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After almost eight months of hard work, and many thousands of miles travelled, the League One season has come down to just six games, and the first of those is a massive one, against table-toppers Arbroath on Saturday.

The Gayfield side enjoy a five point lead right now, so the objective for the team is simple; secure the win which would put the pressure on them, and take us within touching distance of clinching, at the very least, a play-off place.

Manager Paul Hartley is relishing the challenge:

“It has been a quick season, but a good one so far, and we want to make it even better. It has panned out much as I expected, every week is a battle, and the plan was always to remain in the mix for the run-in.”

Having celebrated 500 games in football management back in December, Paul now has huge experience, so has this been the most competitive division he has had to face up to during his career?

“Probably not, that was maybe the Championship with Dundee in 2014 when it went to the last day before we won the title, but this one is right up there!”

Arbroath have been on a decent run since we beat them at the start of February, but like us, have drawn their last two. Paul believes we can travel south with confidence:

“They’re a good side, they’ve got a really strong squad having recruited well in January, but we’ve got an impressive away record, we’re in good form, and I have every confidence in the players.”

“We know it’s not in our hands, all we can do is ask the question, and we realise the importance of the game.

“Part of my job is to keep the players calm and relaxed, and it’s all about attitude and mindset. The football is there, I know the quality we have, but mentality is key when the heat is on.

“The experienced boys have been really good this year, helping the younger ones, and this is when we really need them. They’ve been there before, they know the drill, and I don’t really need to talk to them, I’m happy just to let them get on with it.”

With the pressure on, and the season close to being settled, Paul says he thrives on that, uses it in a positive way:

“I’m actually enjoying it this year, the challenge, working with the players – they’re a great group of boys – doing every training session and planning for the games.”

“I genuinely look forward to every match, planning how we can win it, and always remembering that you have to take the good with the bad. This season, there have been far more positives, and we want to see that through. I’d much rather be in this position than fighting relegation!

“There might yet be a few twists and turns along the way, and we have to be ready to capitalise if there are.”

Will Gillingham remains sidelined, and Quinn Coulson is ineligible to play against his parent club, but otherwise the squad is at full strength.

It would be great to see as many Cove Rangers fans as possible at Gayfield. If you are travelling down, a reminder there are no cash turnstiles, tickets have to be bought in advance at this LINK

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