Berwick v Armadale Match Report
Berwick advanced to the 4th Round of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup after a comfortable 2-0 win over Armadale Thistle at Shielfield Park.
Rayan Mohammed and Alfie Robinson scored their first goals in black and gold as Berwick made it back-to-back 2-0 wins at home.
The Gers looked to stamp their authority on the game early on. Some good interplay on the edge of the box saw the ball fall to Jamie Watson. His first-time shot flashed just wide of the post.
Just before the ten-minute mark, a terrific dummy by Ben McCrystal caught the Armadale defence flat-footed. McCrystal picked out Matty Collins and his shot cannoned off the post and somehow rolled right along the line before Armadale’s goalkeeper Andrew Murphy could stop the ball rolling over.
Armadale, who are currently top of the East of Scotland Second Division, managed to get a hold of the ball after some early Berwick pressure. However, the visitors would make a mess of it as the centre-backs of Callum Shanks and Jack Sayers struggled to deal with the press of Mohammed. Sayers’ attempted pass was blocked by Mohammed and the ball looped over Murphy and bounced into the net to give Berwick the lead in unusual circumstances. Mohammed bagging his first goal for the Gers on his second appearance.
The visitors created their first chance of the game through a corner. Jayden Fairley’s inswinger caught Callum Antell out and the cross was met by Sayers at the back post who headed just over as he looked to redeem his error for the Berwick goal.
A few minutes later and Sayers got caught again as his untimely slip let Mohammed in on goal. The newly-signed forward seemed to over-complicate the finish as his poked shot was somehow blocked by the retreating Shanks who prevented an almost certain second goal for the Dream Team.
Armadale’s threat was coming from set pieces as Ryan Robertson’s long throw into the box caused Berwick confusion as the ball fell to Ben Stewart at the back post who had more time than he thought as his rushed header went wide.
Just before half-time and the Gers managed to get their second goal. McCrystal whipped his free-kick from 35 yards out to the back post where it was met by Robinson who nodded in to put Berwick into a comfortable position just before the break. The goal was Robinson’s first for Berwick and a well-deserved one after a solid first half in defence to prevent any danger from the visitors.
Robinson nearly doubled his goalscoring tally not long into the second half as it was again McCrystal at the heart of the creative display. His first-time cross was met by the head of Robinson but this time he saw his effort flash just over the bar.
The second half was a scrappy one to say the least with neither side able to trouble the goal, something that would please Thomas Scobbie more with his side holding a two-goal lead.
The two-goal lead nearly became three on 80 minutes on a day for first-time goalscorers for the Dream Team. AfterMohammed and Robinson’s first for the Gers, Max McGinley nearly opened his account with a thunderous 30-yard strike that forced a save out of Murphy.
Cameron Scott made his debut for the Dream Team late on with Mani Ashraf also subbed on for the closing stages of the cup tie.
Berwick looked very comfortable as the clock ticked into stoppage time with McCrystal having a couple of late chances to score. Scott’s long throw fell nicely for McCrystal who showed great agility to cut inside, but his shot curled just over the bar. Moments later McCrystal’s effort from just outside the box was a tame one and was easy for Murphy to deal with.
The Dream Team saw out the win to advance to the 4th Round where they face an away trip to Crossgates Primrose, who currently sit second bottom of the East of Scotland First Division. Berwick return to action next Saturday as they play Cowdenbeath in the Lowland League at Shielfield Park.
Ben Langley
