Former players Tommy Graham (left) and David Scott (right) along with Trust Chairman Michael Smyth (centre)

The Trust AGM was still in progress when news came through just after midday that Berwick Rangers’ home match against Montrose* would definitely go ahead following a second pitch inspection.

Berwick Rangers F.C. chairman Brian Porteous delayed the start of a club board meeting in order to attend the first part of the Trust meeting and addressed the members present. He thanked the Trust for its financial support and was also pleased to confirm that the club had had no overdraft over the last four years.

Mr. Porteous provided some background information regarding two recent signings. Ross Drummond, who had been on loan from Dunfermline, was offered to the club on a permanent basis. It was a big decision for the player himself as he was a full timer with the Fife club and as a fully fledged Berwick player, would become a part time footballer. Earlston-based Blair Henderson has joined from Juniors Bonnyrigg Rose for whom he had been averaging a goal a game. The club chairman detailed the financial arrangements agreed between Berwick and the Midlothian club in order for the transfer to occur.

In answer to a query, Brian said that though the club would receive no extra money for being on television versus Queen’s Park next month as the match was part of a block deal between the SPFL and BBC Alba, he felt it was good that the Berwick players would get some TV exposure. He went on to say that he was happy with the club’s present management team and that Colin Cameron was enjoying his role as boss at Berwick.

Brian praised the quality of football in the SPFL Development League which provided the opportunity for more experienced players to team up with younger ones and pointed out that Berwick’s current bottom position in the East section was in part due to them having played fewer matches than other teams.

Berwick Rangers chairman Brian Porteous (left) with Trust chairman Michael Smyth

After the break, former Berwick players David Scott and Tommy Graham provided the perfect double act as they related stories about their footballing careers offering some very interesting revelations about some of the referees, managers and other players with whom they had been involved! Asked to compare the game now with when he played, David believed it was very different–less physical but with a greater emphasis on fitness. Tommy, who was at Berwick for more than a decade, said he never really wanted to leave.

The draw for the £100 drop, which had been running since October, was made at the interval and the winners were:

£100 Brian Porteous ( Dunbar )
£ 50 Brian Porteous ( Dunbar )
£20 John Turner ( Galashiels )

The Trust thanks all those who bought numbers. The scheme raised exactly £300 for Trust funds.

* For the third time this season, Berwick Rangers failed to beat Montrose despite entering the last minute of the game with a 3-2 lead. Everyone in the Main Stand, but not the nearby linesman, was convinced that Scott Johnston was offside when he put Montrose in front. Andy Russell equalised for Berwick and, on the stroke of half time, Paul Willis put Berwick ahead.

Montrose levelled through Garry Wood. Another seemingly incorrect decision gave Rangers the chance to restore their lead. Marvin Andrews, who recently joined Montrose from Elgin, was adjudged to have handled inside the box. Willis comfortably dispatched the penalty but Trinidadian Andrews had the last smile, heading in a free kick right at the end to make it 3-3. It was the second time this season that the Angus club salvaged a point at Shielfield with a last gasp goal. ( Official attendance 423 )