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The club breaks new ground on Wednesday night with a first ever appearance in the SPFL Championship playoff final.

It is the latest milestone in what was been a remarkable run for Cove Rangers since gaining promotion from the Highland League in 2019. During that time, we have won two titles and become the first new entrants to play second tier football.

Now, we are just two games away from potentially emulating that feat, and Paul Hartley believes all involved deserve great credit:

“This is another bit of history for the club since we came into the league, and I’m so pleased for everyone connected to the club, especially the players!

“I thought they were terrific on Saturday against Queen of the South; they have been fantastic all season, and they deserve to have this experience to look forward to.

“I said to them before the weekend game that I didn’t want to be sitting watching the final on television, I wanted to be involved in it, and they dug deep, and found a way. I really do have to compliment them, they played some excellent football, made some big chances, and then did the dirty side of the game when they had to.

“Overall, they were outstanding against Queen of the South and rose to the challenge.”

One of those who played their part was midfielder Declan Glass; he admits it was a tense, pressure-packed occasion:

“We probably made it a bit more nervy than we needed to, but I think we deserved to get through.

“Unfortunately, I was part of the squad that came down from the Championship last time, so it would mean a lot to me personally to get the club back up there, where I think it belongs.”

“We’re under no illusions, it’s going to be very difficult against a talented Airdrie side with some really good young players, but it’s one we look forward to, and we definitely relish the challenge.”

Paul agrees that Airdrieonians represent a tough hurdle to overcome, but he says his squad will be well prepared for the encounter:

“They are a very good side, and I have got every respect for what the manager Rhys McCabe has done there after a tough start to the season.

“They play football in the right way, as do we, and we are going to have to be strong mentally and physically if we are to come through the tie.

“I have had their last four games watched, I’ve done my homework, and we will need to be on it as we look to keep it alive for that second leg down at Airdrie. They are an exciting team to watch, they play through the thirds, but we have seen what they can do, and we have to make sure that we cause them problems over the two games. We will have a go, just like we did against Queens.”

There was a bumper 1,065 attendance at the weekend, our biggest of the season, and the manager hopes for a similar turnout against Airdrie:

“It was a great atmosphere on Saturday, fantastic to see such a big crowd inside Balmoral, and that certainly spurred on the players. If we can get something similar on Wednesday, it would be a big boost for us, and a real help.”

Full details of pricing can be found HERE and tickets for the match can be purchased online at THIS LINK

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