty. Referee Graham Beaton saw nothing untoward when Cove cleared a corner by the visitors but awarded the spot-kick on the advice of assistant Anthony Cooper, who appeared to indicate home keeper McKenzie had shoved an opponent inside the six yard box. It was the second match in a row Cove had suffered because of a decision by an assistant referee. Jordon MacRae was sent off in the league win over Buckie Thistle when the referee upgraded the yellow card he gave for a challenge to a red on the advice of one of his helpers. The decision this time looked even more harsh. McKenzie was also booked, as was Watson for protesting the decision, before Iain CAMPBELL battered the penalty straight down the middle into the net. Cove refused to buckle though and equalised just before the interval. Jamie Masson picked out Connor Scully from a corner on the left and when his shot was blocked the ball fell for McMANUS to drive it low into the far corner of the net from eight yards. The second half was a real roller coaster, with Cove going ahead in the 49th minute thanks to an unbelievable strike from McMANUS. Nicky Gray used his strength to knock the ball down to the 35-year-old, who then turned one of the Montrose defenders

8 MATCH REPORT continued COVE v MONTROSE ACTION inside out as he advanced into the area then unleashed an unstoppable shot from a tight angle on the right high into top corner of the net. There won t be many better goals scored at Balmoral this season. McKenzie prevented Montrose drawing level almost immediately with two top drawer saves inside 30 seconds. The first was when he dived full length to his left to beat away a net bound shot from Skelly. McKenzie followed that with an even better save from Craig Johnston s pointblank header. McManus went close to making it 3-1 for Cove with a looping header that dropped just off target after a Brown cross had found its way to him. Montrose were lucky not to be reduced to 10 men in the 67th minute, when Ryan Ferguson was only booked for a shocking late lunge on Harry Milne near the touch line. The Gable Endies made the best of that let off by equalising a minute later. The Cove defence and midfield gave Liam CALLAGHAN far too much space to cut in from the right and fire a low 22-yard shot beyond the reach of McKenzie. Montrose almost snatched a spectacular third, in the 74th minute, when Martyn Fotheringham shot from near the half way line but McKenzie managed to tip the ball over the crossbar. McKenzie also made splendid late saves from Danny Cavanagh and Fotheringham, but there was to be no just reward for his heroics in the end. Penalty scorers: Cove - Megginson, McManus, Masson; Montrose - I Campbell, Steeves, R Campbell, Johnston. COVE RANGERS: McKenzie, Redford, H Milne, Scully (Yule 76), Watson, Kelly, Emmett (C Milne), Masson, McManus, Gray (Megginson 68), Brown. Subs: Strachan, Beattie, McCafferty. Booked: H Milne (22), McKenzie (32), Watson (32), Megginson (83). MONTROSE: Millar, Ferguson, Callaghan, Allan, Gregg, I Campbell, Fotheringham, Cavanagh (Steeves 65), Rennie, Johnston, Skelly (R Campbell 76). Subs: Dillon, Webster, Redman, Masson, Fleming. Referee: Graham Beaton Attendance: 400 Images courtesy of Dave Cowe and Richard Forbes

