Berwick v Hibernian B Match Report
Berwick secured a 1-0 win over Hibernian B in a tight affair in the KDM Evolution Trophy at Shielfield Park.
Jamie Pyper’s brilliant strike from outside the box was enough to see the Gers to three points after a strong defensive display.
The visitors had the first chance of the game as Ryan Turner was guilty of losing possession which was pounced on by Jackson Thomson. His cross was nearly turned in by Reiss Downie, but Callam Mackay’s last-gasp block prevented Hibernian B from taking the lead.
Hibernian B continued their bright start as a corner from Thomson eventually made its way to Rudi Allan-Molotnikov. His overhead kick attempt was a decent effort, but the ball went just over.
Berwick had their first chance of the game just after fifteen minutes. Turner’s wicked cross from a free-kick made its way to the back post. As the visitors scrambled to clear, the ball bounced off Mikey Mbewe with force, but the ball ended up in the hands of Ryan Mallon.
Hibs B responded with a chance of their own. Lewis Gillie managed to sprint past Josh O’Connor down the left-hand side. He then squared the ball to Zach Bruce just outside the box. However, the Hibs B midfielder was stretching for the ball, and he could only direct his shot comfortably wide of Callum Antell’s net.
The Gers’ tactic looked to be focused on counter attacks, as the hosts were happy for the visitors to keep the ball. However, O’Connor pounced on a loose ball to burst down the right in a quick attack. He picked out Pyper around 25 yards from goal. The Gers skipper opted for a delicate first-time shot that looped over Mallon and into the top left corner to score a brilliant goal for the Dream Team.
Berwick were holding their shape well as they now had a lead to protect and they held a 1-0 lead at half-time.
Like the first half, it was the visitors who created the first opportunity in the second half. A throw-in by Cole Shankland found Allan-Molotnikov who cut inside before his whipped shot went just over the bar.
The Gers nearly had their second of the game midway through the second half as Grant Leitch twisted and turned with some neat feet in the midfield. He then struck a shot from range that was just over the bar.
Chances were few and far between as Berwick continued to look resolute in their backline, as they searched for their first clean sheet since July.
As the game entered its final ten minutes, the visitors began to pile the pressure on the Dream Team. Joseph McGrath’s through ball was dummied by Shankland to send Jacob MacIntyre in on goal. Antell rushed out and seemed to distract MacIntyre as his poor effort went straight into the hands of Berwick’s keeper.
The chances began to flow for Hibernian B as the ball fell to Allan-Molotnikov before he drove towards goal. He then slipped in Bruce who looked to finesse his shot into the net, but Antell was once again in the way.
Hibs B had one last chance with five minutes to go. A loose ball was capitalised on by Bruce. He beat the onrushing Antell to leave the goal wide open. Bruce cut inside looking for a shot but as he did his effort was blocked brilliantly by Alfie Robinson.
Berwick held on to win 1-0 and record their first victory in the KDM Evolution Trophy. The Gers now sit right on the qualification bubble of 22nd in the league phase table. Hibernian B remain pointless and sit 37th in the standings. The Dream Team return to Lowland League East action this Saturday as they take on Tranent at Shielfield Park.