Airdrieonians 7-1 Berwick Rangers – Match Report

Berwick’s hopes of progression in the KDM Evolution Trophy will go to the final matchday after a 7-1 defeat at Airdrie.

The hosts showed their League 1 class throughout and were inspired by Connor Smith’s hat trick to secure their place in the knockout round. 

Michael Mbewe’s second half goal was nothing more than a consolation for Berwick who now know they have to defeat Queen of the South to have a chance at progressing. 

After Tuesday’s dramatic win over Stranraer, many expected Berwick to have little chance away at a full-time side two tiers above them and they got off to the worst possible start when Lewis Gibson’s pullback found Ewan Simpson, who showed composure to work space and find the bottom corner after 6 minutes. 

A couple of minutes later, Berwick were further behind. Gibson’s corner hit captain Cole McKinnon in the middle of the six yard box and the combined efforts of Owen Hayward and Grant Leitch couldn’t stop it crossing the line.

The hosts were dominant, forcing Hayward into a couple of good saves before being gifted a third on the stroke of half time. Mbewe’s loose ball in midfield gave Airdrie a countering opportunity and, after Hayward had stopped Divine Iserhienrhien’s initial effort, Smith was on hand to just about turn it home. 

Berwick started the second half strongly but were undone by another moment of quality from the hosts when a slick counter looked to have been broken up but the ball fell to the feet of Gavin Gallagher, who fired past Hayward. 

Berwick’s heads didn’t drop and, just a couple of minutes later, they had one back. Lovely midfield play from Grant Leitch got him space to slip in Mbewe, who kept his composure and slotted through the legs of Jamie Sneddon. 

The visitors continued to show bravery on the ball but Airdrie kept them largely at arm’s length before a five minute spell took the game way beyond Berwick. Smith’s corner was turned in by the thigh of substitute Kian Taylor before, immediately from kick off, Alfie Robinson was robbed and Smith made him pay with a clinical finish. 

Kyle Somers had a goal ruled out for offside almost right after that but Berwick’s tired legs finally showed when a long ball from Matty Yates sent Smith racing clear on goal and the midfielder couldn’t pass up an opportunity to complete his hat trick. 

The defeat drops Berwick to 24th in the group stage table with the final group game against Queen of the South now a must-win at MKM Sheilfield Park.