Skipper bows out on a high after 12 years

It was an emotional day for Cove captain Eric Watson, who bowed out after 12 years at the club having led his side into League 2.

The 37-year-old central defender, who is now a free agent, came off the bench with five minutes to go in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Berwick as the Highland League champions enjoyed a comfortable win in the SPFL pyramid play-off final.

Watson said: “What a way to end my 12 years with Cove with promotion to League 2. It’s a great way to bow out.

“The boys have been brilliant the whole season but in the last few weeks they been even better. To get on the pitch near the end for a wee send-off was great. I almost scored with a header with my first touch.”

“To get on near the end for a wee send-off was great”

“The pain of defeat to Cowdenbeath in the play-offs 12 months ago made success this time around all the sweeter for the defender.”

He added: “It’s been a long hard road to get to the SPFL, especially at Cowdenbeath last term when we had the pain of defeat in controversial circumstances.

“The way the boys have picked themselves up has been phenomenal. We had a great season winning the league but it all came down to these last four games.

“This is the best Cove team I’ve played in. We have a lot of young boys mixed with some experienced lads.

“I was pretty emotional at the end when I was presented with a silver salver to mark my 12 years at Cove Rangers.

“I’m not getting any younger and now’s the right time to move on.”

Cove Rangers can look forward to playing League 2 next season after making history by becoming the first Highland League club to win promotion through the pyramid system.

A 3-0 victory at Shielfield Park thanks to goals from Jamie Masson, Jordon Brown and substitute Paul McManus earned Cove a 7-0 win on aggregate in the play-off final to end Berwick’s 68-year stay in the Scottish senior leagues. They will play in the Lowland League next term.