Match Preview – Berwick Rangers v Kilmarnock – Betfred Cup
Berwick Rangers play host to Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock in #BetfredCup action tomorrow evening at Shielfield Park.
Killie come into the game on the back of a 2-0 loss to Greenock Morton, and will be looking to bounce back. Manager Lee Clark will be expecting better after openly expressing his disappointment in the defeat.
The ‘Gers meanwhile will be looking to grab their first win of the Group Stages. Despite two penalty defeats, the ‘Gers remain in 4th place ahead of Clyde owing to a superior goal difference.
The ‘Gers will be looking not only to remain unbeaten in 90 minutes, but to maintain a record that sees them unbeaten in 90 minutes in competitive action at Shielfield Park since the start of 2016.
Berwick Rangers Team News:
Defender Kevin McKinlay faces a late fitness test after being forced off at Clyde.
John Coughlin will be bolstered by the return of Hibernian loanees Ben Stirling and Sean Mackie for the game, the pair having missed out of competitive ‘Gers action for differing reasons thus far.
And the return of the pair for selection comes at a good time for Coughlin, who may be without Kevin McKinlay who is struggling after picking up a knock at Clyde on Saturday afternoon.
Forward Darren Lavery remains sidelined with an injury he suffered against Albion Rovers in our opening Betfred Cup match, whilst Euan Bauld, Steven Notman and Barry Hogg all remain unavailable for selection.
Kilmarnock Team News:
Lee Clark may be tempted to ring the changes after admitting that he felt his players weren’t contributing significantly to his team’s efforts off the ball during their 2-0 defeat to Morton on Saturday.
Speaking to Killie’s official site, Clark stated: “We’ve got to win the next two, and score lots of goals, to try to salvage getting through to the next round.
“Both goals were very poor from our point of view. We didn’t stay with the midfield runner for the first goal, and we allowed their two talented midfield players to dictate things, as they did against Clyde on Tuesday.
“The second goal came from a misplaced pass, but we still had time and didn’t do the basics. Morton played a straightforward 4-4-2, and played it very well, but we should have been the dominant team, because we had three in the middle of the pitch. We went out with a whimper. It was very disappointing.”
With Clark using the summer transfer window to considerably overhaul his squad – including announcing the additions of 11 new players on the same day, he will have plenty of options available to him.
Match Admission:
Normal admission applies for this match. Please note that season tickets/vouchers do not count for non-league matches.
Adults – £12
Concessions – £6
Season tickets for the 2016/17 campaign are still available to purchase. To buy, head over to our new official online club store, visit the club’s main office prior to the game or alternatively to apply for a season ticket via post, please send the following to Berwick Rangers F.C, Shielfield Park, Tweedmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2EF.
Match Odds:
Cup title sponsors Betfred expect Killie to be the side to end the ‘Gers impressive 2016 home record in ship side heavy favourites to win the tie in 90 minutes.
Berwick Rangers – 6/1
Draw – 7/2
Kilmarnock – 4/9
Match Officials:
Gavin Duncan will take charge of tomorrow’s match, and he will be assisted by both Ralph Gordon and Stewart Luke.
Enjoy the match!
