Match Preview: Berwick Rangers v Clyde – Ladbrokes Scottish League Two
The highly anticipated league campaign returns to Berwick on Saturday with the visit of Clyde FC to Shielfield Park for a League Two fixture, kicking off at 3pm.
Last season both teams ended the season in the lower reaches of the league, being 8th and 9th respectively and will be hoping for better this team.
Fans arriving at Shielfield Park could well be expecting goals as the four league clashes last season all involved goals for both sides; 1-1, 3-2 Clyde, 4-3 Berwick and 1-1 towards the end of the season.
Midfielder Steven Thomson will play no part in today’s game
Berwick Rangers Team News:
Berwick have some concerns at the start of the season with Steve Notman suspended, Steve Thomson injured and joined on the sidelines by Pat Scullion who injured his knee against Queens Park.
Bob Wilson and Kevin McKinlay will also remain out for a short while whilst they continue their recovery and aim to get to 100% fitness having missed pre-season.
Boss John Coughlin expects McKinlay to return sooner rather than later and he is expected to play a part in the under 20’s game on Saturday in order to build up fitness levels.
Clyde FC Team News:
A new look Clyde side will travel to Shielfield Park under the stewardship of Jim Chapman, who left Annan Athletic in the summer to take on the role of boss at Broadwood.
Chapman lost talented former Berwick man Dylan Easton, but did keep around the prolific David Goodwillie. Elsewhere, the Bully Wee gaffer turned to his former club to sign a plethora of former Galabankies, including the likes of Smarticus Osadolar.
However, Clyde will be without Darren Ramsay for the season’s opener, the midfielder suspended for today’s tie. He will be joined on the sidelines by Scott Ferguson, as well as David Gormley who boasts an impressive scoring record against the ‘Gers, who requires knee surgery. Jordan Lowdon will also need a late fitness test.
The Bully Wee have had a varied start to the season in the Bedfred Cup with two home wins and two away defeats from the Group stage.
They will be looking to get off to a winning start in the League and new club captain, Kevin Nicoll has already been speaking about how the club are looking to be near the top of the table come the season’s end.
Ladbrokes Match Odds:
Berwick 9/5
Draw 23/10
Clyde 13/10
Match Admission:
The gate will be £12 for adults, £7 for concessions and kids go free for any league game for the forthcoming season.
Match Officials:
The match will be officiated by David Munro with Alasdair Ross and Garry Farmer running the lines.
Fans of both the home and away teams are invited to enjoy the hospitality of BRFC TV sponsors, The Red Lion, location a 3 minute walk from Berwick-Upon-Tweed railway station prior to and following the match, where they will be treated to complimentary food when purchasing a drink.
We look forward to seeing you all at the game and let’s hope it’s the start of an enjoyable League season.
