The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Higgins stars on comeback
Cove boss Hartley praises defender for his role in win over Edinburgh
Cove Rangers manager Paul Hartley was impressed by the role played by defender Daniel Higgins in his side’s victory against title-rivals Edinburgh City.
Higgins netted with a stunning volley to draw Cove level on a blustery day at Balmoral Stadium after Scott Shepherd had put the Citizens in front.
Rory McAllister earned
Cove the victory two minutes from time to take Hartley’s side six points clear at the top of League 2.
Hartley praised Higgins for his contribution, with the former Kilmarnock player making his first start since November following a hamstring injury.
The Cove boss said: “I thought Higgy was outstanding.
“He has been out since the end of November with a long-term hamstring injury.
“He has had to bide his team but I thought it was right to bring him back in for this one.
“He showed his composure and did his defensive duties pretty well.
“Overall, we were really pleased with the three points.”
The Cove manager was also pleased to see McAllister on the scoresheet.
The former Peterhead captain made the move from Balmoor last month and has scored two goals in his first five appearances for the Aberdeen side.
McAllister was leading the line for Cove with top scorer Mitch Megginson again missing as a result of the calf injury he sustained in the warm-up before the previous week’s 3-0 defeat at Elgin City.
Hartley said: “It has been tough for Rory but he has kept going and kept working hard.
“That is a typical striker’s goal.
“I’m really pleased for Rory.
“He is a good lad who has been working really hard in training to fit into our style of play.”
Cove have another tough game on the horizon with in-form Queen’s Park set to visit Balmoral Stadium this weekend.
The Spiders made it three wins in a row with a 2-0 victory against Elgin City at Hampden on Saturday.
Hartley said: “We have 12 games to go and every game is really tough in this league.
“Everybody is fighting, whether that is at the top end to get in the play-offs or at the other end with teams trying to avoid the drop.
“Every game is so vital. We were on the back of a bad result against Elgin last week and we knew this was going to be a tough one.
“It is a great three points for us but it is just another game.
“We have 12 games to go.”