×
google news

Cove Rangers advance to Championship play-off final with crucial win

Manager Paul Hartley praises players for their determination and skill in crucial match.

Cove Rangers celebrate crucial win for play-off final
Cove Rangers secure a vital win, advancing to the Championship play-off final.

In a thrilling encounter at the Balmoral Stadium, Cove Rangers secured their place in the Championship play-off final with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Queen of the South. Goals from club legends Mitch Megginson and Blair Yule propelled the Aberdeen side forward, keeping their promotion hopes alive as they prepare to face Airdrieonians in a two-legged showdown.

Match Highlights and Key Moments

The match began with Cove Rangers making a dream start, taking the lead just seven minutes in. After a sustained period of pressure in the Queen of the South box, a foul on Arron Darge led to a penalty.

Megginson stepped up and confidently converted, firing the ball into the top left corner. Despite a lack of testing chances for both goalkeepers in the first half, Cove looked sharper and more clinical.

Two minutes into the second half, Cove doubled their lead when Yule capitalized on a defensive error. After gathering a loose ball from a cross, he sidestepped a challenge and unleashed a shot from ten yards that found the net, despite the best efforts of the Queen’s defenders to clear it off the line. This goal seemed to put Cove in a commanding position, but the game took a turn as Queen of the South began to create opportunities.

Defensive Resilience and Late Drama

As the match progressed, Queen of the South started to threaten more seriously. A disallowed goal by substitute Benjamin Luissint in the 53rd minute was a warning sign for Cove. The visitors continued to press, and their persistence paid off when Kai Kennedy scored a stunning strike from 30 yards, narrowing the gap to 2-1. This goal set up a tense finish, with Cove needing to dig deep defensively.

Despite the pressure, Cove’s defense held firm. Goalkeeper Nick Suman made crucial saves, including a remarkable tip-over from a close-range shot by Jordan Allan. The final minutes were nerve-wracking for Cove fans, but the team managed to see out the game, securing their place in the final.

Looking Ahead: The Championship Play-off Final

Manager Paul Hartley expressed his delight at the team’s performance, praising the players for their determination and skill throughout the season. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches against Airdrieonians, stating, “We’ll go and attack the two games to give ourselves an opportunity against a very good team.” Hartley also acknowledged the support from the fans, hoping for a strong turnout in the final despite competing events in the city.

As Cove Rangers prepare for the first leg of the play-off final on Wednesday, the excitement is palpable. With a young squad that has shown resilience and talent, the team is poised to make a significant impact in their quest for promotion to Scotland’s second tier. The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown, and fans are eager to see if Cove can achieve their dream of returning to the Championship.


Contacts:

More To Read