East Stirlingshire vs BRFC 25-26

Berwick secured their first win of 2026 with a commanding 3-1 win at East Stirlingshire.

A cagey encounter sprung into life five minutes after the break when Ben McCrystal broke through some poor Shire defending to tee up substitute Michael Mbewe to open the scoring.

Six minutes later, McCrystal would turn goal scorer, breaking behind the backline before wrapping a fantastic strike into the top corner from the edge of the area.

The home side struggled to create many opportunities and were caught cold with 15 minutes to go when a clinical Berwick break ended with Mbewe firing home.

Joe Ellison’s own goal ten minutes from the end gave the hosts some hope but Berwick saw it out to pick up a big three points.

Mbewe Makes The Difference

It’s been a season of spells for Mikey Mbewe.

His hot streak in front of goal through September and October and general form was exciting but the last few months have seen his form dip.

His introduction for an ailing Caelan McCrone was a difference maker and Mbewe looked sharp, quick, motivated and took his chances clinically.

Getting Healthy

One of the few positives to the stop-start nature of 2026 is that it has allowed a number of Berwick players to get fitter.

Ben McCrystal’s season has been disrupted by knee injuries but a near fully fit squad allowed him to play further forward to devastating effect.

Liam Gregory finally made his Berwick debut with his first two competitive touches being crucial to the build up for the third goal.

Kevin Haynes will be hoping his side can stay healthy during the run in.

Next Up

It’s a return to MKM Shielfield as Clydebank visit in rearranged Lowland League action