BRFC vs Hibs XI – 25/26 Match Report
It was an entertaining but ultimately disappointing start to pre-season for Berwick as they fell to a 3-2 defeat to the Hibs Development XI.
Berwick went two down in the first half thanks to goals from Jamie McMurdo and Luke Davidson before Taylor Hendry pulled one back just before the hour mark.
Jackson Thomson restored Hibs’ two goal advantage 15 minutes from time before Liam Buchanan’s penalty set up a frantic finish that saw Greg Binnie’s effort at the death cleared off the line.
New faces impress in Black and Gold
It’s been a busy summer at Shielfield with seven new faces (plus a couple of returning faces) coming through the door. All seven made an appearance on Saturday and there looks to be some shrewd acquisitions in there.
Struan Mair provided energy and calm on the ball in midfield; Callum Pitt looked solid at full back and centre back; Mikey Mbewe was direct out wide and caused Hibs plenty of problems while Greg Binnie offered plenty of energy up top in his half hour cameo.
Chances upon chances
One of the familiar frustrations at the back end of the last season was the sheer number of chances created in games without hitting the back of the net. Saturday saw similar issues rear their head again.
Berwick had at least three fantastic opportunities while countless efforts were blocked by last-ditch Hibs defending but, on another day, Berwick could and probably should have won this by a couple of goals.
Self-inflicted wound cost Berwick
The major issue for Berwick last season was defensive issues caused, in part, by self-inflicted errors leading to goals. Saturday saw more of the same as Berwick lost possession in their own half leading to all three goals.
If there was ever a time to have these issues rear their head, it would be in pre-season however Berwick boss Kevin Haynes will no doubt be frustrated that what was a fairly positive performance on the whole ends in an arguably undeserved defeat.
Up next
Berwick are back in action on Tuesday night when they travel to Whitehill Welfare with the game at Ferguson Park a 7:30 kick off.
