Cove Rangers 2 – 2 Huntly
International Club Friendly | 4 July 2026, 20:00

Cove Rangers and Huntly played out an entertaining 2‑2 draw in a pre‑season friendly at Balmoral Stadium. The match served as a useful fitness workout for both sides, with neither wanting to risk injuries but both keen to put on a show for the local fans.

Early Exchanges

Cove Rangers started brightly and took the lead through Mitch Megginson in the 17th minute. The experienced forward collected a pass on the edge of the box, turned sharply, and fired low into the corner. Huntly responded well and equalised just before the half‑hour mark when Kieran Lawrence headed in from a free‑kick.

Second‑Half Back and Forth

The second half followed a similar pattern. Cove regained the lead in the 52nd minute after a defensive mix‑up allowed substitute Fraser Fyvie to score from close range. Huntly, however, refused to be beaten. Pressure from the visitors paid off in the 71st minute when Lewis Crosbie slotted home after a great team move.

Tactical Observations

• End‑to‑end action: Both teams pushed for a winner in the final stages, creating several chances.
• Fitness focus: Coaches used the match to rotate heavily, with nine substitutes used by Cove and seven by Huntly.
• Set‑pieces: Three of the four goals came from set‑play situations, underlining the importance of that phase early in pre‑season.

Standout Players

Mitch Megginson looked sharp for Cove, showing good movement and finishing. For Huntly, Kieran Lawrence stood out with his aerial presence and tireless running.

Implications

For Cove Rangers, this friendly was a good test of their depth ahead of the new Scottish League One season. Huntly, preparing for the Highland League, showed they can compete against higher‑league opposition. Both teams will take positives from a competitive draw that entertained a crowd of around 700.