Hale With Pace But Cove Win

Cove Rangers 3 Fraserburgh 2

The Broch's Charlie Duncan has been at Bellslea Park longer than Fergie has at Old Trafford and the Fraserburgh manager continued his six week touchline ban today (Saturday 29th March) as the men in black and white took on the Granite City's other favourite side.

Cove (in blue and white) took the lead very much against the run of play in 29 mins when Martin Johnston glanced home a curling Stephen cross and the visitors led 5-1 on corners at half time. It was no surprise really when Alan Hale broke away at pace (and the press corps had been looking for that line all day) to equalise with a well placed shot just 20 seconds into the second period.

Hale made it 1-2 with an identical goal midway through the second half but it wouldn't be Cove Rangers without some sort of altercation and it all kicked off late on when a melee at the corner flag led to handbags (let's call it suitcases) and Fraserburgh's Russell McBride (second yellow) and Ryan Christie both saw red with McKibben and Fraser seeing yellow for Cove. Referee Ronnie Wright also booked the Broch's Jamie Ralph and Graham Johnston in this game.

Two late Jamie Watt goals gave Cove the win but the visitors deserved a draw. Cove keep up the chase for the HFL title and on this performance they have the staying power to go all the way to silverware.

Buckie (top of the table before the weekend games) dropped a point as Cove won so now the top of the HFL table reads Cove and Buckie on 54 points (both with six games left) but Cove lead the league on Goal Difference. Deveronvale are third on 46 pts (played 22) , Inverurie (42 pts/played 22) and Keith (played 18/44 points) are still very much in it too. The rest are only playing for pride but teams such as Fraserburgh, Huntly and Forres will definitely have a say in who finally takes the title.

We'll keep you posted.