Berwick v Fauldhouse United Match Report
Berwick Rangers eased to a 5-0 victory over Fauldhouse United in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup 2nd Round at Shielfield Park.
Liam Buchanan scored two goals on the night as well as one from Grant Nelson. Jamie Stevenson scored the pick of the goals, as he converted from two direct free-kicks.
The Dream Team looked to assert themselves early on as they piled numerous crosses onto the Fauldhouse defence. Nelson’s long diagonal from the right to Buchanan was pinpoint but before Buchanan could get a shot off he was pushed to the ground by Kieran McColgan and the referee pointed to the spot.
Buchanan took responsibility for the penalty, and he was the coolest man at Shielfield Park as he gave the keeper the eyes and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner. Berwick with the lead on seven minutes.
Less than 60 seconds later, Berwick doubled their lead. Grant Nelson gathered the ball from a throw-in and some quick interplay between him and Buchanan created space for the midfielder. Nelson’s shot was superb as it nestled into the net at the near post to give the Gers a dream start.
Berwick continued to look for the goals, this time from a Jamie Stevenson free-kick. Stevenson, who was filling in at centre-back, saw his thunderous effort crash off the post and out to safety for Fauldhouse.
The visitors began to hold off the Berwick onslaught but on the half-hour mark the chances started to flow again. Jonny Devers showed quick feet to create some space for Buchanan on the right-hand side of the box. Buchanan put Sam Ghoul on his backside before unleashing a shot on the outside of his right foot that was well saved by Jacob Weatherby.
Minutes later, Joe Ellison crossed with his left to find Jamie Watson. The new recruit Watson nodded the ball down to Buchanan, but Weatherby was again in the way from Buchanan getting his second of the game.
Into the second half and the shot count kept on ticking for the Gers, with Fauldhouse yet to test the black and gold net.
Jamie Stevenson once again showed his quality from a set-piece. It was second time lucky for Stevenson as his 25-yard free-kick whipped over the wall and into the corner to score Berwick’s third of the night.
Just like the first half, one goal would quickly lead to another. Buchanan burst down the right-hand side and got goal-side of Ghoul who could only foul Buchanan in the box, another penalty awarded.
Buchanan stepped up again and once again cooly placed the ball into the bottom right corner to score his second and the Dream Team’s fourth.
Midway through the second half and Ellison found himself inspace again on the right, who then squared the ball to Buchanan. He showed great skill to find space for a shot which was nicely struck, which made Weatherby’s save the more impressive.
Berwick also showed their threat on the counter-attack as Devers broke through midfield, before being fouled 25 yards out. It was once again Stevenson who took the ball, and this particular free-kick was exquisite. He managed to curl the ball right into the top corner, no doubt the best goal of the night.
Berwick’s fifth goal proved to be the last as they secured a comfortable win to advance to the next round. The Dream Team will hope to take some confidence into their next game as they turn their attention back to the Lowland League as they travel to East Stirlingshire this Saturday.
Ben Langley
