Berwick v Albion Match Report 25-26
Berwick secured their first home win in 2026 after a comeback 3-1 win over Albion Rovers in the Lowland League at Shielfield Park.
Albion took the lead after a Caelan McCrone error was capitalised on by Theo McCormick who slotted into the bottom right corner. The Gers scored an equaliser five minutes from half-time thanks to Greg Binnie’s volley. The Dream Team took the lead shortly after half-time through a wonderous Danny Handling free-kick. Jamie Pyper’s header twenty minutes from the end secured the win for Berwick.
The visitors began the game on top as they created the first chance through a free-kick. The cross into the box was headed on by Alan Reid to Ruari Ellis. His lay-off found Zander Craik who got a shot off that was comfortable for Calum Antell.
Berwick responded with an opportunity of their own just after ten minutes. Alex Harris played a dangerous through ball that broke nicely to Binnie. He went for a shot with the outside of his foot that forced a save out of Alfie Halliwell.
Harris was the key creator once again a few minutes later as he picked out Ben McCrystal in space on the left. He cut inside before curling the ball towards goal, but Halliwell pushed the ball clear.
Just before the half-hour mark and Albion were looking the more likely team to take the lead once again. McCrone misjudged the cross into the Berwick box as his poor header broke nicely for Albion’s McCormick. The Rovers forward cooly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner to give the visitors the lead.
A few minutes later and Albion continued their momentum by nearly scoring another. Chris Neeson executed a delicate lay-off to Daniel Hunter on the edge of the box. His curler didn’t threaten the goal as the ball sailed comfortably over the bar.
Berwick weren’t at their best but created opportunities in the closing stages of the first half. A through ball by McCrystal on the left found Binnie inside the box. He allowed the ball to bounce before striking it with great force that found the bottom left corner, despite the attempted late block by Devan McColl. The two sides back on level terms.
The Dream Team nearly snatched a fortuitous lead at half-time as McCrystal’s cross picked out Binnie once again. His header at the back post was deflected inches wide of the goal as the two sides went in 1-1 at half-time.
The Gers were quick to pile the pressure on Albion in the second half as they won a free-kick high up the pitch. Handling stepped up from 25 yards out and his shot cannoned off the post before nestling into the net to give Berwick the lead.
Shortly after Berwick’s second goal, the game turned into chaotic fashion. Martin McArthur dived into a high tackle on McCrone and failed to make contact with the ball. The referee instantly gave a straight red card to the Albion defender, and a mass brawl ensued between the two sets of players. The confrontation between the two teams led to Mikey Mbewe receiving a yellow card and Albion’s Devan McColl also being cautioned.
Albion being reduced to ten men seemed to bring complacency to the Berwick team as the Gers struggled to push forward for a third goal. Albion had a trio of free-kicks in a short space of time midway through the second half. However, their shots at goal were either blocked by the Berwick wall or went wide of the goal.
Twenty minutes from time and Berwick eventually began to create chances as they took advantage of an extra player. A long ball caused a scramble in the Albion defence with Halliwell caught out of his goal. Kyle Somers attempted a dinked effort, but it was deflected wide. The resulting corner by Harris was met by the head of Jamie Pyper and he found the bottom right corner to give the Dream Team a 3-1 lead.
Berwick pushed for a fourth goal five minutes from the end. A through ball sent Handling in on goal, but his low shot was saved in peculiar fashion by the backside of Halliwell.
The Gers saw out a 3-1 win in which is their first win at Shielfield Park in 2026. Berwick climb to 11th in the Lowland League table, while Albion’s poor run of form continues as they remain in 17th. The Dream Team’s next fixture is next Saturday as they travel to Cowdenbeath looking to move level on points with their opponents.