They may have just strolled to the Highland League title but there are two still major obstacles in their way as Cove Rangers plot election to the Scottish Professional Football League.
The first of those hurdles comes in the form of The Spartans.
While they might not be as intimidating as their name suggests, Cove will need to be wary of a side that clinched this season’s Lowland League title.
They may not have done it in as emphatic style as the Highland League champions did but in holding off a strong challenge from East Kilbride – who defeated Buckie Thistle before losing out to Cowdenbeath in last year’s pyramid playoffs – they have surprised a few people.
Alongside their dominant league form, Cove have also impressed in the cups. They won 2-0 at Stenhousemuir in the Irn Bru Cup and triumphed 3-2 at Airdrie in the Scottish Cup.
Spartans however, can also point to their 3-0 success at League One Albion Rovers as evidence that they are just as ready to make the step up.
Their Scottish Cup adventure did end though after a 2-1 defeat at home to Fraserburgh.
The first leg of their much-anticipated encounter takes place on April 28 at Harlaw Park, with the return leg on May 1 at Spartans’ Ainslie Park in Edinburgh.
- Ground: Ainslie Park, Edinburgh. Capacity 3,000 (534 seated).
- League record this season: Played 30, won 23, drew 4, lost 3.
- Top scorers: Jamie Dishington 11, Ross Allum 10.
- Manager: Douglas Samuel.
The club was formed in 1951 by ex-players of the University of Edinburgh. The initial intention was to field a team of graduates from the university but they gradually moved away from that policy.
They joined the newly-formed Lowland League in 2013 after years spent playing in the East of Scotland Football League, as one of its most successful clubs.
They have played in the qualifying rounds of the Scottish Cup since 1978 and recently in 2014-15, knocked out Clyde and Morton before losing to Berwick Rangers.