9 FIXTURES & TEAMLINES APPEARANCES & SCORERS Date Fixture Game (H/A) F A SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB Referee AS1 AS2 14/07/2018 Inverness CT v Cove Rangers BFC A 0 2 S.McKenzie C.Milne H.Milne R.Strachan B.Yule D.Kelly D.Park J.Smith P.McManus J.Brown C.Scully J.Masson (10) N.Gray (9) L.Emmett (7) Nick Walsh Douglas Ross Graham McNeillie 18/07/2018 Cove Rangers v Hearts BFC H 1 2 S.McKenzie C.Milne H.Milne R.Strachan B.Yule D.Kelly D.Park C.Scully M.Megginson P.McManus J.Masson J.Smith (11) E.Watson A.Redford (2) N.Gray L.Emmett Nick Walsh Andy Milne Chris Phillips 21/07/2018 Cowdenbeath v Cove Rangers BFC A 0 1 S.McKenzie C.Milne B.Yule R.Strachan S.Ross D.Kelly D.Park C.Scully M.Megginson P.McManus J.Masson E.Watson J.Smith (10) A.Redford (2) N.Gray L.Emmett Gavin Duncan Graham Chambers Robert Thomson 28/07/2018 Cove Rangers v Raith Rovers BFC H 2 0 S.McKenzie A. Redford H. Milne B. Yule S.Ross D.Kelly D.Park J. Masson M.Megginson P.McManus C. Scully J. MacRae (5) N. Gray L. Emmett C. Milne H. McLeod Kevin Graham Stuart Stevenson Colin Drummond 28/07/2018 Cove Rangers v Clachnacuddin SHFL H POSTPONED DUE TO INVOLVEMENT IN BETFRED CUP 04/08/2018 Cove Rangers v Fraserburgh SHFL H 2 0 S.McKenzie A. Redford B.Yule R.Strachan H. Milne D.Kelly D.Park C.Scully M.Megginson2 J.MacRae J.Masson N.Gray C.Milne L. Emmett J.Brown(10) H. McLeod J.McCafferty Dan McFarlane David Galazka Owen Lawrence 08/08/2018 Rothes v Cove Rangers SHFL A 4 0 S.McKenzie A. Redford H. Milne R.Strachan B.Yule D.Kelly D.Park C.Scully M.Megginson P.McManus2 J.Masson J.MacRae(7) J.Brown(11) E.Watson C. Milne L. Emmett N.Gray (10) J.McCafferty Paul Cummings Stewart Riddoch Arran Cruikshanks 11/08/2018 Cove Rangers v Buckie Thistle SHFL H 2 0 S.McKenzie C. Milne H. Milne R.Strachan C. Scully D.Kelly J. Brown J. Masson M.Megginson P.McManus1 J.MacRae E.Watson A. Redford(15) D. Park (7) N.Gray (9) L. Emmett Matt Northcroft Calum MacDonald Brian Dean 15/08/2018 Cove Rangers v Montrose (Montrose win 4-2 on pens) IBC H 2 2 S.McKenzie A. Redford H. Milne C. Scully E. Watson D.Kelly L. Emmett J. Masson P.McManus2 N. Gray J. Brown M.Megginson (10) C. Milne (7) B. Yule (4) R. Strachan C. Beattie Graham Beaton Anthony Cooper Filippo Mazzoni 18/08/2018 Huntly v Cove Rangers SHFL A 4 0 S.McKenzie C. Milne H. Milne 1 B. Yule E. Watson D.Kelly J. Brown 1 C. Scully D. Park P.McManus2 J. Masson R. Strachan (9) N. Gray (7) L. Emmett C. Beattie (2) M. Megginson Mike Roncone Clyde Buchan Arran Cruikshanks 22/08/2018 Cove Rangers v Formartine United AC H 1 0 S.McKenzie B. Yule H. Milne R. Strachan E. Watson 1 D.Kelly D. Park C. Scully M. Megginson P.McManus J. Masson J. Brown (7) A. Redford (11) N. Gray L. Emmett J. MacRae (10) Chris Fordyce Chris Phillips Owen Lawrence 25/08/2018 Cove Rangers v Turriff United SHFL H 29/08/2018 Inverurie Locos v Cove Rangers SHFL A 01/09/2018 Cove Rangers v Fort William SHFL H 08/09/2018 Strathspey Thistle v Cove Rangers SHFL A 15/09/2018 Cove Rangers v Formartine United SHFL H 29/09/2018 Cove Rangers v Keith SHFL H 06/10/2018 Brora Rangers v Cove Rangers SHFL A 13/10/2018 Cove Rangers v Lossiemouth SHFL H 27/10/2018 Nairn County v Cove Rangers SHFL A 31/10/2018 Cove Rangers v Deveronvale SHFL H 03/11/2018 Wick Academy v Cove Rangers SHFL A 10/11/2018 Cove Rangers v Forres Mechanics SHFL H 24/11/2018 Clachnacuddin v Cove Rangers SHFL A 01/12/2018 Fraserburgh v Cove Rangers SHFL A 15/12/2018 Cove Rangers v Rothes SHFL H 22/12/2018 Buckie Thistle v Cove Rangers SHFL A 29/12/2018 Cove Rangers v Huntly SHFL H 05/01/2019 Turriff United v Cove Rangers SHFL A 12/01/2019 Cove Rangers v Inverurie Locos SHFL H 19/01/2019 Fort William v Cove Rangers SHFL A 26/01/2019 Cove Rangers v Strathspey Thistle SHFL H 02/02/2019 Formartine United v Cove Rangers SHFL A 09/02/2019 Keith v Cove Rangers SHFL A 16/02/2019 Cove Rangers v Brora Rangers SHFL H 23/02/2019 Lossiemouth v Cove Rangers SHFL A 02/03/2019 Cove Rangers v Nairn County SHFL H 09/03/2019 Deveronvale v Cove Rangers SHFL A 30/03/2019 Cove Rangers v Wick Academy SHFL H 13/04/2019 Forres Mechanics v Cove Rangers SHFL A SQUAD APPEARANCES & GOALS NAME S.McKenzie J.McCafferty A.Redford C.Milne E.Watson D.Kelly S.Ross H.Milne L.Emmett G.Campbell R.Strachan B.Yule J.Brown H.McLeod D.Park C.Scully J.Masson M.Megginson P.McManus N.Gray J.MacRae APPEARANCES GOALS POSITION GK GK DF DF DF DF DF DF DF DF/MF DF/MF MF MF MF/FW MF/FW MF/FW MF/FW FW FW FW FW (Reference) Booked Red Card name in Bold indicates goal scorer (player No. replaced )

