Five-goal Cove off to a flyer as City left reeling

Cove Rangers created history and laid down a marker for the season ahead at the same time when they crushed Edinburgh City 5-0 at the Balmoral Stadium, writes Craig Stewart.

The former Highland League side were playing their first ever league match as a SPFL side against a Citizens outfit who finished in third place last season and there was only ever going to be one winner after Mitch Megginson swept Cove into the lead on 31 minutes.

Megginson quickly added a second after being set-up by Chris Antoniazzi and Harry Milne headed in to make it 3-0 at the break.

The visiting Liam Henderson was dismissed just after the hour mark and after Milne had grabbed the fourth, City’s goalkeeper Callum Antell was also redcarded.

Jordon Brown’s header rounded things off, with Cove boss Paul Hartley saying: “It was a special day for Cove but the display and result made it extra special.”

Elgin City enjoyed a 3-0 success over visitors Cowdenbeath, with Shane Sutherland scoring just before and just after half-time and Euan Spark heading in a third before the Blue Brazil’s Mikey Herd was red-carded.

Albion Rovers earned a 3-2 win at Stenhousemuir despite blowing a two-goal lead. Gregor Fotheringham’s precise drive had the Coatbridge leading at the break and Euan East doubled their advantage within a minute of the restart.

The Warriors roared back with David Hopkirk and Alan Cook scoring however Declan Byrne’s late spot-kick won the points.

David Galt’s solo effort 14 minutes from time earned Queen’s Park a 1-0 at Stirling Albion, with the Forthbank side’s hopes of a comeback dented by Ross Mcgeachie’s subsequent dismissal.

Brechin’s first game in the bottom tier following their relegation ended in disappointment with Annan leaving Glebe Park having enjoyed a 1-0 success thanks to Steven Swinglehurst’s second-half header.