Photo by Tony Fimister

For the third time in a year, Berwick Rangers were beaten by Lowland League Whitehill Welfare when the teams met in a pre-season game at Ferguson Park, Rosewell on Tuesday evening ( July 15th ). Around the same time last year, the Welfare won 4-2 in another pre-season outing on the same ground and in April this year, won the City Cup by defeating Rangers 2-1 at Shielfield.

Whilst most of the Berwick contingent amongst an estimated crowd of 120 would have appreciated that part of the exercise was to view trialists in action, only one of the half dozen used stood out. Wearing number seven, he did the hard work which allowed Dean Carse ( pictured above ) to score into an empty net in the 40th minute.

Whitehill had taken the lead in the 25th minute and regained it on the hour. They also hit the crossbar late on.

Recently re-signed Lee Currie played the first half, namesake Paul, the second. Scott Dalziel led the attack in the opening 45 minutes, Andy Russell coming on after the break. Dean Hoskins played all the second half, Jonny Fairbairn the final 25 minutes. Michael Andrews was in goal throughout. Though he was involved in the pre-match warm up and half time kick about, new signing Scott Maxwell did not play.

Whitehill operated an effective offside trap in the first half and in the second, the midges, which by then were making their presence felt, were showing more bite than Berwick.