10 PLAYER SPONSORSHIP PLAYER SPONSORSHIP Stuart McKenzie Goalkeeper. Age 30, born Aberdeen. Signed for Cove in May 2015 after spending two years at Montrose. As everyone knows from both his spells with the Club he commands his box well and is a great shot stopper. John McCafferty Goalkeeper. Age 33, born Dundee. Signed in July 2015 having previously played with Montrose alongside Stuart Mckenzie. He continues to put pressure on Stuart for the No. 1 spot and keep him on his toes. Also acts as our Goalkeeping Coach. Available Sam Burnett Midfielder. Age 21, born Aberdeen. Signed in September 2014 having previously been with Arbroath. Was a regular in our Aberdeenshire League winning side in Season 2014/15 but has now established himself at First Team level. Available Jamie Masson Midfielder. Age 24, born Aberdeen. Signed in July 2017 having previously played with Formartine United. Has proved to be one of the SHFL s top players over the past few Seasons and we all look forward to this continuing as we try to regain the Title. Phoen x JoineryServices Grant Campbell Defender. Age 28, born Wick. Signed for Cove in December 2015 from Wick Academy. A top class defender who can also play in midfield. Has a tremendous commitment to the game as was proved when he travelled weekly from his home in Cove to turn out for the Scorries. Darryn Kelly Defender. Age 30, born Greenock. Signed from Culter JFC in July 2014 where he won every local Junior honour. Has established himself in the heart of the Cove defence and hopefully will remain there for many years to come. Voted Players Player of the year last Season. Eric Watson Defender. Age 36, born Dundee. Signed in July 2007 from Tayport Juniors having previously played with Montrose Roselea. A strong player with terrific pace and good distribution of the ball. Has a tremendous goalscoring rate for a defender. He drives the team forward at every opportunity. Ryan Strachan Midfielder. Age 27, born Aberdeen. Signed in June 2017 having previously played with Peterhead FC. A versatile player who can also play in defence. His experience will prove invaluable to the side and he will be a huge influence on those around him. Blair Yule Midfielder, Age 26, born Aberdeen. Signed for the Club initially in July 2010 having previously played youth football for Montrose F.C. He left and joined Arbroath where he played last season and became a well-established player in their side. Signed again for the club during the close season and a great addition to the squad. A real athlete whose energetic displays will certainly add a cutting edge to the side. Jordon Brown Midfielder, Age 25, born Aberdeen. Signed for the club during the close season from Peterhead. Likes to get forward to support the strikers. Another flair player who has real quality on the ball and will certainly add a goal scoring presence from midfield. Gordon Campbell Alan Redford Defender. Age 38, born Aberdeen. Signed for Cove in July 2010 having previously played with Huntly. A versatile player who can perform highly in any defensive role. Looking to continue his good form of last Season into this one. Available Harry Milne Defender. Age 21, born Aberdeen. Signed for the Club in September 2014 and was loaned out to Culter Juniors in his first Season. Has now established himself in the side and will be looking to push on this Season. Red Evolution Scott Ross Defender. Age 26, born Aberdeen. Signed for the Club in September 2017 from Peterhead FC. A