Eddlewood 0-2 Berwick Rangers – Match Report
Berwick progressed to the last 16 of the South Challenge Cup after a battling 2-0 win at Eddlewood.
Lewis Barr’s third minute goal settled any early Berwick nerves before substitute Greg Binnie wrapped up the victory with five minutes to play.
Martin Scott had made four changes from the defeat at Cowdenbeath with plenty of respect shown to an Eddlewood team who top the West of Scotland Fourth Division and were coming into the game on the back of a 13-0 win at Rossvale last time out.
Berwick showed their Lowland League quality early on when Danny Handling picked the ball up in the middle of the park and played an inch-perfect ball through to Barr, who slotted past Ben Brownlie to give the ‘Gers the perfect start.
The hosts thought they had found their way level within ten minutes when Kieran Campbell brilliantly finished beyond Owen Hayward but, after much consultation, the goal was ruled out due to Campbell controlling the ball with his arm.
Berwick chances continued to come with Alex Harris not far away from finding the top corner before Barr almost grabbed a carbon copy of his goal but Brownlie was able to tip his effort onto the post.
Eddlewood continued to try and pressure Berwick but struggled to test Hayward in goal and, as they pushed bodies forward and tired, Ruan MacRae and Ryan McGhie made a mess of a long ball, allowing substitute Binnie to round Brownlie and turn it home to ensure progression in the cup.
Experience Counts
Much had been made of the quality of Eddlewood, given their elimination of Albion Rovers in the Third Round so it was no great surprise to Berwick fans that there was an abundance of experience within the spine of the team.
That experience proved pivotal throughout the afternoon – the ball was like a magnet to the head of Mark McConnell and he gave Eddlewood attackers little joy throughout; Barr was energy and tenacity in the centre of the park and dovetailed wonderfully with Alex Harris who strolled the through 90 minutes while Danny Handling continued to show his quality up top in a thankless role.
Crucially, their experience and ability helped overcome some recent jitters around getting in front with Berwick having dropped eight points in their last three games from winning positions. Eddlewood tried and ran themselves into the ground but were reduced to pot shots from range as Berwick saw out the game with relative ease.
Next Up
Berwick return to MKM Shielfield Park when Civil Service Strollers visit in Lowland League East action on Tuesday. Kick off is at 7:45pm