Stenhousemuir vs Cove Rangers

Match Report

Stenhousemuir claimed a well-earned 1-0 victory over Cove Rangers at Ochilview with Carrick’s first-half goal proving decisive in a competitive and hard-fought contest.

The Warriors started brightly, applying pressure early on. Taylor cut in from the wing and struck at goal, forcing a save from the Cove keeper. Carrick reacted quickest to the rebound, firing it into the net to give the home side a deserved lead.

Carrick continued to lead the attacking press as the Warriors kept possession well. Cove responded by striking the woodwork but the hosts remained dangerous on the break. Jamieson produced a superb first-half save to deny a powerful header, ensuring the Warriors went into the break ahead.

The second half began with Cove pushing forward in search of an equaliser. O’Reilly had the ball in the net for the Warriors but it was ruled out for handball. The game grew heated with challenges flying in and multiple yellow cards shown to Darge and Meechan for Stenhousemuir and to Doherty, Megginson and David Eguaibor for Cove.

Stenhousemuir made three changes with Whyte replaced by Aitken in the 62nd minute, Carrick replaced by McGill in the 81st minute and Taylor replaced by Jamieson in the 87th minute. Cove brought on Eguaibor for Strachan in the 85th minute.

Cove pressed hard in the closing stages but the Warriors defended with determination, winning late free kicks to slow the game down and seeing out the win. The result secures another clean sheet and a valuable three points for the home side.

Substitutions:
62’ Whyte off Aitken on (SFC)
81’ Carrick off McGill on (SFC)
87’ Taylor off Jamieson on (SFC)
85’ Strachan off Eguaibor on (CRFC)

Yellow Cards:
47’ Darge (CRFC)
71’ Doherty (CRFC)
72’ Megginson (CRFC)
77’ Meechan (SFC)
88’ David Eguaibor (CRFC)

FT: SFC 1-0 CRFC

PREVIEW

Two sides looking to bounce back from disappointing opening day defeats go head-to-head this Saturday as Stenhousemuir welcome Cove Rangers to Ochilview Park.

The Warriors showed real promise in the early stages of their clash with Alloa, controlling large portions of the first half and getting off the mark through Dale Carrick. But a drop in intensity proved costly, with Alloa growing into the game and overturning the deficit to run out 2-1 winners. The return of Nicky Jamieson was a welcome boost, and there were encouraging signs, especially in the first 35 minutes, where if it wasn’t for McFarlane keeping Alloa in the game, Stenhousemuir could have been out of sight. Gary Naysmith will be expecting a more complete performance over the full 90 this weekend.

Cove Rangers arrive at Ochilview also looking for a response after falling to a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Queen of the South. Post-match, manager Paul Hartley admitted “that a big improvement will be required in the coming weeks if we are to bounce back from what was a major disappointment to kick-off the season”. It does mean that Stenhousemuir will need to be sharp, as they will be looking to put that performance right this weekend.

Looking back to last season, there’s very little between these two teams. The head-to-head saw two wins for Stenhousemuir, including a memorable 3-2 victory for Stenhousemuir at Ochilview, while the most recent meeting ended in a cagey 0-0 draw in Aberdeen back in March.

With both sides keen to kickstart their campaign and put early points on the board, this weekend promises a tightly contested fixture. The Warriors will be aiming to pair the intensity of their first-half performance against Alloa with greater cutting edge in front of goal, while Cove will be determined to rediscover the form that once saw them hit four past Stenny back in January.

Don’t underestimate the importance of early momentum in what is sure to be another tightly packed League One campaign.

Be there. Be loud. Be the difference. Come back the Warriors this Saturday at Ochilview!