They have yet to kick a ball in defence of their Highland League title but already the busy start to the new season is taking its toll on champions Cove Rangers.
John Sheran’s side ended their Betfred Cup campaign with a 7-0 loss at Premiership opponents Ross County on Saturday and now switch their attention to the IRN-BRU Cup, which begins tonight against Dundee under-20s at Station Park in Forfar.
Sheran said: “It has been good to play competitive games early, but the busy schedule has a knock-on effect for the part-time clubs.
“We played for nearly an hour with 10 men at County on Saturday after Mitch Megginson was sent off and we ran out of steam in the final 20 minutes. We looked tired and when we factor in the trip to Dingwall and back again obviously it is going to have some sort of effect.
“We’ve picked up injuries along the way as well and will need to reflect on that when picking a team to play Dundee.
“This is another cup competition, one we’d love to do well in, but it’s vital we don’t lose sight of what’s important to this club – the league.”
