Lossie finally got their season underway this weekend against Cove Rangers, taking all three points from a competitive encounter at a sunny Grant Park. A headed goal from Martin McMullan midway through the first half was enough to steer the Coasters home, as they kept an experienced Cove side well under control.

Clear blue skies greeted the teams as they strolled out onto the park. Lossie, for all their recent results, are not letting things get to them and still take to the park with an air of confidence and a winning attitude. The home side was first to threaten after only a minute when Steven Rattray found space to shoot but hammered the ball over the bar.

Lossie had a decent penalty shout moments later when Morrison was shoved in the back inside the box, but nothing was given. Cove had their first attempt soon after but John Brown dribbled his shot wide of the post.

Lossie were looking far livelier than their opponents and Ivor Pirie had to be on his toes to stop a Craig Morrison volley, set up by McMullan. Gavin Middleton was causing problems from the corners and the visitors were lucky to see a headed effort from Whyte cleared off the line.

Much to the surprise of most people in Grant Park, Lossie took a deserved lead in the 21^st minute. Middleton again swung in a perfect corner and Martin MCMULLAN nodded home for the opener.

Half time – Lossiemouth 1 Cove Rangers 0  

The Coasters immediately started the second half looking for a second and Middleton did slightly better with a free kick than Morrison did in the first half from exactly the same place, curling it round the wall but with sufficient pace to trouble Pirie.

Cove really should have drawn level five minutes into the half when Robertson was gifted a free header but nodded yards wide. The visitors set about putting their stamp on the game and despite good chances for MacMillan and Robertson again, McConnachie in goals for Lossie probably had as quiet a game as he’ll get all season in terms of shots at him.

The closest Lossie came to doubling their lead came when Morrison beat two men down the wing and laid the ball off to Kyle Stewart in the box. The youngster must have been planning his celebration early as he scuffed his shot through to Whyte, who just failed to reach the ball.

MacMillan had the best chance of the rest of the game with ten minutes left when his shot dinged the outside of the post from a distance measurable in inches, not feet.

Full time – Lossiemouth 1 Cove Rangers 0  

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