Berwick v Stranraer Match Report
Berwick secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Stranraer in the KDM Evolution Trophy thanks to Liam Gregory’s 94th minute winner at Shielfield Park.
The game began in stunning fashion for the Gers as Caelan McCrone gave the hosts the lead after just 18 seconds. Stranraer responded swiftly as Robbie Foster smashed in an equaliser after just four minutes. Kyle Somers regained Berwick the lead ten minutes into the second half, before Evan Dunne looked to have snatched a late equaliser on 88 minutes. However, Gregory’s stoppage time goal won it for the Gers that brought jubilant scenes in the stands as Berwick boosted their hopes of qualification.
As the game got underway, McCrone asserted himself as he got on the ball before launching an early attack for Berwick. He reached the edge of the box before firing a shot that found the bottom right corner to give the Gers a stunning start. The goal was clocked at just 18 seconds as Berwick led very early on.
Stranraer looked to get back on level terms quickly. A long ball was launched down the right which was gathered by Dean Cleland. His low cross with pace picked out Foster who smashed the ball into the roof of the net to level the game up again after just four minutes.
Foster nearly had his second a couple of minutes later. Finn Ecrepont’s free-kick from the wing found the head of Foster in the middle of the box. However, the Stranraer striker could only guide his effort well wide of the goal.
Both teams struggled to gain control of the game after a frenetic opening. Berwick, who were now being led by Olabanji Koya, created another chance through McCrone just after the half-hour mark. He won the ball high up the pitch with some brilliant tenacity before playing Isaac Deh in on goal. However, he dragged his shot wide to spurn a great opportunity for the Dream Team.
Stranraer responded with a chance of their own as Aaron Healy got down the right before crossing for Foster. His effort went over the bar.
Healy continued to cause problems on the right flank as he found space for another cross. This time he picked out Aaron Quigg, but his glancing header went just wide.
Another chance soon followed for the visitors as James Dolan played the ball to Quigg on the edge of the box. He went for a half-volley attempt that clipped the bar before going over. The game was 1-1 at half-time.
Berwick had the first chance of the second half as Somers picked out Struan Mair on the right-hand side. His low shot at the near post forced Henderson into a save.
The visitors responded with a chance of their own. Kenzi Nair’s long ball was excellent as it found Healy with precision on the right wing. His cross was slightly behind Cleland as he could only fire over from short range.
Deh nearly had the Gers in front shortly after as he gathered a long ball nicely before his attempted dink into the goal went over Henderson but was cleared off the line brilliantly by Nair.
It was a brilliant game with chances continuing to flow at both ends. McCrone’s cross was nicely flicked on by Deh towards Somers. His shot from outside the box flew into the bottom left corner to give Berwick the lead again.
Berwick’s regain of the lead seemed to spark plenty of confidence into the side. This wasn’t more evident than Hayward’s free-kick as he went for goal from his own half that worried Henderson extremely. However, the Stranraer keeper’s blushes were spared as the ball hit the roof of the net.
Stranraer continued to create chances down the flanks as Healy sprinted down the right before finding Daniel McManus. His shot from around six yards out was poor as it ended up straight in the hands of Hayward.
Just five minutes later, a similar attack led by Healy saw the ball fall to McManus. The shot on this occasion was more of a test for Hayward, but the Berwick shotstopper continued his fine performance with a good save to his right-hand side.
The game entered its final few minutes with Berwick still holding on. However, Stranraer continued to pile on the pressure. Lewis Dobbie cut inside from the left before his shot was spilled by Hayward as Dunne dinked the ball into the net to silence the home crowd.
Berwick wouldn’t let the late setback bring them down. As the Gers pushed forward again, Deh was able to flick the ball onto Grant Leitch in the middle of the park. He passed to Liam Gregory who drove towards the box before unleashing a fierce shot which found the bottom right corner to send Shielfield Park into delirium.
Berwick secured a brilliant 3-2 win to boost the Dream Team’s chances of qualifying for the next stage. The Gers rise to 17th in the league phase table, with the top 22 making it through. Stranraer’s qualification chances are narrowing after the defeat, as they sit 29th in the table. Berwick return to action this Saturday for another game in the KDM Evolution Trophy as they travel to Airdrieonians. The Gers will be hoping to continue their momentum as they look to secure qualification to the next round.