Berwick’s Andy Russell is challenged by a Cowdenbeath player ( in blue ) in the SPFL Development League game at Shielfield. Photo courtesy of Alan Bell.
Berwick Rangers’ Development team suffered a heavy defeat in their opening competitive game at Shielfield on Tuesday night ( Sept. 23rd ). Had the teams still been level at the interval, it would have been a fair reflection of proceedings. Instead, the visitors led 2-0.
A minute after dropping the ball tamely into the arms of Berwick’s trialist keeper Gareth Watson, Craig Sutherland opened the Blue Brazil account in the 12th minute. Pat Scullion shot wide from in front of goal following a sweeping move upfield before Rangers settled and began to put the visitors under real pressure. Dean Horribine wasn’t far off target with a 20 yard strike moments after being guilty of spoiling Ben Miller’s good work by sending the ball flying over the bar.
Andy Russell’s neat footwork helped set up Ross Gray only for keeper Jamie Sneddon to turn his shot over the bar. Another Berwick corner resulted from Sneddon diving to palm away an angled drive from Dean Carse. Minutes before the break, Berwick failed to clear the danger when Cowdenbeath broke out of defence and Josh Wilson, arguably offside, was able to score with ease.
Craig Sutherland scored twice early in the second half to put the issue beyond doubt, his 56th minute effort from just outside the box, the pick of the six. Full back Ryan McDonald got in on the act with a litttle help from the woodwork when, unchallenged at the back post, he got his head to a long free kick. Sutherland turned creator for Scullion to complete the scoring in the 74th minute.
Berwick were unlucky not to score but in making second half saves from Jordan Easton and Gray, Sneddon only emphasised the superior security of the Fifers’ defence. Andy Russell, who worked hard all night, wildly, and Ben Miller, unluckily from distance, also fired over the top.
Berwick Rangers: Gareth Watson–T, Bauld ( Hainey–T 32 ), F.Sutherland–T, Dunn, Gregor Watson, Denton–T,
Carse ( Easton 71 ), Miller, Russell, Horribine, Gray
T=Trialist
** Berwick Rangers next SPFL Development League game is against East Stirlingshire at Stirling University on Monday, September 29th, 2014, kick off 7:30 p.m.