The Cove Rangers team managed to secure a victory against Queen of the South at the Balmoral Stadium, setting up a showdown with Airdrie. Blair Yule was seen celebrating after scoring the second goal for Cove Rangers in their play-off triumph against Queen of the South. The manager, Paul Hartley, was full of praise for his players for keeping their promotion dreams alive. The goals from club legends Mitch Megginson and Blair Yule sealed a 2-1 win for the Aberdeen team, propelling them to the Championship play-off final. Cove Rangers, who had a brief stint in the Championship in 2022-23, will now face Airdrieonians in a two-legged tie for a chance to move up to Scotland’s second tier next season. The first leg is scheduled to take place at the Balmoral Stadium on Wednesday at 8.10pm, with the return leg at the Excelsior Stadium on Saturday.
Manager Hartley expressed his delight for the players, staff, and everyone associated with the club. Despite the challenges faced throughout the season, the opportunity to compete in the play-off final and potentially secure a spot in the Championship was something they would have eagerly accepted at the beginning of the season. Hartley commended the players for their outstanding performance, highlighting the mix of youth and experience within the team.
Hartley emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches against Airdrie, acknowledging the strength of their opponents. He mentioned a crucial moment in the game when Cove had to withstand pressure from Queen of the South and praised his team for handling the situation effectively. The manager also pointed out missed opportunities to secure the win more convincingly, particularly through counter-attacking plays in the second half.
The victory for Cove Rangers attracted a crowd of 1,065 spectators, and Hartley expressed hope for continued support in the upcoming matches, despite a scheduling conflict with another significant game in the city. He highlighted the importance of fan support and credited the players for their remarkable performance throughout the season. The early lead secured by Cove Rangers in the seventh minute set a positive tone for the match. Mitch Megginson’s penalty kick and Blair Yule’s goal in the second half contributed to Cove’s victory.
Despite Queens’ attempts to respond and create chances in the second half, Cove Rangers’ defense remained resolute. The game saw some exciting moments, with both teams pushing for goals. Cove’s determination and strong defensive play ultimately secured their place in the Championship play-off final. The team’s focus now shifts to preparing for the upcoming matches against Airdrie, with the hope of securing promotion to the Championship next season.
