Cove Rangers retained the Highland League title with a 1-0 win against Forres Mechanics at Mosset Park. 

The victory secured courtesy of Mitch Megginson’s first half goal means the Granite City outfit have clinched the league with a game to spare. 

John Sheran’s side will face Lowland League champions East Kilbride in the pyramid play-offs, on April 27 at K Park and May 4 at Balmoral Stadium, for the right to take on the bottom side in League Two for a place in the fourth tier of Scottish football next term. 

The only goal of the game arrived in the 24th minute when Daniel Park beat Callum Howarth on the right and his low cross was turned in by Megginson from six yards. 

That was the striker’s 46th goal of the season having earlier spurned a couple of half chances. 

In the first period Cove keeper Stuart McKenzie also made a couple of impressive saves to deny the Can-Cans. 

Andrew MacRae’s drive from 25 yards was tipped wide and he also made a smothering save from Ross MacPherson after dropping Robbie Duncanson’s delivery from the left. 

Duncanson also had a curling effort repelled by McKenzie in the first half. 

Chances were at a premium in the second period, but Cove could have made it 2-0 on 71 minutes when Martin Scott’s cross from the left found Park, but his low shot hit the right post and Forres cleared. 

Cove will receive the Highland League championship trophy after their final match against Clachnacuddin at Balmoral Stadium next Saturday.