Cove: Masson’s eyingaspotattop of charts. Page 53

Midfielder vows to catch skipper Megginson in scoring charts

Jamie Masson’s displays may have been overshadowed by Cove Rangers team-mate Mitch Megginson, in the eyes of the SPFL awards panel.

However, even if his skipper is picking up monthly gongs, that will not stop Masson chasing Megginson’s goal tally.

Masson is one of three players on 11 goals in League 2, with only two players above him. Megginson leads the way on 18, with Elgin

City’s Shane Sutherland three further back.

The former Aberdeen youngster scored five in four games after the turn of the year, as Cove maintained their top spot in League 2.

Megginson matched that tally and it was he and manager Paul Hartley who scooped January’s League 2 player and manager of the month awards.

Masson, though, will not be deterred. He said: “I think I’ve been doing pretty well but it’s been more about the team. It’s been really good to be part of. With 13 games to go, hopefully we can keep these performances up to the end of the season. The manager has given me a little bit of freedom, to go and express myself in the attacking thirds, not to worry about losing it, just to keep going.

“It’s 11 league goals and two in the Betfred Cup. I’m happy with that so far but

I’d like to add a few more before the end of the season. I keep telling Mitch I’m going to catch him.”

Given most of the squad have played at this level or above, it should be no surprise adapting to the SPFL was relatively seamless.

Masson played 11 times for the Dons and had loan spells at Brechin City and Elgin City, prior to his leaving Pittodrie in 2015. A knee injury hampered his chances of getting another full-time deal, prompting a drop to the Highland

League with Formartine United. He added: “I went on trial with Queen of the South and Raith but managed to do my knee, so I was out for three or four months. I went to Formartine for two years and struggled a little bit.

“I found it hard going from full-time to the Highland League. It’s a fast tempo but as soon as I got to grips with it, I was fine.

“I moved to Cove two years ago and I’ve loved it. Everyone at the club has been great. The team spirit has probably been the best I’ve played in. We knew coming up from the Highland League it would be tougher but a lot of the players have played in the leagues. We’ve took it in our stride and done really well.”

Tomorrow sees Edinburgh City head north to the Balmoral Stadium, with the visitors Cove’s main rivals for the title. Just three points separate the clubs with 13 games to go.

Masson added: “There’s still a lot of games to play but to get a win and go six points ahead would be massive.”

Photograph by Kenny Elrick FORM MAN: Cove’s Jamie Masson, right, insists nothing will stop in chasing his captain Mitch Megginson’s goal tally for the season.