Although Cove had the better of the first half it was Lossiemouth who had the better of the chances.  The Coasters played with a 4-5-1 spearheaded by Gary McNicholl and it was he who had the first chance of the game.

From a flick through David Blackhall was allowed to race in on Lee Windrum.  He had to go wide to go round the keeper and so he composed himself and laid it back for McNichol but the big number nine was unable to strike the ball goalward with any force.

When Lossie did break forward they seemed to be causing the visitors defence problems and Darren Watson was desperately unlucky to see his goalbound effort blocked by a last ditch challenge.

Urquhart and McNicholl both had chances before the centre forward was presented with the opportunity to go through one on one with the keeper.  With the defenders making up the ground he opted to try and loft the ball over Lee Windrum but his effort was wide of the mark.

Half time – Lossiemouth 0 Cove Rangers 0

Cove Rangers started the half on the front foot, which in fairness they had been on during the majority of the first half but they were struggling to test Darren McConnachie.  In the end it took a penalty award to separate the teams.

Barrie STEPHEN went into the box and flicked the ball past Calum Donaldson, drawing the challenge and winning the spot kick. He stood up and confidently placed the right footed free kick right in the corner of the goals to the keepers left.

As with the first half Lossie seemed to create chances when they progressed forward.  A long ball in from the right by Darren Watson was headed down by David Blackhall (who had moved forward in a formational change) to Gary McNichol but the big strikers first time half volley zipped over the bar from 18 yards.

Then it took a goal line clearance from Martin Johnston to prevent David Blackhall's inswinging corner from looping over Lee Windrum and finding the back of the net. At the other end Barrie Stephen continued to cause the full back's grief and an inswinger from the right was very nearly turned home by Martin Johnston at the near post.

With time running out Lossiemouth pushed Craig Donaldson up top and went for it. It almost paid off with two great chances arriving in the dying moments. Firstly Mark Wood had a clear sight of goals but he fired the shot down the throat of Lee Windrum then Shaun McIntosh was unable to keep his diving header underneath the crossbar just when it looked like the teenager was going to grab the supersub title and ensure Lossie added a further point to their tally.

Full time – Lossiemouth 0 Cove Rangers 1

Team