Cove Rangers v Forfar Athletic – Match Preview

The ‘Loons’ take a welcome break from the rigours of William Hill League2 action on Saturday when all roads lead to the Balmoral Stadium for a fourth round Scottish Cup clash with Cove Rangers, the first ever match between the clubs in the national tournament.

The home side reached this stage courtesy of two late goals from Declan Glass and Grady McGrath against Inverness Caledonian Thistle in round three, the ‘Loons’ by defeating Berwick Rangers 1-0 in round two thanks to a second half goal from Arran Cocks, prior to a 3-3 draw with Stirling Albion and a subsequent penalty shoot-out success at the Alpha Projects Stadium @ Station Park in the third round.

Russell McLean the hat-trick hero of the fight back against Albion and also one of the successful penalty takers, Finlay Allan, Bradley Rodden and Matty Allan the others, is disappointingly not available for the trip north thanks to a double whammy of injury and suspension. Craig Slater, Mackenzie Lemon and Scott Reekie are also ruled out as they were cup tied in previous rounds for Arbroath, Lochee United and Hill O’ Beath respectively.

Manager Jim Weir though is upbeat about the tie, although he realises it will be no easy task to secure a last sixteen spot against a side sitting fifth in the league above and also into the bargain a full-time outfit. Jim commented ‘it is great to be one of only two teams from our league left in the Scottish Cup, a competition that has a special feel and meaning to officials, players and supporters alike’.

Despite the unavailability of the quarter mentioned above, Jim is confident he has a squad that can pull off what would indeed be a shock result and is convinced as has been the case since the day he arrived back at the club, the hard work ethic which has been displayed from the first whistle will cause difficulties for Paul Hartley’s side.

The remainder of the squad including of course goalkeeper Marc McCallum another hero in the penalty kick drama against the ‘Binos’ are fit and either took part in a bounce game against Montrose on Tuesday evening or trained well all week. Jim also welcomes Ross MacLean back to the match day squad giving him another option up front for the tie.

Cove did not have a game last weekend their scheduled home fixture with the ‘Gable Endies’ hit by a snowbound pitch in the Granite City, their last outing a 1-0 defeat down at Queen of the South on January 4th.

The sides have already met this season in the group stages of the Betfred Cup at Forfar, the match ending 1-1 after 90 minutes, the home side picking up a bonus point following a 3-1 penalty shoot out success. That July afternoon Blair Malcolm was the Athies goal scorer, Connor Scully on the mark for the visitors, Matty Allan, Mitch Taylor and Nathan Cannon the penalty kick hot shots.

Back to tomorrow’s tie and Jim Weir is delighted to hear that a fair number of ‘Loons’ supporters would appear to be making the ninety mile round trip to the Granite City boundary. Jim recalls that in his previous stint as manager the tremendous lift the players got from the numbers who followed the side to a cup tie at Rugby Park, their backing that afternoon in Ayrshire superb and he looks forward to a similar and most welcome response tomorrow.

Referee for the tie is Duncan Williams will be handling his first Forfar Athletic fixture this season.

C’mon the ‘Loons’

Admission prices are as follows;-

Stand – Adults £17

Concessions (over 65’s and full time students) £10

Under 16’s £7

Ground – Adults £15

Concessions as above £9

Under 16’s £6

Under 12’s will be admitted free if accompanied by a paying adult or concession.

The host club advise that the preferred option is for supporters to purchase tickets online in advance, see the Cove Rangers official website for full detail.

Card payment at the turnstile is also acceptable on the day, but there is no cash payment facility.

Away fans are located in the Altens end of the stadium. Entry points are well signposted, and stewards will also be on hand to assist you if required.

Forfar Athletic supporters will be made most welcome pre-match in the supporters bar at the stadium.