Berwick v Musselburgh Match Report
Berwick drew 0-0 with Musselburgh after a resolute defensive display following Alfie Robinson’s early red card.
The best chance of the game fell to Isaac Deh in the final five minutes, but his effort from close range was dragged wide.
The game began in disastrous fashion for Berwick. A long ball over the top found Ryan Porteous, before he was brought down by Robinson. The referee adjudged Robinson to have fouled outside the penalty area and was shown a straight red card for the denial of a goalscoring opportunity. The resulting free-kick by Nathan Evans was blocked by the wall before Gabriele Auriemma fired the rebound over.
Musselburgh were dominating possession with an extra man, as they kept Berwick deep in their defensive shape. Just after the twenty-minute mark, Owen Anderson picked out Max Black on the left-hand side. He then cut inside before his shot which was straight at Owen Hayward.
Chances were limited for ten-man Berwick, but they had their first chance midway through the first half. A poor pass was capitalised on by Mikey Mbewe, who looked to finesse his shot into the top corner. However, he got it all wrong as his effort went well wide of the goal.
The visitors had another chance of their own as a long throw-in found Owen Hastie in the box, whose shot was blocked. The ball then fell nicely to Jackson Barker, but he could only direct his effort over the bar.
Just after the half-hour mark, Greg Binnie found space in midfield before driving towards goal. He laid off Grant Leitch, who struck a thunderous shot that had Daniel Laing rooted to the spot. However, the ball flashed just wide.
Another great chance for the Dream Team arrived a few minutes later. A delicate flick by Kyle Somers saw Mbewe fly down the wing. He managed to beat his man before his poked shot went through the legs of Laing, but a slight touch from the goalkeeper saw the ball hit the side netting. The game was goalless at half-time.
Musselburgh had the first chance of the second half as Auriemma stood over a free-kick. His cross into the box found Robert Wilson in space, but he scuppered the great opportunity as his header went wide.
Wilson was a threat for the visitors again just before the hour mark. Evans’ long throw found the Musselburgh captain. His header forced Hayward into a good save down to his left-hand side.
Another long throw by Evans caused more trouble for Berwick. Jonny Court received the throw inside the box before laying off Hastie. His shot went just wide.
Berwick’s first chance of the second half came with twenty minutes remaining. Mbewe broke down the wing on the counter-attack. He then played the ball to Binnie on the edge of the box who struck a low shot that was well saved by Laing.
The Gers were threatening to snatch the win in the closing stages. A long ball found Deh, who was playing in the unusual position of striker. He managed to get ahead of Taylor Black who looked to have fouled the Berwick man. However, Deh got a shot off that was dragged wide.
Another chance for the Dream Team came two minutes from stoppage time as the ball once again fell to Deh. He managed to find Mair on the right side of the box, but his shot hit the side netting.
The game ended goalless despite Berwick having to play much of the game with ten men. A fine defensive display from the Gers nearly gave them the chance to snatch all three points at the end. However, the points were shared. Berwick remain 13th in the Lowland League East table, with Musselburgh three points ahead in 12th. Berwick return to action on Tuesday as they play Stranraer in the KDM Evolution Trophy at Shielfield Park.