PLENTY OF DRAMA AT ALLAN PARK IN GAME OF GOALS, PENALTIES, 13 CARDS AND A THRILLING FINISH

Buckie Thistle substitute Neil Davidson's goal four minutes into added time gave the Highland League leaders victory in a dramatic encounter against Cove Rangers at Allan Park.

Cove's biggest crowd of the season was treated to five goals, two penalties, some great goalkeeping, 11 yellow and two red cards and goalmouth action galore.

Cove looked to have fought back from a two-goal deficit only to lose out to the last kick of the game.

Buckie manager Gregg Carrol said: "When you play at Cove the game is in your face all the time.  You have to concentrate or else you will be punished.

"We deservedly went 2-0 in front but then we lost Mike Morrison to a harsh decision.  He stood up and the ball hit him on the hand.  Kevin Main, who was fantastic throughout, brilliantly saved the penalty but we let them back into the game when we went down to nine players when Donnie Munro went off injured.

"The fact we rallied again to go on to win the game shows the commitment and attitude we have instilled here at Buckie.  It was a big three points for us."

Cove co-manager Jerry O'Driscoll said: "We got the goals to get ourselves back into the game then we lost a crazy goal as we didn't defend properly."

The first half looked as though it would end goalless until Robbie Brown set-up Andy Low to score on the stroke of half-time.

The champions went 2-0 up in the 50th minute with a goal from Ian Murray who netted from the spot after Roddy Black had fouled him.

Within two minutes Mike Morrison was shown a red card, a poor decision from referee Brian Braidwood who awarded Cove a penalty after the defender, who was standing only a couple of yards away from Calum Watson's shot, could not get his hand out of the way.

Main brilliantly palmed Watson's well-stuck spot kick on to the post but the visiting goalkeeper finally had to admit defeat in the 76th minute when Dean Lawrie scored from close range.

Buckie were denied a stonewall penalty when Munro was downed by Cove goalkeeper Stuart McKenzie in the box.  Munro had to go off injured, leaving Buckie with nine men as all their substiturtes had been used.

Cove's Roddy Black also saw red after 79 minutes for his second yellow card, but the home side kept pushing for an equaliser and got it in injury time when Danny Milne swept home an 18-yarder.

Buckie were not to be denied, Neil Davidson ran 50 yards and played in Chris Angus round the back of the Cove defence.  Davidson continued his run and, when the defender crossed, Davidson swept the ball home from six yards.

Report from Press & Journal (Monday 15th November 2010)