Cove Rangers 2:4 St. Johnstone — Result, Match Report & Stats

Gary RedknappFootball AnalystMATCH REPORT

St. Johnstone swept past Cove Rangers 4-2 in a Club Friendly Game, with Cheick Diabate the standout performer despite not scoring, as the Premiership side tuned up for the new season with a comfortable victory over their lower-league hosts.

The match turned decisively in St. Johnstone's favour across a frantic first-half period. Ruari Paton opened the scoring in the 16th minute, but Destiny Oladipo levelled for Cove Rangers just after the half-hour mark. St. Johnstone responded with two quick-fire goals before the break: Josh Fowler in the 41st minute and Kai Fotheringham in the 45th, before Paton sealed his brace with a strike in the 69th minute to complete the scoring.

The statistics painted a clear picture of St. Johnstone's dominance, with the visitors earning 11 corners to Cove Rangers' two while possession was split evenly at 50 percent each. Cheick Diabate earned the highest rating of 6.98 out of ten for his composed performance in the heart of the St. Johnstone defence, organising a backline that limited Cove Rangers to just the one reply after the early setback. The run of play was never in doubt, and St. Johnstone head into their next preparation without a confirmed fixture.

Questions & Answers

What was the final score of Cove Rangers vs St. Johnstone?

Cove Rangers 2-4 St. Johnstone (Club Friendly Games).

Who scored?

Ruari Paton (16') for St. Johnstone; Destiny Oladipo (33') for Cove Rangers; Josh Fowler (41') for St. Johnstone; Kai Fotheringham (45') for St. Johnstone; Ruari Paton (69') for St. Johnstone.