Cumbernauld Colts va BRFC 24-25 Match Report
A depleted Berwick side fell to a third consecutive league defeat at Cumbernauld Colts.
A second half brace from Ashton Pellow and an Aiden Malcolm strike consigned Thomas Scobbie’s side to a 3-0 defeat despite an improved performance from midweek.
Berwick made three changes from the 7-0 thrashing by University of Stirling with Fraser Armstrong dropping to the bench and Alan Cook and Matty Collins missing out completely as Jamie McCormack, Gareth Rodger and Cai MacNamara stepped in.
Colts had made a slow start to their Lowland League campaign and it showed early on with Berwick looking particularly dangerous on the break. A lovely ball round the corner set Liam Buchanan clear on the right but, after exchanging passes with Arran Laidlaw, he could only chip over Yan Godik’s goal.
The home side, though, controlled possession and, in Malcolm and Pellow, had plenty of pace and youthful exuberance to cause Berwick problems. That helped create an opportunity for Trialist on the right wing but his powerful effort was tipped over by Callum Antell.
It would take until the 34th minute for the opener to come. With Rodger off the pitch after receiving treatment, Berwick couldn’t quite get organised quickly enough. Trialist did brilliantly on the right to skin MacNamara and Corrie Fellows before picking out Malcolm six yards out who stroked it past Antell.
Berwick would regroup and almost got the perfect start to the second half through Jonny Devers. A scramble in the area saw Godik lose the ball under pressure from MacNamara and it landed at the feet of Devers who made himself half a yard but saw his shot deflected over by Pat Moy in front of the goal.
However, just after hour mark, Colts would double their lead. Strong wing play from substitute Zak McKay got him past Max McGinlay and Devers before he teed up Pellow. His effort crashed off the underside of the bar and bounced out but the referee pointed to the halfway line to signal goal.
And, with 15 minutes left, the 9 games in 29 days Berwick played caught up to them. Rodger tried to jump a long ball to Pellow but got spun by the young forward and, with substitute Armstrong struggling with a knock, he was able to run through and slot past Antell to secure his brace.
Berwick continued to try and forge openings but, as has been the way in the last few games, the bounce of the ball was cruel or a poor decision was made in the final third. The final score was perhaps harsh on a Berwick side which worked hard but was found wanting a little in the final third.
Despite this defeat, Berwick remain 6th in the league table although could potentially fall to 8th should both University of Stirling and Bo’ness United win on Sunday. Positively, the squad now has a free midweek to rest up and recuperate ahead of a difficult home game against the in-form Caledonian Braves.
Eion Smith
