The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Cove left to sweat over second spot
Paul Hartley took full responsibility for Cove Rangers’ 2-0 defeat to Airdrieonians, which leaves them waiting nervously for second spot in League One.
The Diamonds were worth the win in the northeast, with goals from Calum Gallagher and Dean Ritchie keeping their hopes of second place alive.
The crucial game is now tomorrow night at the Excelsior Stadium, with Airdrieonians hosting Falkirk. If the home side win second spot is theirs; anything else will see Cove finish best-of-the-rest.
It appeared to be a game too far for Hartley’s side, as it finished a run of four games in seven days.
They will not wait on the outcome of tomorrow’s game to see if they will be home or away next weekend.
“I didn’t think we were at our best,” said Hartley.
“I don’t think we started well; our passing and intensity was too slow. I take responsibility for that.
“I changed the shape to try and freshen it up because of the run of games we’ve had and I take responsibility for that.
“The players have been magnificent all season and at times you maybe need a wake-up call. We just didn’t have the energy levels.
“It wasn’t a great day for us but we know what’s in front of us. We’ve got two games to look forward to starting next week.”
In the first half Cove had to weather a period of pressure from Ian Murray’s side, with goalkeeper Stuart McKenzie called into action to make a couple of smart saves.
Kyle Connell’s left-foot shot was creeping into the bottom corner until McKenzie got across to turn it wide, while from the resulting corner he was able to keep out a deflected attempt from Kyle Turner.
The closest the hosts came to a goal before the break came through Daniel Higgins, was allowed to carry the ball forward into the Airdrieonians half and let fly from 30 yards, only to see his shot come back off the post.
Cove, who had switched to three at the back for this game, had not looked at their fluent best and were undone four minutes into the second half.
Half-time substitute Thomas Robert got to the by-line and stood up the ball for Gallagher, who directed a header low into the corner.
Hartley made four changes just after the hour, replacing Connor Scully, Seb Ross, Cammy Logan and Ross Graham with Fraser Fyvie, Broque Watson, Scott Ross and Connor Smith.
Cove were to hit the post again, with Rory McAllister hitting the outside of the post after Megginson played him in.
They were to hit the woodwork again on 74 minutes when Watson met Livingstone’s cross at the back post and headed against the frame of the goal.
The final goal came on the break through Ritchie, who kept his composure to beat McKenzie and earn Airdrieonians all three points.
“We didn’t get started – we didn’t have the usual speed about our play,” added Hartley.
“With four games in a week maybe it was too much today. They were better than us. We gave them too much time on the ball. But we’ll dust ourselves down and be ready for the players.
“Some players won’t train Tuesday, to have a bit extra recovery, and some will train. They’ve worked really hard since they’ve come back and some times you have an off-day.”
All eyes will now be on the game on tomorrow night for Cove. If they finish second they will be away from home next weekend; third spot will mean they are back at the Balmoral Stadium on Saturday.
Hartley added: “Gordon (Young, assistant) will go down to that game (Airdrieonians v Falkirk) and I’ll take training on Tuesday. We’ll be as prepared as we can.”