Match Preview : Berwick Rangers v Annan Athletic – Ladbrokes League Two
Welcome back to Shielfield Park, Berwick Rangers! Robbie Horn and his boys will be at Shielfield for a league fixture for the first time in over a month as football returns to Berwick after a flurry of away fixtures.
Due to the festive cold snap Berwick have played their last four league encounters on the road. A period which has yielded a solitary point and Horn will be glad to experience home comforts again this weekend, with the match kicking off at 3pm.
Peter Murphy brings the opposition from Galabank and the other Black and Golds in the division, with Annan Athletic the away side.
This will be the fourth meeting of the two sides already in 2017/18 with honours even thus far. Annan resoundly beat the ‘Gers back in August at Shielfield emerging with a 1-5 victory that saw the end of previous manager John Coughlin.
However, since then Berwick edged a close Scottish Cup clash 1-0 and also gained a point in a goalless draw at Galabank in the league.
Berwick News
It’s been a busy week for Horn as he continues to shape the squad in his own image. Saturday should present the opportunity for a debut for recent acquisition Declan O’Kane, who can operate in various positions at the back or in midfield.
Berwick will also be boasted by the news that impressive goalkeeper Robby McCrorie will be available after extending his loan until the summer, along with Andrew Irving who has also agreed a longer loan with the club. We wish both players well until the end of the season.
However, Marcus Godinho has returned to Hearts after the completion of his loan period. Marcus impressed during his stay so much so that he is expected to be involved in the Hearts first team upon returning. The club wish him well and thank him for his contribution.
Annan Athletic News
Peter Murphy has been incredibly busy this week with four new additions announced earlier this week. Conor O’Keefe and Evan Horne have both signed on loan from St Mirren until the end of the season. Both are 19 years old and are regulars in the development team at St Mirren, although O’Keefe, a winger, has made a handful of appearances for the first team in 2017/18.
Ben Armour has signed on loan from Greenock Morton and Jamie Henry has signed a deal after leaving Arbroath. All four players go straight into the squad for the game at Shielfield.
Peter Murphy and his side are looking to bounce back after a 0-1 home defeat to Montrose last time out. This defeat ended a mighty impressive sequence of 9 unbeaten league games from 28th October 2017 that has seen the side in the challenge for a play-off place.
Former Berwick striker Blair Henderson is likely to partner leading scorer, Aidan Smith, in attack as was the case last time out.
Odds
Match sponsors Ladbrokes currently see this game as follows;
Berwick 2/1
Draw 23/10
Annan 23/20
Admission
The usual gate prices will be in action for this game. With an adult ticket costing £12 and concessions priced at £7. All under 16s will be allowed free entry to all home league games when accompanied by a paying adult.
Supporters are also reminded that the previously postponed raffle will be drawn in the JB Lounge after the match. Tickets will still be available to buy at Saturday’s game.
Officials
Euan Anderson has been named as the referee for this one. He will be assisted by Gavin Harris and Craig Wilson.
The club will again honour the memory of fans and former players who have passed away in the last year with a minutes applause prior to the game. We thank the co-operation of Annan and the match officials in advance for agreement to this.
We hope to see as many of you at the game as possible and that you enjoy the match. All supporters, home and away, are invited to enjoy the hospitality of the Red Lion pub in Berwick prior to and after the game. You will receive a warm welcome from the Berwick Rangers TV sponsors and complimentary food when purchasing a drink. The public house is situated on Berwick high street, a mere 3 minute walk from the train station.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
