Broomhill vs BRFC 24-25 Match Report

Berwick picked up another vital point in the quest to move away from the bottom of the Lowland League at Broomhill.

Kevin Haynes was pleased with his side’s performance but more squandered chances made it three consecutive 0-0 draws in the league.

Liam Buchanan was the main culprit, missing three great opportunities having grabbed his 50th Berwick goal in midweek.

Haynes opted for three changes to the side which defeated Hill of Beath Hawthorn in midweek with Grant Nelson, Scott-Taylor Mackenzie and Blair Sneddon returning to the starting lineup. Lewis Barr and Jonny Devers missed out through injury while Matty Collins dropped to the bench.

The home side started the strongest and had a huge opportunity early on to take the lead. Some weak tackling and fortunate ricochets saw the ball fall to Callum McKenzie six yards out but Broomhill’s top scorer somehow put his shot wide, although there was a serious question around whether the forward was offside.

Berwick would begin to grow into the game though and created the best opening midway through the first half. Good work from Ben Scarborough saw him beat his man then slide through Arran Laidlaw but the striker’s low effort was well stopped by the onrushing Harry Broun before Buchanan skewed the rebound wide.

Buchanan would have an better opportunity after half an hour. The hosts didn’t fully clear a Berwick set piece and Sneddon’s deliver found an unmarked Buchanan in the area. Despite loud protests of offside, Buchanan had plenty of time but took too long and saw his shot deflected wide by Ben Ferguson.

Both sides continued to push with Buchanan heading another Sneddon cross wide before the dangerous Cameron Rowley flashed a cross across the Berwick box but McKenzie couldn’t make the required contact.

With half time looming, Berwick came within a couple of inches of scoring. Scarborough’s long throws had terrorised the Broomhill defence and this time Laidlaw flicked it on for Buchanan at the back post but the striker will wish he was a couple of inches taller as he couldn’t quite get enough to contact to steer it on target.

It was a huge chance but, seconds later, Broomhill could have led. Broun’s goal kick was inexplicably headed backwards by Mackenzie for Broomhill’s McKenzie but the forward’s drilled effort went right across the face of goal.

Berwick began the second half with the same urgency and had another huge opportunity minutes after the break. Laidlaw did really well in the box to keep the ball from Ferguson and square it to Buchanan, who somehow scuffed his effort which was easily dealt with by Broun.

Berwick were upping the intensity and Sneddon was close to getting on the end of a Scarborough throw but the ball took a wickedly high bounce over his head before a charged down clearance by Laidlaw forced Broun into action. Broun was again forced to work by Mackenzie before Nelson was released in the area but had the ball taken off his toe at the vital moment.

It was starting to feel like one of those days for Berwick and they were almost caught cold against the run of play. A Broomhill long throw was only half headed clear by Ali Shrive straight to Alex Fairlie, who unleashed a vicious volley which Antell had to brilliantly turn away before Arnie Kasa could only put the rebound over the bar.

Berwick continued to flood forward but the final ball or final touch was just slightly off and the vocal away support was thankful for Ben McCrystal eight minutes from time. McKenzie rose highest to meet a Broomhill corner but the St Johnstone loanee manned his post on the line and was able to clear it away.

Things would get even more difficult a couple of minutes from time. A loose ball saw Kieran Gibbons and Nelson dive in for it but the Broomhill man got there just before Berwick’s captain. It was a definite card but the referee opted for his back pocket and sent Nelson off.

Nerves in the away end were jangling but, as the game ticked into stoppage time, Berwick almost snatched a memorable victory. Kyle Somers’ corner wasn’t fully cleared and the midfielder sent a lofted ball to the back post where Buchanan snuck in but watched in agony as his header bounced just beyond the far post.

It was a frustrating end to a frustrating afternoon for Berwick although Kevin Haynes praised his side’s performance.

“I thought we won the midfield battle and we were well on top. I thought we controlled the game for 80 minutes, other than the first 10 minutes.”

Haynes added, “After we got through that 10 minute spell, there was only team who really looked like they were going to win the game.”

The result leaves Berwick 16th in the Lowland League, two points clear of Broomhill and four clear of bottom side Gala Fairydean Rovers.

Up next for the ‘Gers is a visit from Tranent with a ex-Berwick man Darren Smith in the dugout. Kick off at Shielfield Park on Saturday is 3pm.