Highland v Lowland League Play-Off – First Leg
East Kilbride 1-2 Cove Rangers
Saturday, 27 April – 3pm
K-Park, East Kilbride
Highland v Lowland League Play-Off – Second Leg
Cove Rangers v East Kilbride
Saturday, 4 May – 3pm
Balmoral Stadium
The winners of the Highland and Lowland League begin their battle to reach the pyramid play-off this weekend as East Kilbride welcome Cove Rangers to K-Park for the first leg.
Cove were crowned Highland League winners on April 13, having topped the table with an eight-point lead over second place Brora Rangers. Finishing the season with 93 points represents Cove’s highest ever points total.
FT | Forres Mechanics 0-1 Cove Rangers
— Cove Rangers FC (@CoveRangersFC) 13 April 2019
Highland League Champions 2018/19! 🏆
Sadly, The Wee Rangers go into Saturday’s match without manager John Sheran, who is recovering from a heart attack. Sheran’s co-manager Graeme Mathieson and first team coach Roy McBain will take charge in his absence, however.
Cove will be hoping to go one better than last season – they reached the SPFL play-offs, but ultimately lost out 3-2 to Cowdenbeath.
It was back in March when East Kilbride sealed the Lowland League title, with a 2-1 win over Spartans. They finished the season eleven points clear of their nearest challengers, BSC Glasgow.
Thank you to everyone who came along tonight to support the lads all season you have been our 12th Man tonight this was for you
— East Kilbride FC (@officialEKFC) 26 March 2019
GeoSonic league CHAMPIONS 2018/19
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔶🔶🔶🔶 pic.twitter.com/HCQzz9RK06
Manager Stuart Malcolm will lead his side out on Saturday, satisfied with EK’s season – he took over from Brian Kerr just two games into the season, a season which included a 14-match winning run and a place in the Fourth Round of the Scottish Cup.
East Kilbride have reached this stage before – they will be hoping to go one better than 2017 where they reached the SPFL play-offs, but – like Cove – lost out to Cowdenbeath.
Tickets for this weekend’s match are available on the gate (cash only) – priced £8 for adults and £4 concessions.