Match Preview: Berwick Rangers v Arbroath – SPFL Ladbrokes League Two
One week on from a shock Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Hawick Royal Albert, Berwick return to league duty looking to put the woes of last weekend behind them and further build on a Ladbrokes League Two campaign which sees John Coughlin’s squad boast the league’s statistically tightest defence.
Unbeaten away from home, Coughlin will be aware that his squad must improve at home if they’re to form a challenge for promotion this season. Despite offering his resignation to the club following the club’s previous result, Cough told Radio Borders in midweek that he believes he is still the man to deliver success to Shielfield Park,
Whilst his defence has remained reliable for the most part, going forward his side have been somewhat goalshy and the ‘Gers boss will hope a debut goal from substitute Greg Rutherford last weekend will is the start of things to come in beginning to build a run of form which is free from performances like those against Hawick, Spartans and Elgin City.
Berwick Rangers Team News:
Fans would be forgiven for apportioning a large amount of credit for tthe ‘Gers’ watertight defence to club captain Jonny Fairbairn, the skipper’s lack of presence notably felt during last weekend’s cup shock. Fairbairn will almost certainly return to the starting XI for this one however, with the skipper only ruled out last weekend due to a cup suspension carried over from the previous season.
On the flipside, Michael McKenna, who both netted in the Hawick defeat and Wednesday night’s 6-3 Under 20 win over Raith Rovers will miss out as he resumes his third suspension of the season, the Scottish Cup not a tournament where he could continue to serve his ban.
McKenna will be joined on the sideline by full back Kevin McKinlay, who will join Michael in completing his ban this weekend. Sean Mackie remains absent.
Arbroath Team News:
Greg Rutherford is likely to make his league debut for the ‘Gers and it will come against a few familiar faces with the striker having spent time with Arbroath last season.
The Lichties will welcome back defender Jassem Sukar from suspension and goalkeeper Robbie Mutch will return to the squad after sitting out last week’s Scottish Cup Fixture after being cup-tied.
Match Admission:
Adults – £12
Concessions – £7
Season tickets are available completely free of charge for Under 16’s. Simply visit the club’s main office prior to kick-off.
Match Odds:
SPFL title-sponsors Ladbrokes reckon that despite a cup embarrassment last weekend, Berwick will bounce back this week.
Berwick Rangers – 23/10
Draw – 12/5
Arbroath – 11/5
Match Officials:
Tomorrow’s referee will be Grant Irvine and he will be assisted by Ivan Stankovic and Craig Ferguson.
