Match Preview : Berwick Rangers v Cowdenbeath F.C – Ladbrokes League Two
Saturday marks the start of a new era for Berwick Rangers football club as new manager Johnny Harvey takes charge at Shielfield for the first time in the league.
Harvey will be looking to build on the morale boosting cup victory from last weekend, which saw the ‘Gers beat Gretna 2008 with goals from Cedwyn Scott and Paul Willis.
The visitors for this encounter will be Gary Bollan and his Cowdenbeath side who will be looking for a repeat of the heavy victory over Berwick earlier this season.
The matches between the two sides produced some of the highlights of the 2017/18 campaign and supporters on Saturday will be hoping for more of the same.
Harvey has stated that he is happy with the response he has had from the players in the week as he works hard to get his ideas across.
History
Berwick have hosted the Blue Brazil 62 times in Scottish League football, with 27 victories to 21 defeats. However the ‘Gers have a negative 1 goal difference across those encounters.
Out of 72 games between the two at Shielfield Berwick lead with 29 wins to 26.
Berwick News
New gaffer Harvey has injury concerns ahead of the game, with Todd, Cook, Mcllduff, Murrell and Ouzy See all unavailable. Daryl Healy is rated as 50/50. Keeper Kevin Drabowski should be back in the squad having been absent from the cup progression last weekend.
Cowdenbeath News
The visitors are much improved from last season and currently sit in 7th place in the table, fresh from an impressive cup victory over Clyde. The club added considerable experience in the summer, former Berwick captain Pat Scullion among those joining the ranks. Last seasons leading scorer was Robbie Buchanan.
Match Sponsors
Tim Brown (Sutton Coldfield) and Alex Manners (Solihull) are the match sponsor for this one. Gordon Smith (ex Berwick player) and friends, inc. Davie Moyes are the ball sponsor. Alex Manners will also be the mascot for Saturday.
Odds
Berwick 11/8
Draw 21/10
Cowdenbeath 7/4
Admission
Adults will be priced at the usual £12 for league games. Concessions will gain entry for £8. We would also like to remind supporters that we will be joined by the Army Cadets of Berwick Detachment, Northumbria Army Cadet force who are launching this year’s Poppy Appeal at Shielfield Park.
Officials
Alan Newlands will be the ref for this one. Ross Haswell and Kevin Lindsay will be running the lines.
We look forward to the first league game of the Harvey reign and hope that brings many fans through the gates on Saturday. We would remind supporters that they are all welcome in Bar 1881 at the ground prior to the game and afterwards.
Supporters will also be welcome in the Red Lion pub, located on Berwick High Street, before or after the game. The pub are the sponsors for Berwick Rangers TV and will provide complimentary good to supporters when purchasing a drink.
Let’s cheer the lads to 3 precious points as we look to climb the table. Enjoy the game!
