Berwick in Cove’s sights after thumping success

Highland League winners Cove R angers will get a second attempt to secure an SPFL place after seeing off East Kilbride 3-0 at the Balmoral Stadium to complete a 5-1 aggregate win over the Lowland League champions.

The Aberdeen side missed out against Cowdenbeath 12 months ago, but now have a crack at Berwick Rangers after a comprehensive display in a feisty fixture.

Assistant manager Graeme Mathieson said: “We have been strong at home all season and if we are like that again then we can put ourselves into a good position to go to Berwick.”

Mitch Megginson sent Cove into the lead on 29 minutes with a well-taken shot but East Kilbride were given a boost six minutes later when Martin Scott was dismissed for stamping on Bernard Coll.

The ten men rallied, and Megginson grabbed a second three minutes from the break.

Coll was dismissed right on the half-time whistle to give East Kilbride a mountain to climb and the tie was put beyond doubt when Jamie Masson fired in the third.

Visiting manager Stuart Malcolm said: “Credit to Cove as they were better over the two legs.”