HIGH FYV FOR HERO FRASER
Late leveller big for Cove
Paul Hartley revealed he turned his back on Fraser Fyvie’s stunning stoppage time equaliser that kept Cove Rangers in pole position for the League One title.
The league leaders – now 21 games unbeaten – were heading for their first defeat since October when Fyvie popped up in the 93rd minute to send a 25-yard screamer past Airdrie keeper Max Currie.
That cancelled out Gabby McGil l ’ s f i rst- minute opener for the Diamonds and kept Cove five points clear of their rivals at the summit with just five games to go.
The Cove bench spilled on to the pitch in celebration after Fyvie’s effort.
But boss Hartley admitted he had just about given up at that point.
He said: “I’d turned my back on it because I thought it was one of those days when things weren’t going for us.
“Airdrie were clearing things and defended well but it’s a magnificent finish and we had to celebrate together.”
The Cove gaffer still isn’t counting his chickens in terms of the title and is adamant the last five fixtures will be their full focus now.
He said: “We will not take anything for granted and I’ve said to the lads it’s definitely five cup finals for us now.”
The Diamonds made a dream start inside the opening minute when the ball was worked to Adam Frizzell inside the box.
He f ired at goal and although Cove keeper Stuart McKenzie got a hand to his strike, McGill was on hand to bundle the ball over the line from close range.
The home side had huge chances that went astray for McGil l and Cal lum Smith in the first half.
And that came back to bite them later on in the match when a loose ball broke to Fyvie and he sent a looping strike over Currie and into the net to keep Cove on course for glory.
Gutted Airdrie boss Ian Murray said: “It’s a cruel, cruel blow to us in terms of catching Cove but we won’t throw in the towel.
“We will keep going to the bitter end.
“I feel really sorry for everyone here.”