The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
It’s time we bested Broch
Watson looking for Cove revenge
Cove Rangers captain Eric Watson is eager to overcome a Fraserburgh outfit which proved a thorn in the Highland League champions’ side throughout last season.
Fraserburgh defeated Cove in both Aberdeenshire competitions, including the final of the Shield in May which they won 1-0 at Harlaw Park.
The Broch also enjoyed the upperhand in the league, with a 4-2 win at Bellslea Park in December coming just amonthafter a 3-3 draw at Pitmedden.
Despite John Sheran’s men going on to lift the Highland League title, Watson was frustrated by his side’s struggles against today’s opponents and is determined to get one over them at Christie Park.
Watson said: “They were definitely our bogy team last year, they seemed to have our measure.
“We know Fraserburgh will be a different kettle of fish altogether after our Wednesday 6-0win against Huntly. We need to match their desire and the aggressive way they play.
“Fraserburgh teams over the years have played in a similar way. Sometimes they’ll play the game they want to make it hard for us to impose ourselves on the game and we have tomatch them like for like.
“The players are well warned and the guys who were there last year, especially, will know what to expect.”
Fraserburgh come into the game on the back of disappointment after a late 2-1 semi-final defeat by Buckie Thistle on Wednesday which ended their Aberdeenshire Cup defence.
Broch manager Mark Cowie says his players must show a strong response, adding: “We’re up against the champions and they’ll be coming for revenge.
“We’ve got a full squad which is a boost. I won’t need to pick the boys up, though. They’ll have been on ad owner but Cove won’ t let us dwell on it. They’ll be coming for us.”
“Need to match their desire and the aggressive way they play”