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Manager Paul Hartley and captain Mitch Megginson spoke to the media after our 3-0 Scottish Cup third round victory over Championship side Queen of the South at Palmerston Park.

Fraser Fyvie opened the scoring with a spectacular strike before Mitch added a double in the second half to secure a fourth round visit to Premiership side Hibernian in January.

Paul said: “I’m absolutely thrilled, I thought we were magnificent from start to finish.

“We controlled the game in the first half.

“Some of our play was excellent and it was a bit disappointing to go in at half-time only 1-0 ahead, thanks to an outstanding goal from Fyvie.

“We had two or three other really good chances and their keeper made good saves.

“After that we really managed the game well and scored the crucial goals at crucial times.

“I’m thrilled for the players that they can now look forward to a really good game against Hibs.

“Some might not have played at Easter Road before, so it’s great they will now have that opportunity.

“It’s also a good reward for the club, hopefully financially with a good crowd, so it was a good evening all round.

“It was thanks to the players though.

“It was an outstanding performance when you consider the lads had to take time off work, there’s real dedication there.

“It was also miserable conditions and we weren’t quite sure if the game was going to go ahead.

“It was a tricky pitch too, but we were organised and disciplined and got the win we deserved.”

Paul also thanked the Cove Rangers fans who had made the long trip down to Dumfries and gave the team tremendous backing, from start to finish.

He said: “They were absolutely magnificent.

“They gave up a lot of time and a lot of money to come and support us in midweek, which was much appreciated.

“Hopefully they all had a safe journey back up the road.

“It was a great night for everyone, but we will put the cup on the back burner now.

“We know we have to regroup because we have another tough game coming up, away to Falkirk on Saturday.

“I’m confident we can cope though because we have a great bunch of players.

“We were missing some key ones in Dumfries but everybody is playing their part just now.

“It doesn’t matter who comes into the team, they are all contributing.”

Mitch, whose double brought his tally for the season to 14, said: “It was an impressive performance, but it’s something we have come to expect because we love the challenge of mixing with the best.

“Queens are in the division above us, but we were different class to get the result we wanted.

“Fraser’s goal was a screamer.

“His shot looked as if it was going over, but then just dipped and flew into the top corner.

“Fraser is on a scoring streak at the moment, hopefully that will continue.

“I was pleased to get a couple too, at a stage when they were pushing back at us a little.

“That was more because the wind was making it difficult for us to get out at times, but we defended brilliantly.

“The carrot was the trip to Easter Road and we are delighted to have secured that.

“We have earned the right go there and play Hibs, hopefully in front of a decent crowd, it’s something we are all looking forward to.”

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