Albion Rovers vs BRFC 24-25

Berwick secured another vital point in a 0-0 at Albion Rovers that will not live long in the memory.

Both sides were guilty of being wasteful in possession and lacking quality in the final third as neither goalkeeper had a save of note to make.

Ali Shrive did have a goal chalked off for offside in the first half while Jonny Devers put the game’s best chance over from 8 yards out while Dom McMahon smacked the post with Albion’s only real chance.

Kevin Haynes made four changes to the side which lost to Dunbar United in midweek with Arran Laidlaw, Kyle Somers, Alfie Robinson and Blair Sneddon coming into the team.

The first half was a truly awful affair with countless misplaced passes, poor decisions and poor quality. Bar one Ben Scarborough volley which flew way over and a weak Bright Prince effort from range, there were no shots at goal.

However, just minutes before half time, Berwick had the ball in the net. Shrive was fouled out on the right and Jonny Devers’ inswinging free kick found the Montrose loanee, who flicked it home but any celebration was cut short by the linesman’s flag.

Half time was a relief for the 212 fans and three dogs in attendance but the second half almost burst into life within minutes. Lovely work from Laidlaw down the left got him to the byline and his pull back found Devers who, with a slight bobble, managed to spoon it over the bar from 8 yards.

Berwick were almost made to regret that miss seconds later. Ross Connelly’s goal kick was brilliantly flicked on by Billy Mortimer for McMahon. The midfielder opted for power but could only smash it off the outside of the near post.

Hopes of an end to end second half failed to materialise though with both sides struggling to create clear chances. Alan Reid had the best opportunity when he had a free header blocked while Rayan Mohammed headed over from a free kick.

The hosts had a late opportunity when substitute Nathan Brown robbed Sneddon on the edge of the area but the forward blazed his shot way over the bar.

The point, coupled with other results, means that Berwick sit five points clear of the bottom of the table but move to within three points of Gretna directly above them.

Next up is the final home game of the season as Broxburn Athletic visit Shielfield Park

🧑🏼‍💻 | Eion Smith