Match Preview : Arbroath FC v Berwick Rangers – William Hill Scottish Cup Third Round
Berwick Rangers travel to League One Arbroath tomorrow for a 3rd round clash at Gayfield Park, with the game kicking off at 3pm.
Both sides will be hoping for a money spinning cup run to compliment league campaigns where both sides will be looking to push for the play offs in their respective leagues.
The Lichties are currently 4th in League One with experienced Manager Dick Campbell and his assistant, Ian Campbell, looking to build on recent good results.
There is also a few current connections between the two clubs with Gary Phillips and Kieran Stewart having both played for Arbroath FC in the past.
Berwick will be hoping for a continuation of the recent defensive solidity against a side that is known for attractive football and entertaining games. The Lichties last two home fixtures resulted in a 1-4 defeat and a 7-1 victory!
The club also followed a 1-4 defeat in September with a 0-5 & 2-6 victories in outstanding away performances.
Berwick News
Boss Robbie Horn will be without Brennan, Notman & Waugh. Notman was struggling with a rib injury which resulted in missing last Saturday’s game against Edinburgh City. Michael McKenna is fit to play having come off in the Testimonial game on Wednesday.
Marcus Godinho is the only loan signing who will be unavailable for selection tomorrow.
Arbroath News
Dick Campbell will have to decide whether to recall leading scorer Ryan McCord, who has 8 goals already this season, who was an unused substitute last weekend. McCord is averaging a goal every 90 minutes so far this season.
He may be partnered by Danny Denholm who has also found the net 6 times in 2017/18.
Arbroath were one of the stories of last weekend as former Scotland, Celtic and Leicester goalkeeper Rab Douglas made his debut at 45 years old in the 0-2 win at Hampden against Queen’s Park. Douglas would have been looking to build on that clean sheet but he misses out due to a pre-arranged holiday! The home side will also be without Steven Doris and Josh Skelly due to injury. Gavin Swankie, who has scored 3 goals in his last 4 games, is a doubt having received a knock in the last game.
Defender Thomas O’Brien will be looking to keep the ‘Gers out after being named in the SPFL team of the week following his performance at Hampden last Saturday.
Odds
Arbroath are strong favourites for this one;
Arbroath 1/2
Draw 29/10
Berwick 5/1
Admission
The cup game is priced at £14 for adults and £8 for concessions. An adult and child ticket is available for £17. The postcode for the ground is DD11 1QB. Gayfield Park is approximately a 10 minute walk from the train station.
Supporters should also be aware that there is a special hospitality offer which the home are calling “Pie and Beans Special”. The package is £22 adults and £16 for kids and includes;
Admission into the Game
Pie and Beans – Bovril included
2 free drinks
No need for the usual shirt and tie.
Officials
Stephen Finnie will be the man in the middle for this one, with Ross Haswell and Michael Addy running the lines.
We wish all supporters a safe journey to the game and hope that it marks a memorable cup triumph for the Black & Gold.
Dates and times have also been released in case the game is postponed due to bad weather or is forced to go to a replay. Any replay will be played at Shielfield Park on Wednesday 22nd November at 7.45pm. Should this happen we will provide further details as soon as possible.
Enjoy the game!
