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After a long, hard campaign, and the goalless draw against Queen of the South in the first leg, the season now comes down to a one-off head-to-head at Balmoral Stadium on Saturday.

Defeat will bring the curtain down on 2024-25, but a victory will set up a place in the Championship playoff final, and the opportunity to clinch a return to the second tier of Scottish football.

The 0-0 score-line means the tie is still very much alive for both sides, the manager delighted with the efforts put in by his players down at Palmerston:

“It was a really good away showing on Tuesday night, we knew it would be a difficult game for us after another long trip down the road, but the boys deserve massive credit for how they performed.

“We were disciplined, our shape was good, and we were organised, and had some really pleasing moments during the match. Queens were on a great run, they try to move you about, but we coped with that, closed the gaps, and limited them.”

Paul has spoken all season about the blend he has in the squad, and feels that came to the fore midweek:

“I was delighted right across the team. The young lads showed great energy, our back line was good, and we did have a few chances. Everybody stood up! I asked the more experienced boys to help the youngsters who haven’t had to face that sort of challenge so far in their careers, and they did that.”

While happy with the result, the manager is well aware nothing has yet been settled:

“It is only half-time in the tie, and we will go and attack the game on Saturday, it’s all to play for, a one-off shootout. We had that approach on Tuesday, and it was important to come away with the clean sheet.”

Now, Paul hopes the Cove support will turn out in numbers, and that some Aberdeen fans might also come along, taking the opportunity to see on-loan youngsters, Adam Emslie, Dylan Lobban and Findlay Marshall in action:

“I’m hoping it will be a good crowd on Saturday, the atmosphere midweek was cracking, and I think the players fed off that. If we can get as many supporters inside Balmoral as we can, that will really help the boys.

“We have a good young team, and that mix of experience, and we play plenty attractive football. I know the fans will enjoy watching us, and if they can make a bit of noise, it will be a real lift.”

“When you think of where this club has come from since 2019; two league titles, third, and now second place finishes, it really has been some achievement. We have the opportunity to reach the playoff final, it’s there for us, and I have every faith in the boys to go out there and get the job done.”

A late decision will be taken on the fitness of Fraser Fyvie, while Balint Demus is fit to return to the squad.

Admission prices have been reduced for the game – full details can be found HERE and tickets can be purchased at THIS LINK

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