On a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon ( March 23rd ), Berwick Rangers’ six game unbeaten run came to an end as visitors Peterhead scored two second half goals to reduce the gap between the two sides in the league table to two points. Compounding Berwick’s disappointment, Montrose scored a stoppage time winner away to East Stirlingshire to regain third place in the table, pushing Berwick back to fourth on 43 points with Peterhead now on 41.
Saturday’s result means that in four meetings this season, Berwick have failed to beat the Blue Toon. Rangers were the better side in the first half. Stevie Notman was unlucky to see his blistering shot on the run bounce back off the intersection and at one point, the home side had three shots blocked in rapid succession by the busy Peterhead defence.
Six minutes into the second half, Berwick conceded a goal for the first time in five matches. Andy McLean fluffed a clearance to give away a corner. When the ball came over, Devon Jacobs cleared it off the line but Ryan McCann was on hand to fire it into the net. Keeper Marc McCallum protested to the referee that he had been impeded by a Peterhead player but the goal stood.
Berwick struggled to find their rhythm after this goal though later, did create a couple of good chances. However, it was Peterhead who found the net again. Following a free kick near the Ducket side touchline, Rory McAllister had time to set up a shot which beat McCallum.
Berwick next visit Stirling Albion ( Saturday, March 30th ) who took yet another point off league leaders Glasgow Rangers in the latest round of fixtures.
The next two matches due at Shielfield feature the Reserves. On Wednesday ( March 27th ), they host Craigroyston in an East of Scotland League First Division match, kick off 7:45 p.m. Both sides are promotion contenders. Next Saturday ( March 30th ), the Reserves meet Premier Division Civil Service Strollers in the King Cup Third Round. In view of recent weather, supporters are advised to check the club’s official website for confirmation of these fixtures.