13th October 2017

Match Preview : Berwick Rangers v Annan Athletic – William Hill Scottish Cup Second Round

Berwick Rangers welcome Annan Athletic to Shielfield Park tomorrow for a 3pm kick off as both teams start their William Hill Scottish Cup campaigns in the second round. This all league two encounter will see the sides face off in Berwick two months after a 1-5 reverse for The ‘Gers in the league saw the end of John Coughlin’s reign as manager.

Both teams come into the game with confidence high following respective clean sheets and victories in the final league matches before the recent international break.

The fixture and battle of the Black & Golds also sees a repeat fixture at this same cup stage from two seasons ago, when Annan also triumphed 4-1.

Berwick News

Everyone in the squad is expected to be fit and only Marcus Godinho of the loan signings will be unavailable for selection. Manager Robbie Horn commented – “It’s a massive game for both teams and Annan will fancy their chances after the last visit. A good cup run would give everyone a lift at the club and it brings obvious financial gains it you land a plum tie. I hope there is big support along to get behind the players as they did against Elgin in the last home game”.

Robbie will want to keep recent momentum going and use a cup run to continue form in the league. It awaits to be seen whether he will continue with the three at the back system that he debuted so successfully last time out, in the victory at Peterhead.

That game also marked a new strike force of Aaron Murrell and goalscorer on the day, Michael McKenna. Both will be hoping for more of the same come Saturday.

Annan News

Player Manager Peter Murphy will be looking to build on the defeat of Cowdenbeath on 30th September and for in-form striker, Aidan Smith, to continue his rich vein of form with the striker netting in his last four starts for Annan. Smith also found the net in the aforementioned league game this season between the two sides.

Another scorer that day, Blair Henderson, will also be returning to his former club. The striker grabbed over 20 goals for Berwick during his spell with the club.

Peter Murphy and the travelling fans will also be buoyed by the fact that Annan haven’t lost a second round match since 2012 and have forced a reply in five of the last seven games at this stage.

September signing Scott Roberts is also expected to be involved again.

Odds

The bookies and cup sponsor see this game as follows;

Berwick 33/20

Draw  12/5

Annan 27/20

Admission

Prices on the gate at £12 for adults and £7 for concessions.

The game marked the introduction of online Hospitality bookings which going forward will make the process easier for fans and club alike.

Officials

This William Hill cup game will be officiated by Graham Beaton. The lines will be run by Michael Banks and Mark McHendry.

We look forward to a great game on Saturday and the return of football following a two week hiatus.

Fans of both clubs are invited to enjoy the hospitality of BRFC TV sponsors, The Red Lion pub, which is located a three minute walk from Berwick-Upon-Tweed railway station prior to and following the match, where they will be treated to complimentary food when purchasing a drink.

Enjoy the match and let’s hope that Robbie and the boys enjoy a fruitful cup campaign.

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