The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
‘Cup’ battles now lie ahead for Cove
Cove Rangers boss Paul Hartley has urged his side to find a way to win as they prepare for the eight “cup finals” which will shape their season.
A 4-1 home defeat by Montrose last weekend has left Cove fifth in League One, four points behind fourth-placed Alloa and a further point behind the Gable Endies.
With eight matches remaining to force their way into the play-offs, Hartley knows a strong finish is needed, starting with the trip to Kelty Hearts today.
He said: “We underperformed last weekend compared to how we played in the previous game against Falkirk.
“We have to put that right this weekend.
“It’s a fresh week for us and we’re going to Kelty Hearts looking to win the game.
“The next game is a cup final for us.
“Every one after that is going to be the same between now and the end of the season.
“You want to be as positive as you can in every game but it’s all about winning now.”
The Montrose game was the club’s 150th league game since joining the SPFL from the Highland League in 2019.
Two promotions in three seasons followed by the setback of relegation from the Championship last season represent an eventful start to life as an SPFL club.
With promotion still a realistic proposition, the
Cove manager believes the club should be proud of its contribution since stepping up from the Highland League.
He said: “People have got to realise where Cove have come from in a short space of time.
“We’ve always been striving to be better, go for titles and win promotions.
“We’ve done a lot more in a short period of time than most clubs have done and we’re only in our fifth season.
“It’s remarkable what this club has achieved.
“But right now it’s all about these last eight games.”
Cove were in a strong position in third place but have struggled for consistency in 2024.
Hartley believes the absence of key players at various points has been a factor but expects his senior players to lead the way.
He said: “We’ve performed at a high level at times this season but the problem has been inconsistency.
“We had a blip last season but we’ve been in contention for all of this campaign.
“But we’ve got to remain upbeat, be positive and make sure our levels are better for the run-in.
“The guys who have been over the course will be really important. We’ve got experienced players who have come through the journey with Cove.”