Scottish Football Journey

Gayfield Park, Arbroath

When I went down to Gayfield Park, it was to see a friendly between Cove Rangers and Arbroath. This was a good chance for Cove to get one over an SFL side and to test out their 3 new signings; Stephen Jaffery, Alan Redford and Daniel Park. Gayfield was situated next to the beach and it was raining so I was expecting a cold day. But it wasn't too bad. Gayfield Park has a really nice set up and the terracing is perfect for all fans. The ground is raised so that you don't have any problems seeing the action. It also had 3 enclosures, 2 behind each goal and 1 on the sideline which ran along most of the pitch. There was also the modern looking main stand which gave the ground a good look.

The teams came out and Arbroath were wearing their maroon shirts whilst Cove were in their new blue shirts. Both teams were having their chances but it was Cove who would take the lead through new signing Daniel Park. A long ball over the defence was controlled by Park and he rounded the oncoming keeper and placed the ball into the net, despite the efforts of the defender on the line. Cove grew confidence from this and about 5 minutes later, Park scored an even better goal. He took the ball down at the edge of the box and curled an unstoppable drive into the top right hand corner in off the bar, leaving the keeper with no chance. Keiran McAnespie was denied a debut goal for Arbroath as his shot came off the crossbar as Stuart McKenzie watched on. This was the last action of the half and Cove went in 2-0 up.

The 2nd half was better from Arbroath; they had upped their game and showed why they were 3rd division. David McGowan collected a through ball and placed his shot under Stuart McKenzie and Arbroath were raring to get going. But good play from Cove's Callum Watson saw his flick through to Daniel Park, and his composure to round the keeper and slot the ball home completed his hat trick and put Cove 3-1 up.

There was more to come and Arbroath pulled another back, this time through Robbie Stephen. Arbroath tried to find that equaliser but the closest they came was a shot that hit off the post and Cove managed to hold on to a well deserved 3-2 victory. Things were looking good for the upcoming season where they hope to snatch the title back from Buckie Thistle.