CHEERS: The Cove Rangers players thank Jamie Masson for making it 2-0 against Annan.

COVE Rangers manager Paul Hartley has applauded the players for extending our run of home victories in Ladbrokes League Two to 11 by beating Annan Athletic 2-0.
Team captain Mitch Megginson claimed his 20th goal of the season midway through the first half, with midfielder Jamie Masson netting the second – and his 12th of the campaign – five minutes from time.
Paul is pleased the win kept us five points clear of second placed Edinburgh City at the top of the table.
But he’s even happier the victory ensured we remain the only side in all four SPFL divisions to still have a prefect record in front of their own fans. High flying Liverpool are also now the only other side in Britain who have still to drop a point at home.
“The players deserve full credit for turning our place into a bit of a fortress,” said Paul.
“That’s 11 on the bounce in the league, and 12 overall, which is a great run.
“To still be unbeaten at home at this time of the season says a lot about how hard they have worked from the very first game.”
Paul admitted we were made to work particularly hard for the latest win against an Annan side who were stuffy at the back and dangerous on the break.
The visitors might even have taken the lead had an early shot from striker Christian Nade gone in instead of striking the underside of the Cove crossbar.
Paul said: “It was a good win in what was a difficult game for us.
“Annan made it very tough because of the way they were organised, they were really stubborn at times, especially in the second half.
“There are times when you just have to find a way to win and the players did that.
“We got the goals at the right time and I don’t think anyone could say the victory wasn’t deserved.”

DANDY DOZEN: Jamie Masson runs off to celebrate after scoring his 12th goal of the season in the 2-0 win over Annan.

ON TARGET: Mitch Megginson’s shot goes past the Annan keeper to make it 1-0 to Cove Rangers.

SO CLOSE: The Annan keeper pushes a Josh Mulligan shot on to the bar during our clash at Balmoral Stadium.

IN CHARGE: Man of the match Harry Milne in action against Annan.