Students no match for Highland champs Cove

Cove Rangers 5 Strathclyde Univ3

By Ross McTavish

Published:

ON TARGET: Cove’s Kevin Webster.

COVE warmed up for next weekend’s Highland League opening day clash at home to Wick with a goalfest against Strathclyde University.

The reigning champions’ firepower was too much for the students in an entertaining pre-season encounter at Allan Park.

Cove boss John Sheran was pleased with his side’s performance, while conceding they should have been tighter at the back.

He said: “We created plenty of opportunities and probably should have scored more, but we didn’t cover ourselves in glory defensively.”

Robbie HENDERSON broke the deadlock in the 16th minute, nodding in after Martin Johnston headed a Kevin Webster free-kick back across goal.

Cove’s WEBSTER scored with a delightful chip.

Despite trailing by two goals, Strathclyde were determined to turn this game into a close contest and soon reduced the deficit.

Neil Cruickshank’s late lunge on Callum Murison resulted in a penalty, which was converted by Scott McLENNAN.

Right on the stroke of half-time a Webster corner was headed down by Jordan Heads and Jamie WATT pounced from close range.

Four minutes following the restart, HENDERSON scored again courtesy of a cool finish when clean through on goal.

But Strathclyde quickly fought back, first through McLENNAN’s superb left-footed shot which nestled high in Lee Windrum’s goal.

Shortly afterwards DUFF rolled the ball past the Cove keeper to give Strathclyde hope of a comeback.

With seven minutes remaining Cove added a fifth goal through substitute David SMITH.

COVE: Windrum (McKenzie, 61), Cruickshank, Heads (Watson 55), Tindal, McCulloch (Cromar, 55), Webster (Smith, 67), Bain, Johnston, Stephen, Watt (O’Driscoll, 61), Henderson (Whelan, 72).

STRATHCLYDE: Hamilton, Hill, Rae (Robertson, 71), Heggie, McBride, Murison (Walker, 49), Duff, Shanta, Fotheringham, Hornell, McLennan.