COVE AIMING FOR THREE IN A ROW

COVE RANGERS winger Leighton McIntosh insists Paul Hartley’s side are ready to take the step up to the Championship, despite being held at home in the first leg of their play-off semi-final. The 28-year-old scored the equaliser on Saturday after Cove fell behind following Ross Graham’s own goal. And he believes they remain on track for a third consecutive promotion; the Aberdonians won League Two last term in their first SPFL campaign after winning the Highland League the previous season. McIntosh says that winning mentality will stand them in good stead when they head to the Penny Cars Stadium for tomorrow’s return leg. ‘It’s a huge game for the club and the boys know what it means. If you look at the squad, there’s plenty of experience and quality. We are used to winning and we’ve got good attacking players.’ In horrific conditions at the Balmoral Stadium, Airdrieonians were happy to leave with the game still in the balance. Diamonds boss Ian Murray said: ‘We’re at home for the return and conditions will be better. It makes for an exciting game.’

• IN the League One play-off semis, Edinburgh City won 1-0 at Elgin City ahead of the return in the capital tomorrow, while Stranraer drew 0-0 with visitors Dumbarton.