strong tackling player with a good turn of pace who has slotted straight into the side and looks like staying there for many years to come. Cammy Milne Midfield. Age 20 born Aberdeen. A product of the youth system, Cammy has been promoted to the first team squad this season. A robust and quick defender who has shown up well in pre-season. He will be looking to cement his place in the first team as the season progresses. Daniel Park Midfield/Forward. Age 27, born Aberdeen. Signed in June 2014 from Formartine United. Now in his second spell with the Club, Daniel has just signed a new three year contract and is looking to gain a permanent place in the side. Has terrific pace and is a dead ball specialist. Available PORTABLE POWER Jordan MacRae Jordan MacRae - Striker. Age 19, born Inverness. Signed from Nairn County where he proved to be a their top goalscorer last season with a return of 23 goals in 38 starts. Jordan is a real prospect whose goal scoring attributes will definitely help alleviate the burden on the other strikers. Stonehaven Unionist Club Mitchel Megginson Striker. Age 25, born Aberdeen. Signed for Cove in June His SPFL experience with Aberdeen, Dumbarton, Raith Rovers and Alloa Athletic proved invaluable to the side and he finished our top Goalscorer last Season. More of the same will do nicely this Season. Paul McManus Striker. Age 35, born Kirkcaldy. Signed for Cove earlier this year having previously played for a host of SPFL Clubs. He holds the ball up well and is a proven goalscorer who will be invaluable to us this Season. Connor Scully Striker. Age 25, born Aberdeen. Signed for Cove in June 2012 from Dee Boys Club. Had loan spells with Dyce Junior and Banchory St. Ternan but was recalled four Seasons ago and quickly established himself in the 1st team Squad. Now looking to push on and gain a permanent starting place. Nicky Gray Striker. Age 26, born Aberdeen. Signed for the Club in March 2017 from Turriff United. Previously with Banks O Dee. Will add extra firepower up front as the Club attempts to regain the Title. Available

11 On This Day in Scottish Football 25TH AUGUST 1923 Montrose drew 1-1 with Queen of the South in a Third Division match, the first Scottish League fixture to be played at Links Park 1923 Dumbarton Harp lost 3-2 to Clackmannan in a Third Division match, the first Scottish League match to be played at Meadow Park Falkirk beat Partick Thistle in a First Division fixture which marked the opening of the grandstand at Brockville Park Falkirk lost 1-0 to Rangers in a First Division fixture watched by 22,618, the record League attendance at Brockville Park Berwick Rangers lost 3-1 to Hearts in a First Division fixture watched by 4,478, a record League attendance at Shielfield Park Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson ended his ban on speaking to the BBC 2011 Hearts drew 0-0 with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in the second leg of the play off round to the Europa League, but they had lost the first leg 5-0 at Tynecastle. Signed on this Day 1962 Hearts signed outside left Tommy Traynor from Dunipace 1963 Manchester City signed centre forward Alex Harley from Third Lanark 1967 Dundee signed left back Jim Steele from Kyle Athletic 1969 Airdrie signed wing half Jim McCluskey from Airdrie Academy 1970 Clyde signed inside forward Colin Thomson from Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 1973 Hibs signed goalkeeper Roddy McKenzie from Airdrie 1975 Kilbirnie Ladeside re-instated centre half Joe McGoldrick from Clyde 1983 Ayr United signed midfielder Gerry Collins from Albion Rovers 1980 Clyde signed inside forward Tommy Coutts from Bellshill 1981 Clyde signed inside forward Jimmy Sinclair from Queens Park 1987 Berwick