Braves vs BRFC 24-25
Berwick picked up a valuable point at high-flying Caledonian Braves but could have had much more.
Lewis Barr and Liam Buchanan put Berwick into a two goal lead and had fans anticipating a first win under Kevin Haynes’ stewardship.
However, an instant goal back from Reg McLaren – despite a clear foul on Alfie Robinson in the build up – gave Braves hope before Daniel Martins headed in their equaliser, leaving the Berwick manager “slightly disappointed”.
Haynes had the luxury of naming an unchanged line-up from the 2-2 draw with Gretna with Buchanan and Rayan Mohammed leading the line.
However, it would be Braves who created the best of the early chances with Mark McConnell having to be alert to block Reg McLaren’s effort in the area before Callum Antell was called into action, denying Braves top scorer Ross McNeil at his near post.
It would be Berwick who found the breakthrough after 15 minutes. Martins couldn’t properly clear a long ball and Barr sent Buchanan away down the left. The striker delivered first time which was just over the head of Kyle Somers but Barr was following in and guided the ball into the bottom corner off his thigh for his first of the season.
Braves continued to try and apply pressure but Berwick’s defence was marshalled supremely by McConnell and Robinson and, 5 minutes into the second half, Berwick managed to double their lead.
Somers’ corner from the right was deep and keeper Bernie White completely missed it, allowing Buchanan at the back post to head it into the ground and over the man on the line for his seventh Lowland League goal of the season.
There was absolute delirium from the travelling away support but, within 90 seconds, that had turned to anger as the hosts pulled one back. Connor McLaren sent a ball in behind Robinson and Reg McLaren chased it down, pushed Robinson in the back and slotted the ball under Antell.
The pressure was beginning to build on Berwick as Braves sensed an equaliser with Antell called into action to deny substitute Cammy Breadner. From the resulting corner though, Braves would find their leveller.
Breadner’s inswinging delivery went all the way to the back post where Martins got a clear run at it and powered a header into the back of the net.
Both sides were looking for the winner but it was the hosts who had the clearest chances to win it in stoppage time. The excellent McConnell misjudged a header which sent McNeil clean through but Antell showed his importance to Berwick with a top save to deny him before Reg McLaren got free at the back post but could only head right at the keeper.
There was still enough time for Grant Nelson to pick up a second booking with seconds remaining for stopping a Braves break but Berwick were able to hold on and pick up a valuable point in the bid to move away from the bottom end of the Lowland League.
Boss’ Thoughts
On the result: “I’m slightly disappointed, I think we did enough to win the game. In saying that, had you asked me before the game if I’d have taken a point, maybe I would have so it’s a good point.
I thought we had loads of energy, loads of desire today. The boys are working hard but they’re looking after the ball well. We played with a wee bit of intensity today and put Braves under a bit of pressure.”
On injuries to Ben McCrystal and Blair Sneddon: “I think Ben is a concussion so we won’t see him for ten days at least. Blair has a dead leg but he should hopefully get through that quickly.”
On progression: “Over the course of the four league games I’ve been here, I think we’ve made incremental progressions. I said it last week that we’re not far away from winning games and a little bit of luck will help us get there.”
Up Next
Berwick are on the road again next weekend with a trip to University of Stirling for a 3pm kick off.
