Gretna 2008 v BRFC 24-25 Match Report
Berwick’s difficult October continued with a 3-0 defeat at Gretna 2008.
Goals from Lewis Bell, Jordan Holt and Robbie Ivison consigned Thomas Scobbie’s side to a fourth consecutive defeat this month.
Berwick made six changes from the South Challenge Cup exit to Threave Rovers – Owen Calder, Max McGinley, Jamie Stevenson, Kane O’Connor and Arran Laidlaw replaced Jamie McCormack (suspended), Corrie Fellows,Gareth Rodger (both departed), Matty Collins, Jonny Devers and Cai MacNamara.
However, the much changed line up did not stop Berwick’s woes as they fell behind within 90 seconds. McGinley got caught on the ball by Bell 30 yards from goal and the winger exchanged passes with Ivison before shooting for goal. Calder got his head to the ball but could only watch as it looped beyond the despairing dive of Callum Antell.
Berwick’s response was decent though and they had a couple of chances to pull level. First, good feet from Laidlaw on the edge of the area got him half a yard of space but his strike was well saved by Jim Atkinson before McGinley curled a left foot shot wide of the post.
Gretna were struggling to play out from the back too often but, when they got forward, they looked dangerous and, just before the half hour, they got their second. A corner from the right was met by Jack Dickinson and, despite a Stevenson block in front of the goal, Holt was the first to react, firing home from six yards.
Berwick continued to try and force the issue but a combination of poor decisions, unfortunate bounces and ricochets and stout Gretna defending meant that the ‘Gers went in at the break two down although with hope that they could get back into the game.
That hope was extinguished early in the second half. Referee Michael Williamson indicated advantage for Gretna for a foul near the edge of the area and Berwick switched for a second, allowing Ivison to collect the ball on the edge of the area and curl a beautiful effort beyond the helpless Antell.
Gretna continued to grow in confidence through the second half, their passing becoming crisper and quicker with Dickinson at centre half in particular completely dominating. They had an opportunity to add a fourth when Dean Brotherston went on a run but dragged his effort wide.
Thomas Scobbie brought on the likes of Devers, Jack Brown and Collins but to little effect with Berwick’s best opportunity coming from a weak Collins effort from range that was easy for Atkinson.
That result sees Gretna leapfrog Berwick into 12th place in the Lowland League although the ‘Gers do have a game in hand after Wednesday’s postponement.
Next weekend sees a return to cup action as we renew acquaintances with League Two side Forfar Athletic in the Scottish Cup Second Round.
