The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Cove add loan duo for trip to Stenny
Cove Rangers boosted their squad yesterday by signing attacking midfielder Reuben McAllister on loan from Hibernian until January and defender Liam Parker on a season-long loan from St Johnstone.
McAllister, son of former Aberdeen and Bristol City player Jamie, made his senior debut for the Hibees in the Europa Conference League and spent the second half of last season on loan at Kelty Hearts.
Centre-back Parker signed a new deal with the Perth Saints and has previous loan experience with Civil Service Strollers, East Fife and Edinburgh City.
Both will be in line to make their debuts in today’s League One clash at Stenhousemuir.
Cove manager Paul Hartley is convinced the results to match the performances will come for his side.
Cove picked up their first point of the season last weekend in a 1-1 draw but Hartley and his players were frustrated it was not all three after conceding an injury-time equaliser at home to Dumbarton.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on their first victory, Hartley is confident the results to reflect his side’s recent displays will come if they maintain their standards.
He said: “We need to start winning games to build a bit of momentum and I don’t believe we’re too far away. When I see how we’re playing I don’t think the results are too far away either.
“We’ve played well in the last two games. I’m pleased with the chances we’re creating.
“We’ve played a lot of good stuff and taken the lead in the last two games.
“We need to manage that situation a lot better and we need to show more of a killer instinct.
“We should have had the game sewn up last week but when it is only 1-0 the opposition always feel they are still in the game and we didn’t defend the set-piece well for the equaliser.
“Last week was a sore one and I don’t think we’re far away but if we can add one or two players I think we’ll be alright.”
Cove’s search for a first win League One continues today when they travel to Stenhousemuir.
Stenny, who won League Two last season, have three points after winning one of their first three games in the division.
Hartley expects a formidable test not just today but every week in what is shaping up to be a hugely competitive league.
The Cove manager said: “Stenny will be tough.
“They had a good season last year under Gary Naysmith, a former teammate of mine at Scotland.
“There’s not a lot between the teams in the league and the results bear that out so far.
“I expect a tough game as usual. Gary has them welldrilled and organised and they play a certain way.
“We have to make sure we are at our best.”
Declan Glass, who missed a penalty in the 1-1 draw last weekend, will be assessed after picking up a knock against the Sons while Blair Yule is also a doubt.
Fraser Fyvie could return after only being on the bench last weekend due to illness.