Whitehill Welfare vs BRFC – 25/26
Berwick cruised to a first pre-season win with a 5-1 victory at Whitehill Welfare.
Kyle Somers’ early goal was cancelled out by Welfare’s Lewis Kane following another Berwick error in their own defensive third to send the sides in level at the break.
In the end, Berwick’s Lowland League quality shone through with substitutes Greg Binnie and Liam Buchanan each grabbing a brace to add some gloss to an impressive performance.
Timeless Liam Buchanan
Even at 40 years of age, there is no doubting who the main man up front is for Berwick. Despite playing just under half an hour, Buchanan’s mere presence scared the life out of a Welfare defence who got nowhere near him.
It wasn’t just the two goals that highlighted his quality, it was his general play. We’ve seen over the past few seasons how keen he is to run in behind and stretch defences but it was when he dropped deep and linked up play that Berwick saw the benefit of his experience.
His pass to Struan Mair in the build up to second goal was nothing spectacular but it was simple, decisive play – one touch out of his feet and a weight of pass that allowed the right back to hammer a cross in first time. That was the cutting edge that Berwick lacked last season and long may it continue.
Finding The Right Blend
With the summer additions, Berwick now have a number of options to choose from, especially in attacking areas. How those options all fit into a starting eleven still has some question marks around it.
Niall Kemp’s Berwick career has been largely spent playing out wide but, for the first time since his debut at Bo’ness, he was given a chance up front and certainly showed flashes. Cai MacNamara and Ben McCrystal are others who have played numerous positions in their times at Shielfield but where are their best positions in the team?
There are certainly worse dilemmas for Kevin Haynes to have.
Mackenzie’s Return
Another bright spot was the appearance of Scott-Taylor Mackenzie in midfield for the last half hour.
His arrival in the new year helped solidify an area of the park that had been light last season and his tenacity and eye for a pass helped pick up a number of man of the match awards before injury cut his season short.
A fully fit Mackenzie is a huge asset to Berwick and Kevin Haynes, especially in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive Lowland League seasons ever.
