Highland League: Bain's late strike gets Cove off to a winning start

Published on Saturday 1 August 2009 22:11

COVE Rangers left it late to launch their title defence with a 2-1 victory over stubborn Forres Mechanics.

It was a historic day for the north association with three newcomers – Strathspey Thistle, Formartine and Turriff – swelling ranks to 18 teams.

But Cove were centre of attention with a new management team of Jerry O'Driscoll and Kevin Tindal taking the reins from all-conquering John Sheran. A goalless first period followed the flag's unfurling over Allan Park, but Roddy Black cracked home the opener after 65 minutes.

Forres levelled through Ricky Wardrop 10 minutes later before Clark Bain popped up with an injury-time winner to get Cove's bid for three-in-a-row off to a flyer.

Wick Academy picked up where they left off last season with an 8-1 thrashing of new boys Strathspey.

Remarkably, all eight of Wick's goals came before the break, with Richard MacAdie bagging four.

Deveronvale snatched a 2-1 win away to Buckie Thistle, with Donnie Munro's reply for Buckie not enough to cancel out goals from Mike McKenzie and Gary McGowan.

Clach thumped Keith 4-0, while Turriff strolled to a 4-0 win at Brora Rangers. Michael Ralton, Barry Massie, Robbie Allan and Martin McLeod scored for Turriff.

Formartine also tasted victory in their first game with a 3-0 win away to Rothes, Kenny Coull getting two before Stuart McKay sealed it.

Huntly beat Fraserburgh 2-1 at Christie Park and Inverurie Locos and Nairn County drew 0-0.

• St Mirren have signed central defender Chris Innes on a one-year deal. Manager Gus MacPherson moved for the 33-year-old after he left troubled First Division club Livingston. "We feel that with his experience and his determination to prove to people that he is still capable of playing in the SPL that he will be a really good signing for us," MacPherson said.

• Former Rangers defender Bob Malcolm has signed a one-year deal with Australian club Brisbane Roar. The 28-year-old had spent his whole career in Scotland and England but was keen to try his luck in the A-League after being given advice from former Rangers team-mates Craig Moore and Charlie Miller, who both play for Roar.

Malcolm is in line to make his debut in Roar's A-League opener against local rivals Gold Coast United next weekend.