ANNAN were unable to extend their three match unbeaten run in Aberdeen last Saturday as Cove Rangers ran out 3-1 winners at the Balmoral Stadium.
Player/boss Wullie Gibson believes a slight dip below their usual standards led to them being punished by a ‘good footballing side’.
Just moments after Josh Dixon saw his effort rebound off the upright, Cove opened the scoring at the other end in the eighth minute. Declan Glass’ low cross stuck Annan defender Rhys Breen and went into the net.
Annan reacted well after going behind and equalised seven minutes later.
Aidan Smith cut the ball back across a crowded penalty area and, similar to Cove’s opener, the ball struck home defender Arron Darge and nestled into the bottom corner.
Just before the half hour Findlay Marshall put Cove back in front following a smart set piece routine from a corner kick. He was unmarked and headed low and hard into the net.
The hosts wrapped up the points in the closing stages with a quite spectacular effort. As they broke forward, the ball sat up kindly for Marshall who struck the ball sweetly on the half-volley. It flew into the top right corner, leaving Jamie Smith with no chance.
Speaking to club media after the defeat, Gibson said: “We’ve had really high standards set in the last few games and we just dipped below them today. And we got punished by a good footballing side.
“We had a right good chance with Josh Dixon at 0-0, if he doesn’t hit the post then it might be a different game.
“I’ve said to the boys they’ve been on a good run, we’ve just got to dust ourselves down and bounce back next week.”
