Match Preview: Berwick Rangers v Stirling Albion – SPFL Ladbrokes League Two
Robert Wilson impressed at the back in midweek.
Berwick head into this afternoon’s Scottish League Two clash against Stirling Albion hoping to go unbeaten at home for a sixth successive match.
Speaking after Tuesday night’s fantastic 3-0 home win over Arbroath, manager John Coughlin said he was just as delighted with the clean sheet as he was with the three points, and today the defence has the chance to go and make it four clean sheets in a row for the first time in three years, dating back to March 2013 under Ian Little when a late season run of form saw the ‘Gers make the play-offs.
Since the last game between the two sides at Forthbank last month, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Stirling, the visitors have endured a poor run of form, winning once, drawing once, and losing three, with a win today seeing the ‘Gers move just three points behind them.
Berwick Rangers Team News:
Coughlin is likely to be facing some almighty selection dilemmas ahead of today’s match following the impressive performance against Arbroath on Tuesday – although the manager wil admit himself that it’s a good problem to have.
The manager spoke about his four central defenders in glowing terms in midweek after Robert Wilson once again impressed while deputising for Brian Martin, who himself has been a vital signing and helped to steady what was previously a leaky defence.
In midfield, however, it may be a little more straightforward. On-loan Sandy Cunningham, who played very well in midfield on Tuesday, won’t feature under the terms of his loan deal from Stirling, leaving Steven Notman open to fill the void after being rested.
Stirling Albion Team News:
The away side will be looking to bounce back after suffering 93rd minute heartache in Elgin last week, Brian Cameron’s last-gasp penalty leaving Albion with nothing to show for their efforts.
Full back Kevin McKinlay and central midfielder Craig Comrie should bolster the Binos’ squad as they return from injury tomorrow.
Midfielder Sean Dickson and full back Aurelien Mazel should also be available after both stepping up their comebacks.
However, former Stenhousemuir centre backs Scot Buist and Ross Smith are likely to miss out, whilst on-loan St Mirren winger Lewis McLear is also unlikely to feature.
Match Odds:
SPFL sponsors Ladbrokes fancy the ‘Gers to continue their impressive form of late, pricing Berwick as slight favourites for the match.
Berwick Rangers – 6/4
Draw – 23/10
Stirling Albion – 17/10
Match Admission:
Admission returns to normal following Tuesday evening’s price-drop.
Mayor Hazel Bettison is a guest of the club on Saturday and has chosen the local branch of the RNLI to carry out a collection on Saturday. Volunteers will be by the turnstiles on entry and any donations are greatly appreciated.
Adults – £12
Concessions – £6
Match Officials:
David Lowe will take charge of the clash and will be assisted by both Alasdair Ross & David McKniff.
