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THE players left it late before seeing off Highland League opponents Fraserburgh 3-0 in our closed doors friendly at Balmoral Stadium.

Skipper Mitch Megginson and midfield duo Connor Scully and Jamie Masson got the goals inside the final 15 minutes against a battling Broch side, who will be pleased with their efforts in what was a highly competitive encounter.

Manager Paul Hartley said: “It was a very good work out which you must give Fraserburgh a lot of credit for. They worked very hard and the players were made to keep going to earn the win.”

“I’m pleased to eventually get the win and a clean sheet – and with the fitness levels being shown by the players as we get closer to a return to competitive action.”

Fraserburgh’s well organised and stubborn defence was final breached in the 75th minute when MEGGINSON finished in style from around 16-yards.

It was 2-0 three minutes later when Leighton McIntosh’s cross from the right eventually found it’s way to SCULLY and he rifled home an excellent first time volley from the edge of the area.

MASSON completed the scoring in the 84th minute with a cool finish from 14 yards after a sweeping move that ended with Jordon Brown dummying McIntosh’s cross from the right to allow it to run on to the Cove midfield ace.

The match gave boss Paul the opportunity to assess young Dundee United centre-back Ross Graham, who played the full 90 minutes.

“He’s a player we have been tracking for a while so we appreciate United giving us the chance to look at Ross,” said Paul.

“Ross did well, he looked solid and used the ball well. It was a good work out for him too, against tough opposition.”

COVE RANGERS: McKenzie, Leighton, Livingstone, Strachan, Trialist, Higgins, Watson, Yule, McIntosh, Masson, Semple.

Subs: Milne, Scully, Megginson, Brown, Redman, Ross, Mullen

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