Mathieson praises players and ‘fantastic fans’

Cove co-manager Graeme Mathieson was overjoyed to see his team make history as the first Highland League to be promoted to the SPFL by the pyramid play-offs.

At Shielfield Park in Berwick, the Highland League champions again dominated proceedings with a comfortable 3-0 victory to win the play-off final 7-0 on aggregate and earn a place in League 2 next season.

Mathieson said: “It is fantastic. This is our third shot at making it into League 2 and you maybe think it’s never going to happen but we have done it and it’s absolutely wonderful.

“The opening goal took the sting out of the game. We thought we were going to have to weather an early storm from Berwick. They did come at us and had a wee go but we were excellent and managed the game fantastically again.

“When we arrived at the ground we just couldn’t believe how beautiful the playing surface was.

“It was in fantastic condition and it really suited our style of play.

“Sometimes these type of games can be scrappy but I thought we scored three fantastic goals and could probably have scored a few more.”

Mathieson said it was a special moment when co-manager John Sheran, who suffered a heart attack last month, came down from his seat in the stand to join him in the technical area for the closing stages.

He said: “It was brilliant when John came down to join us. He has been though the mill over these last few weeks but he wanted to be here to see this and I’m absolutely delighted that he was.

“Our supporters were absolutely amazing from start to finish.

“The support we have had from the fans over the last few weeks has been fantastic.”

But Mathieson admitted he will miss life in the Highland League.

He added: “It is tinged with just a little bit of sadness as we are leaving the Highland League.

“I’ve been involved in it for the last 10 years and I’ve made an awful lot of friends.

“It’s a great league which will, I’m sure, go on without us and still be as competitive as ever.”