Red card can’t halt Rangers

Sunday Mail 65

John Sheran admits victory over rivals Formartine United was sweet as 10-man Cove Rangers kept up their title defence.

The two clashed at Cove’s new Balmoral Stadium with goals from Harry Milne – later red-carded – and Paul McManus maintaining the hosts’ stunning start.

Sheran said: “It’s three points but it’s always nice when it’s against one of your rivals. The boys rose to the occasion, it was a big game.

“We were disciplined, organised and played good football. Even when we went down to 10 men we still created opportunities.

“It has been a tremendous start, but it is just a start. We have to keep kicking on.”

Milne smashed in the opener from close range after 21 minutes and McManus doubled the lead with a tap-in.

After Milne walked for handball 10 minutes later, Graeme Rodger saw his penalty saved by the legs of Stuart McKenzie in goal.

Elsewhere, Fraserburgh sit second after beating Clach 3- 0 at home with a Scott Barbour double and a strike from Paul Campbell.

Player-manager Steven Mackay smashed in four goals as Brora hammered Fort William 9- 0.

Forres Mechanics went down 3-1 at Rothes while Neil Gauld hit four goals for Inverurie Locos as they won 5-2 at Lossiemouth.

Buckie Thistle also won 5-2 at home to Wick with Sam Robertson netting a double in the rout.