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Saturday’s meeting with Montrose will be another milestone for Cove Rangers as the club plays its 150^th league match since gaining promotion from the Highland League in 2019.

Our adventure in the SPFL has been a rollercoaster of emotions; two titles and promotions weighed up against relegation from the Championship, and a heart-breaking playoff defeat in 2021.

There have been big changes in the squad, particularly in the last couple of seasons as the club moved towards full-time football, but there have also been constants, an acknowledgement of our roots, and the importance of local identity.

Some of the stalwarts, so important in establishing us in the SPFL, have moved on, but others remain, and they continue to feature prominently for the team. Most notable of all is local midfielder Connor Scully who has missed just seven of the 149 league matches played to date. That remarkable statistic is a tribute to his consistency and fitness:

“I guess I’ve been lucky with injuries, and I’ve done enough to make sure I stay in the team. That stat is amazing though, I hadn’t realised I’d missed so few games, and it’s been brilliant to be able to play my part over the past five years since joining the league.

“There have been a few lows, but so many highs, so many great team-mates along the way, and I look forward to keeping it going with Cove and racking up those appearances.”

Only two other players, Mitch Megginson on 129 and Blair Yule, 120, have played more than a hundred league games, although Fraser Fyvie will be added to that list in the coming weeks. Connor believes that kind of experience will be crucial during the run-in this season, starting with the Montrose encounter:

“As a group, the older players know what it’s all about at this stage, we’ve been tested, we understand the demands brought on by the pressure of chasing titles and promotion, and we have shown we’re ready for the battle.

“That’s what it’s going to be for the next couple of months, and all the boys are up for the challenge.”

Paul Hartley says he shares that belief, has utmost faith is his squad, and expects them to embrace what will be a demanding climax to the campaign:

“We are into the last quarter, it’s really the business end of the season where we’re fighting to get into the playoffs, and be in no doubt, I know my players, we will be ready for the battle. They will be fired-up and ready to go.

“We have played Montrose so often, they’re always tight games, but we’ve done alright against them in the league this season. I expect another tough encounter, they’ve put in a lot of good performances, and they’ll be making the trip up here with confidence.”

“There’s plenty experience in both sides, players who know what is needed at this stage of the season. We’ve certainly got guys who have that knowhow, can draw on the success they’ve achieved, and that can be crucial when the heat is on, particularly in helping the younger ones along the way.

“I try to pass on my experience too, what I’ve gained over the years both as a player and manager; do everything I can to support the boys and give them the tools they need.

“We have strengths at both ends of the pitch, we have good defenders, and we carry a goal threat; when our strikers are firing on all cylinders they are difficult to handle, and we are going to need to get it right all over the park if we’re to get what would be a massive three points.”

Blair Yule will again be missing for the game, but the manager has an otherwise full squad to choose from.

Tickets for the match can be purchased HERE and Cove Rangers supporters are reminded we have introduced a new FLEXI-TICKET option to cover what is a busy month at Balmoral Stadium.

Look out for more features and statistics here on the website and on our social media channels next week as the club celebrates 150 matches in the SPFL.

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