Jamie: It’s too early to talk about Cove’s title
JAMIE MASSON is warning Cove Rangers about title complacency as the champions-elect prepare to face last season’s league winners Buckie Thistle.
The former Aberdeen and Elgin midfielder knows Cove have created a commanding lead after breaking the 50-point mark with last weekend’s 3-2 win against Deveronvale.
But with much of the Aberdeen side’s advantage still held in the shape of games in hand, Masson is wary of taking it all for granted with tough games in store.
Buckie Thistle have already effectively been dethroned as champions, but will step out at Victoria Park determined to make a point against the favourites to succeed them.
Masson said: “Come the end of the season we will hopefully have done enough to be crowned champions but it is far too early to take anything for granted.
“We need to take it a game at a time and remember there are valuable points still to be won.
“Playing the reigning champions on their home ground is a huge game for both clubs and we know how tough a match it will be, especially after their convincing win against Rothes, who are a strong side now.
“Buckie have also made some quality signings recently so they will be on a high and playing without much pressure.
“We will have to be at our best.”
Elsewhere, Rothes manager Steve MacDonald takes his team to face old club Clach in Inverness, while Lossiemouth entertain Wick Academy, and Keith visit Turriff United. FIXTURES (3.0 unless stated)
Brora Rangers v Deveronvale (OFF), Buckie Thistle v Cove Rangers, Clachnacuddin v Rothes, Fort William v Inverurie Loco Works, Huntly v Forres (OFF), Lossiemouth v Wick Academy, Nairn County v Formartine Utd (OFF), Strathspey Thistle v Fraserburgh (OFF), Turriff Utd v Keith.
Dalbeattie Star v Gretna 2008, East Stirling v Cumbernauld Colts, Edinburgh Univ v Stirling Uni (OFF), Edusport Academy v East Kilbride, Gala Fairydean v Hawick Royal Albert, Selkirk v Vale Of Leithen, Whitehill Welfare v Spartans (2.0).
Highland League – Lowland League – The Scottish Junior Cup 3rd rd
Dyce v Irvine Meadow (1.30). 3rd Cumbernauld Utd v Newtongrange Star (1.30), East Kilbride Th v Thorniewood Utd (1.30), Wishaw v Dundee Downfield (1.30).
– rd replay – McBookie.com West Super Premier –
Auchinleck Talbot v Kilwinning Rangers (1.45)
McBookie.com East Super League –
Linlithgow Rose v Bo’ness Utd (OFF).
McBookie.com North Super League –
First Division –
Dufftown v Ellon Utd (OFF). Buchanhaven Hearts v Sunnybank (1.30).