Sheran keeps up brave face after ‘game at 100mph’

Cove Rangers manager John Sheran refused to be downbeat, despite his side exiting the Scottish Cup at Auchinleck Talbot.

The Aberdeen side were beaten 2-1 by the Scottish Junior Cup holders in Saturday’s replay.

Sheran said: “It was a good, hard-fought game and there was nothing between the teams.

“On a different day Blair Yule’s shot at the end might have gone in to make it all-square and take the game to extra time.

“It turned out exactly as we had expected. The game was 100 miles per hour and a battle all over the park.

“I wasn’t particularly happy with the first half performance but I thought we were the better team in the second half. We certainly didn’t deserve to lose.

“The first goal was important but we were back in the game at

1-1 and we felt we had two really good penalty claims in the second half which the referee didn’t give.

“Some may say it was an intimidating venue but I thought it was a great place to come. I loved it and I would have games like this every week. You expect the home fans to be a bit passionate as that’s what football’s about.”

Auchinleck manager Tommy Sloan was happy to progress to the next round where his side will meet Fraserburgh.

He said: “I don’t know a lot about the Highland League but according to everybody Cove are the best side.

“I thought we deserved to go through and I’m delighted as Cove are a good side with some good players.

“Our committee are not too pleased about the draws we’ve had in the Scottish Cup with away matches at Wick, Cove and now Fraserburgh at the end of November.

“But for me that’s the magic of the Scottish Cup. It is another day to look forward to.”

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