Preview: Berwick Rangers v Arbroath
Berwick play host to table-topping Arbroath in SPFL League Two action tomorrow (Saturday 14th). Both sides have hit a rough patch in the league, with Berwick winless in three and Arbroath in four, so there is a feeling that something has to give ahead of tomorrow’s clash.
Previous fixtures:
Berwick were unfortunate not to collect any form of point reward for their display on the opening day of the campaign at Shielfield earlier in the season, when Arbroath overcame a 1-0 half time deficit to turn things around and win 2-1, inspired by the impressive Paul McManus. However, when the sides last met in December, things were a lot more comfortable for the Smokies as they ran out 2-0 winners at Gayfield, led by McManus’ free-scoring partner, Simon Murray.
Berwick team news:
Manager Colin Cameron faces a tough decision on Saturday afternoon with the news that Stephen Tulloch and Jonny Fairbairn are both suspended for the match.
The suspensions leave Cameron with only one eligible centre-half. After Steven Notman’s impressive performance at the back against Elgin City, the boss may be tempted to pull his captain back into defence, although Euan Bauld may also be the man to provide the answer.
If the boss does move Notman from midfield to defence, a place will open up in central midfield, which is likely to be contested by David Gold, who scored twice for the U20’s in midweek, and the boss himself, who also featured.
Arbroath team news:
Despite having no wins in four league games, Arbroath pose considerable attacking threat, and indeed gave our potential quarter-final opponents Hibernian a fright in Scottish Cup action last weekend when they went 1-0 up, only to finish 3-1 losers on the day.
Arbroath are likely to start with the strike pairing of McManus and Murray that has served them so well thus far, the pair notching 25 league goals between them and the latter having agreed a move to Dundee United come the end of the season.
The opposition are also boosted by the loan extensions of the impressive Dylan Carreiro and former Berwick stopper Marc McCallum, who are both likely to start once more.
Officials:
David Munro will be the official handed the task of taking charge of the match, and he will be assisted by linesmen John McCrossan & Barry Reid.
Admission:
Adults – £12.
Concessions/Students – £6.
U16s – £2.