Rangers signed Paul Renton from Spittal Rovers 1989 Arbroath signed midfielder Ian Gibson from Raith Rovers 1990 Hibs signed centre half Steven Tweed from Hutcheson Vale 1995 Clyde signed forward Paul Brownlie from Dunipace 2000 Elgin City signed midfielder Connor Campbell from Ross County 2000 Stirling Albion signed defender Graeme Love from East Fife 2003 Stenhousemuir signed forward Stevie Mallan from Albion 2004 St Johnstone signed defender Kevin Fotheringham from Clyde 2006 Clyde signed forward Andrew Ferguson from Dundee, goalkeeper David Hutton from Petershill and midfielder Ryan McCann from St Johnstone 2006 Stranraer signed forward Gerry Britton from Brechin City Compiled by John Litster, editor of Scottish Football Historian magazine, We have been specialising in Communication and In Car Technology for over 30 years including the following: Parking Sensors, In Car Bluetooth Solutions, Vehicle Security, Stolen Vehicle Tracking, Fleet Tracking, Heated Seats, ECU Remapping, Reversing Cameras, Dash Cameras, Headrest Screens, Cruise Control, DAB In Car Radio Conversions enquiries@autosonic.co.uk

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13 CHARLIE ALLAN INTERVIEW COVE Rangers skipper Eric Watson is calling for a positive reaction in the wake of their Irn Bru Cup defeat by Montrose. Eric played his first full 90 minutes of the season as Cove were edged out 4-3 on penalties by the League One Gable Endies, after their thriller of a tie had ended 2-2. While disappointed to see their Irn Bru campaign end at the first hurdle, the 36-year-old centre-back is determined there will be no cup hangover when Cove return to Breedon Highland League action away to Huntly tomorrow. Eric said: The league has always been the priority for us, so we can t afford to be feeling sorry for ourselves after what happened against Montrose. We put a lot of effort into the game, although we were disappointed to give away a poor second goal. The penalty award for Montrose also annoyed us, I have no idea where the referee s assistant got that one from. To come back from that and still lose on penalties was a bit hard to take. But these competitions against SPFL clubs are bonus games for us. We know the chances of us actually going on to win the competitions, against full-time clubs, are pretty remote, so we shouldn t dwell too much on any defeats we suffer. The main target is to get ourselves back up to the top of that league and see if we can win it two seasons in row, which we know won t be easy. Eric admitted he was happy to play his first full match of the campaign, despite it ending in a narrow defeat. It s been a long time coming, he said. It was my first start since the end of last season, I can t tell you how good it felt to be back on the pitch. Hopefully I did enough to persuade the manager to keep me in the team tomorrow. Huntly had been in a bit of turmoil in the wake of the unexpected departure of manager Charlie Charlesworth but Eric warned that will count for nothing when they walk out at Christie Park. He also knows Huntly confidence will have been boosted by beating Fraserburgh 2-1 away in midweek in the Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup. Eric said: We have faced a lot of very tough games over the years up at Huntly. The fact we are the champions also means every team we face will come out aiming to add a bit more to their game to stop us. It s up to us to handle that and look to take control of the match in the hope that will give us the winning edge. Cove have made a strong start in the league, with three straight wins and no goals conceded, which Eric hopes will work to their advantage tomorrow. We are disappointed we didn t manage to record a clean sheet against Montrose as