Sunday, July 7th, 2013

ASHINGTON     1       BERWICK RANGERS     1

Ashington missed two second half penalties as Berwick Rangers opened their pre-season programme with a draw against their Northern League opponents at Woodhorn Lane. Berwick debutants included Jonny Fairbairn and Ewan Saunderson from last season’s Reserves, Shaun Meikle from St. Johnstone and new goalkeepers Paul Grant and Billy Bald.

Rangers had the ball in the net after 17 minutes but Dean Carse was ruled offside after keeper Karl Dryden punched away a Steven Notman shot.

Before half time, Josh Morris was allowed time and space to advance unchallenged only to misdirect his shot over the net and the roof of the nearby clubhouse.

On the restart, Carse released a bouncer which was just off target. Grant fisted out a David Carson effort before Darren Lavery’s lob opened the scoring in the 55th minute.

The home side responded and Grant produced an unlikely save of Carson’s cross cum shot from the right. Just past the hour, Ashington won a penalty after Fairbairn handled. Glen Taylor blasted the ball over the bar. Minutes later, the Colliers had another chance from the spot when Stephen Tulloch felled an opponent. This time, Gant saved Paul Watson’s kick.

The hosts had to wait until the 70th minute for a deserved equaliser from Lee Scott after the Rangers’ defence blocked two shots in succession.

Tulloch was too high with a free header from Lee Currie’s free kick and Ashington’s replacement goalkeeper, the imposing Craig Towert, fingertipped Lavery’s on target 25 yarder over his bar. With time almost up, the post stopped Andrew Johnson scoring an Ashington winner.

Official attendance: 270

Berwick Rangers: Grant ( Bald 65 ), Jacobs, Hoskins, Fairbairn ( Saunderson 62 ), Tulloch, Currie, Carse, Notman ( Miller 68 ), Lavery, Dalziel, Morris ( Meikle 62 )

Report by Michael Smyth