Pic: Last night’s win moved Berwick back into second place in the table.

Wednesday, April 12th, 2017

SPFL Development League East

BERWICK RANGERS 3 ALLOA ATHLETIC 0
A comfortable win for Berwick who were in control for practically the whole of the match. However, they had only a single goal to show for their first half pressure and an unlikely one at that. It came in the 13th minute. Ryan Porteous sent a long, low ball downfield for Daniel Watt to reach. Wasps’ keeper Andrew Wilson came out to close down Rangers’ striker but let the ball run on assuming it would go over for a goal kick. Watt stopped it right on the line and from the tightest of angles sent it between the posts.

Alloa, who lost centre back Kierin Allison minutes after an early collision with Watt, had to wait until the 24th minute for their solitary first half shot on goal. From Adam Martin on the right, it was pushed away by home keeper Stuart Allan.

Despite the Scott twins linking together well, Berwick’s search for another first half score proved fruitless. Two good opportunities were missed within a space of 30 seconds. Stephen Scott turned to fire straight at Wilson from the edge of the goal area and brother Kyle was then too high with a header off Jordan Orru’s cross. Porteous headed downwards and just wide after Jamie Chapman gave Watt the chance to send over the ball.

Nine minutes into the new half, Wilson punched out Kyle Scott’s in swinging corner but Rangers’ no. 7 soon returned the ball and Jonny Fairbairn netted with a diving header. Chapman perfectly timed his pass to the overlapping Orru who was disappointed to see his strong shot bounce back off the far post but the woodwork did play a part in the third goal a little after the hour. This time, Wilson punched out a strike from Stephen Scott but Porteous banged the ball back towards goal and in via the underside of the bar.

For a brief spell, Alloa caused a bit of trouble. Martin, who switched to the left wing for the second half, supplied Declan McDonald right in front of goal from where he mishit the ball. Berwick responded with a length of the field move started by Allan after taking a flat back pass from the under pressure Fairbairn. Jack Cook got the next touch, Helm was also involved, but it ended with Wilson’s save from Porteous. Alloa improved on their first half shots on goal tally with John Cunningham’s half volley from outside the box but he was too ambitious.

Late sub Ethan Anderson was twice off target as he attempted to make his mark so a fourth goal never materialised. Generally though, coach Neil Oliver was pleased with the performance which sets up a meaningful final game of the season at home to Forfar on Wednesday, April 26th. Victory for Berwick would see them finish second in the table.

Berwick Rangers: Allan, Herriot, Orru, Fairbairn, Cook, Chapman, K.Scott ( Ingram 63 ), Jones ( capt. ), Watt, S. Scott ( Helm 63 ), Porteous ( Anderson 79 )