Berwick v Celtic B Match Report 24-25
Berwick earned consecutive clean sheets after drawing 0-0 with Celtic B in the Lowland League at Shielfield Park.
The Gers matched up well with the league leaders, with Liam Buchanan and Arran Laidlaw having the best chances of the game for the Dream Team. Celtic B too had their chances with Calum Antell’s terrific one-on-one save the best opportunity for the visitors.
The Dream Team almost made a perfect start to the game. Ben Scarborough managed to intercept the ball in midfield before slipping in a terrific ball to Buchanan. The veteran striker got a shot off that rolled just wide of the post.
Berwick continued to build the momentum early on as a headed clearance from a free-kick fell nicely to Buchanan on the edge of the box. He managed to strike a half-volley which hit the side netting.
League leaders Celtic B responded just after ten minutes as Lewis Dobbie crossed from the left that was met by Colby Donovan. However, he could only direct his header over the bar.
Buchanan continued his strong performance as he sprinted down the left before cutting inside. He crossed the ball towards Scarborough and his header went just wide but promising signs of link-up were evident between the two attackers.
The Gers started the second half as brightly as the first. The positive play was again through Buchanan as he managed to hold the ball up nicely before picking out Laidlaw with a through ball. Laidlaw got inside the box and unleashed a shot that squirmed under Marcus Gill before Celtic B cleared.
Minutes later and Berwick created another opportunity with the very handy aid of Scarborough’s long throw-ins. His long throw from the left was flicked on by Mark McConnell to Laidlaw who flicked the ball towards goal, but only into the hands of Gill.
The lack of opportunities from Celtic B seemed surprising given their consecutive 5-1 wins over East Kilbride and Broomhill in the last week. Dobbie seemed to be the main playmaker as his cross from the left picked out Tom Pickford, but his header went a yard wide.
Dobbie nearly got his name on the scoresheet as a long ball from deep picked out the Celtic B winger. He seemed offside when the ball was sent towards him, but the flag stayed downand Dobbie’s low shot was tipped wide by Antell.
The visitors started putting constant pressure on Berwick, as they began to create more chances. Mitchel Frame delivered a quality diagonal pass to Lowland League top scorer Daniel Cummings. The striker’s first touch sent him through on goal, he gave Antell the eyes, but it was the Berwick shot-stopper who got down expertly to save to his left-hand side.
Berwick’s attacking threat seemed to fizzle out as they looked to cling on to a valuable point. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Celtic B nearly snatched the win. A long ball was misjudged by substitute Jamie Pyper and the ball fell nicely to Dobbie at the back post. He stretched for the ball,but he could only send it agonisingly wide as Shielfield Park let out a cheer mixed with joy and relief.
The Dream Team held out for a 0-0 draw, the same result between the sides earlier in the season. Kevin Haynes’ side delivering a resolute performance to earn consecutive clean sheets and a well-deserved point.
Berwick remain in 15th place in the Lowland League table, while Celtic B drop to second behind East Kilbride. The Gersare back in action on Tuesday night as they take on Hill of Beath Hawthorn in the quarter-finals of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup at Shielfield Park. The Gers are then on the road as they travel to Broomhill next Saturday in a crucial Lowland League clash.
🧑🏼💻 | Ben Langley