well, he said. If you hope to do well in this league you have to show you have a strong defensive record. Formartine United are the current league leaders and are being backed by many to go on and win what would be their first title. Eric accepts stopping them is going to be a tough task for all the other Highland clubs, not just Cove. They have strengthened again and I have the highest of respect for their manager Paul Lawson, said Eric. They have always been formidable opponents but it will be even tougher this time when you look at the quality of the players they have brought in. We will get a closer look at them next Wednesday, when we play in the Aberdeenshire Cup. I m sure that will be an interesting match - but the focus right now has to be on doing all we can to get the three points on offer up at Huntly. Connor Scully picked up an ankle knock against Montrose but is expected to be fit. Cove manager John Sheran is also confident Ryan Strachan will be available but Scott Ross will miss out again Enjoy today s game. CRFC Media Officer WHEN YOU ARRIVE......ARRIVE IN STYLE. Braehead, Cove Road, Cove, ABERDEEN. AB12 3NX T: E: julie@rainbowchauffeurdrive.co.uk W:

14 sponsorship packages SEASON 2018/19 motm sponsor matchball sponsor 6 Guests (option to take more) 6 Guests (option to take more) Arrival 2 and a half hours prior to kick-off Arrival 2 and a half hours prior to kick-off Director s welcome in the Boardroom Director s welcome in the Boardroom Logo in matchday programme Logo in matchday programme Central room table position Central room table position Group photo ed the following week Group photo ed the following week Gift for each guest Gift for each guest Matchday Programme & Team Lines Matchday Programme & Team Lines 3 course meal with wine 3 course meal with wine Complimentary pre and post-match drinks Complimentary pre and post-match drinks External seat in the Main Stand External seat in the Main Stand Half-time refreshments Half-time refreshments Tannoy announcements Tannoy announcements Present MOTM with his award after the game Receive signed CRFC ball from MOTM Car parking Car parking FROM THE HIGH ROAD TO THE LOW ROAD VAT Category VAT Category VAT Category VAT Category 2 Category 1 - Formartine United, Fraserburgh, Inverurie Loco Works & Brora Rangers Category 2 - All other games To secure your booking please contact Angela Bruce on abruce@coverangersfc.com - commercial@coverangersfc.com or call With 43 quarries, 16 asphalt plants, 60 concrete & mortar plants and two concrete products plants, we re Scotland s largest independent construction materials business. SPONSOR OF THE HIGHLAND LEAGUE highlands@breedongroup.com

15 MATCH REPORT COVE 1 FORMARTINE UNITED 0 - EE Aberdeenshire Cup - Balmoral Stadium (after extra time) Eric s extra special as Cove edge out cup holders COVE v FORMARTINE ACTION SKIPPER Eric Watson was the Cove Rangers goal hero, late in extra-time, as they avenged losing to Formartine United in last season s final. Although fiercely competitive, ref Chris Fordyce booked 10 players before sending off United s Jonathan Crawford right at the death, it was a match of few chances. That was down to excellent defending at both ends, although Cove keeper Stuart McKenzie also did his bit with the save of the night early in the second half. Veteran centre-back Watson ensured there would be no penalty shoot-out finale, however, by nodding home with just five minutes left to spark amazing celebrations in the Cove camp and break the hearts of gallant Formartine. Both defences were solid and well drilled and it was the 20th minute before there was a shot on target, when Harry Milne played a clever one-two on the left with Daniel Park and forced United keeper Kevin Main to make a