McKibben’s cup-final edge
ex-locos player eyes cove glory – but McLEAN’S HARLAW MEN DEFIANT
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Cove Rangers go for the league and cup double today when they face Inverurie Locos in the Highland League Cup final at Huntly’s Christie Park.
Former Locos player Phil McKibben, a fringe player during his time at Harlaw Park, has enjoyed a new lease of life at Cove this term and has been a virtual ever-present in John Sheran’s championship-winning team.
With one trophy already on display at Allan Park, the 21-year-old defender hopes to add a second today.
He said: “The cup final is a great way to end the season after a wonderful league and Scottish Cup campaign.
“It is going to be a very exciting day and we’re all looking forward to it after last weekend’s celebrations.
“I don’t think I did as well as I could have at Locos but I am still friends with a lot of the guys at Harlaw Park, so I am looking forward to playing against them again.
“Hopefully, we will be able to do the double over my old team-mates to complete a memorable season for everyone at Cove Rangers.
“But we know it will be far from easy against a Locos side looking to win some silverware of its own.”
Cove’s only absentee is central defender Kenny McKenzie, who is unavailable due to work commitments.
Although Locos manager Dave Cormie has only 12 fit players at his disposal, experienced winger Neil McLean is confident that the Garioch club can cause an upset at Christie Park today.
Semi-professional international McLean said: “Our squad is trimmed to the bone as we are unable to recall the younger players we had lent out to junior clubs.
“But I’m sure the lads we do have at our disposal are good enough quality to see us through against Cove.
“Cove have won the league title and they have done magnificently to achieve that.
“But although we are understrength, we don’t really see ourselves going into the cup final as underdogs as the team we will be able to put out on the day is probably as good a starting line-up as you will find anywhere in the Highland League.
“This is my first League Cup final and, hopefully, I can make it a winning start.”
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