July 15th 2024
NAIRN'S valiant second half display was not enough to earn them any points from their final visit to Cove Rangers' Allan Park, writes Graeme Macleod. County will be glad to see the back of the rundown ground having only one their once in the 29 years since the Aberdeen club were admitted to the Highland League – 2-1 success at the start of last season. In this one, the hosts were in front with just three minutes when when Jamie Watt slid home a low cross in from the left and Jonny Smith ran through unopposed to double the lead after just 14 minutes. Nairn grabbed a lifeline just before half time with their first attack of the game when they were awarded a penalty for a handball. Robbie Duncanson converted from 12 yards. A reinvigorated County imposed themselves on the game after the restart and deservedly found an equaliser on 55 minutes. Conor Gethins head John Cameron's cross in from the right with a glancing header which flew past the rooted Cove goalkeeper. But with Nairn now harbouring thoughts of pushing on to win the game, Cove retook the lead in fortunate circumstances. The otherwise impressive Glenn Main misjudged a clearance with the ball breaking straight to Daniel Park, who ran in on goal and made no mistake to claim full points for the hosts. Graeme Macleod