decent save from his 18-yard shot. Mitch Megginson, who endured some rough treatment from the United defenders throughout, was unlucky not to score on the half-hour. He collected a lay-off from Connor Scully before firing a shot on the turn, from the edge of the area, inches wide of Main s right post. Formartine s best chance of the half came in the 38th minute, when Andrew Greig was left with a free shot at goal from 14 yards but was denied when McKenzie knocked his effort wide with his legs. The Cove keeper was the hero again in the 48th minute with a save that was top drawer. Archie MacPhee s blistering 16-yard shot was going in until McKenzie dived full length to beat the ball away. Megginson was always sniffing about for chances and fired just wide again just after the hour. The striker then did his bit at the back with a brilliantly timed last ditch tackle to prevent Ryan Stott getting a shot at goal from 14-yards. Within seconds, Megginson was back up front hitting a 25-yard shot that forced Main to dive full length to grab the ball. The extra 30 minutes began with Scully firing wide before Cove sub Jordan MacRae had a powerful volley held by Main. United also went close when MacPhee blasted a shot over the bar from close range. The tie looked a stick-on to end in penalties until WATSON pounced in the 115th minute. Cove sub Jordon Brown battered a shot at goal from outside the area and the effort looked to be going wide but Cove s Captain Marvel managed to get his head to the ball and deflect it into the net from eight yards out. Crawford got his second booking of the game, for a foul on Megginson, two minutes from the end. Cove now travel to Deveronvale in the semi-finals. COVE RANGERS: McKenzie, Yule, H Milne, Strachan, Watson, Kelly, Park (Brown 78), Scully, Megginson, McManus (MacRae 65), Masson (Redford 105). Subs: Gray, Emmett, C Milne, McCafferty. Booked: Park (53), Megginson (61), Scully (64), Watson (102). FORMARTINE UNITED: Main, Crawford, Smith, S Anderson, J Anderson, Wood, Stott (Gethins 116), Rodger, Fraser (Burnett 94), MacPhee, Greig. Subs: Macpherson, Lawson, Whyte, MacDonald. Booked: Crawford (56), J Anderson (67), S Anderson (70), Fraser (84), Wood (86), Burnett (102). Sent off: Crawford (118). Referee: Chris Fordyce Attendance: 400 Images courtesy of Dave Cowe

16 TODAYS TEAM NEWS Manager - John Sheran Stuart McKenzie John McCafferty Grant Campbell Darryn Kelly Eric Watson Alan Redford Harry Milne Scott Ross Cammy Milne Daniel Park Sam Burnett Jamie Masson Ryan Strachan Blair Yule Jordon Brown Jordan MacRae Mitchel Megginson Paul McManus Connor Scully Nicky Gray Luke Emmett TEAM COLOURS Blue & White Jerseys Blue Shorts White Socks TODAYS REFEREE: TODAYS ASSISTANT REFEREES: Manager - Kris Hunter Ross Anderson Cameron Bowden Rory Brown Owen Cairns James Chalmers Adam Cross Michael Ewen Angus Grant Fraser Hobday Michael Ironside Cameron Jarvie Owen Kinsella Calum Mitchell Calum Reid David Ross Keir Smith Matthew Stewart Nathan Stewart Liam Strachan Stuart Taylor Nikolas Wozniak TEAM COLOURS Navy Jerseys Navy Shorts Navy Socks Scott Leslie Daniel Donohoe and Etienne Dick SPECIALIST RENTAL EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES DESIGNED FOR TODAY S ECONOMIC CLIMATE Centurion is changing the offshore equipment and services model on a global scale. Our clients benefit from significant cost savings through the adoption of our integrated strategy. It s an approach that allows for energy service businesses to greatly reduce operational overheads without any reduction to service and product quality. We call it Integrated Efficiency. Todays Man of the Match sponsored by: Matchball sponsored by: centuriongroup.co.uk

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