March Preview 2024
Berwick head into March looking to finish the 2023/24 season strongly after a mixed February.
Thomas Scobbie’s side started February with victories over Caledonian Braves and University of Stirling but three consecutive frustrating single goal defeats to East Stirlingshire, Cumbernauld Colts and Celtic B leave the Gers 12th in the Lowland League.
March sees three games, two of which are at Shielfield:
9th March vs Gretna (H)
March begins with the visit of Gretna to Shielfield.
Brian Gilfillan’s side have had a difficult season, sitting 17th in the league table with just two victories and eight points to their name. A huge turnover of players in the summer has contributed to those totals, although their two victories have come against Civil Service Strollers and Broomhill who are both in the top half.
Berwick’s record against Gretna since relegation in 2019 is very good, winning 7 of the 10 meetings including the meeting at Raydale Park back in September.
Gretna have the worst away record in the Lowland League this season, losing every single game. That record extends into last season with Gretna losing their last 24 on the road with their last point on the road coming in November 2022 and their last win in October of the same year at Cumbernauld Colts. Their record at Shielfield is along similar lines, picking up one draw in July 2021 and losing the other 4 visits.
Kick off at Shielfield for this game is 3pm.
16th March vs Cowdenbeath (A)
The following Saturday sees a trip to the fairly familiar surroundings of Central Park.
Cowdenbeath currently sit 11th in the league, three points ahead of Berwick but with two games in hand. Callum Elliot’s side had a wobble in late January and early February but recovered to end the month with consecutive victories.
Berwick will have good memories of their last visit to Central Park with Liam Buchanan grabbing a hat trick in a 4-0 win back in March 2023. However, the last two meetings between these sides at Shielfield have ended in 2-0 Cowdenbeath wins.
Kick off at Central Park will be 3pm.
23rd March vs Caledonian Braves (H)
March ends with a visit from Caledonian Braves after the original game was postponed due to adverse weather in early December.
Braves have endured an inconsistent season, sitting 13th in the Lowland League table, just a point behind Berwick. Ricky Waddell’s side have lost four of their last five games in all competitions and have won just one game in 2024.
The two meetings between the sides have both been competitive – Braves winning 1-0 on the opening day while Berwick triumphed on penalties at the start of February in the Lowland League Cup. Interestingly, of the 9 previous meetings between the sides, only 3 have been at Shielfield with Braves winning on their last visit in August 2022.
Kick off at Shielfield is 3pm.
Ticketing and further match information will be released closer to the date with fans unable to attend the games able to follow along on our social media channels with regular updates. Fans on X can also listen to live commentary (dependant on availability) with details to be shared closer to each game.
📝 | Eion Smith
