Treble is still on for Cove

HIGHLAND LEAGUE ROUND-UP

Ambitious Cove Rangers closed in on a historic treble a f ter capt u r ing the Highland League Cup.

With a 2- 0 triumph over Formartine United, Cove added the famous old trophy to the Aberdeenshire Cup.

At Inverur ie Locos’ Harlaw Park, the winner was rarely in doubt as Cove completed a thoroughly professional and controlled showpiece victory.

Sam Burnett scored first after 33 minutes and Mitch Megginson’s 45th strike of the season just before the break proved enough to see off last year’s winners.

Cove now need four points from their last three league matches to be sure of completing the treble.

Winning manager John Sheran said: “We selected Sam Burnett to start and he scored the first goal.

“He’s an excellent little player, someone we have a huge regard for.

“He’s on his way back from injury so we are delighted. He makes a difference.

“It was our day and we will celebrate it before getting down to the hard work.”

Forma r t ine player - manager Paul Lawson said: “It’s disappointing that a lot of decisions went against us but we knew that would be the case.”

In the league, third-placed Fraserburgh kept up slender hopes of catching second placed Brora with a 3-2 win away to Clach.

Huntly saw off Buckie Th i s t l e 3 -1 , w h i l e Deveronvale won the derby clash at Turriff by 4-2 and Rothes edged out Wick 2-1.

Keith hammered hosts Strathspey Thistle 4- 0 and Nairn County beat bottom side For t Wi l l iam 6- 2 in Lochaber.

LOWLAND LEAGUE ROUND-UP

Veteran hitman Keith McLeod scored a brace on his return to football in Vale of Leithen’s 5- 0 win over Cumbernauld Colts.

The 40-year-old answered an SOS from manager Chris Anderson to lace up again after retiring last season.

McLeod said: “You miss it when you’re not playing and when Chris asked me to come down and help out I couldn’t say no.”

A Sean O’Neil strike gave Barry Ferguson’s Kelty Hearts a 1- 0 win over Civil Service Strollers.

Dalbeattie Star stunned BSC 2-1 with Lewis Sloan and Scott Milligan scoring while Whitehill drew 1-1 with Gala Fairydean.