Match Report: Whitehill Welfare 1-3 Berwick Rangers – Pre Season Friendly
Berwick Rangers travelled to Rosewell on Tuesday evening to take on Whitehill Welfare in their second pre-season game. The ‘Gers entered the match hoping to gain a positive result as well as a useful workout after a 2-1 defeat to Heriot Watt Uni in their first action of the new season at the weekend.
Ian Little rung the changes from Saturday, with young stopper Andy McNeil starting in goal and a back four of Kieran Somerville, Craig Reid, Jack Cook and Jo Purves. Ahead of them in a midfield diamond was Jordan Sinclair, Euan Smith, Liall Smith and a Trialist, while debutant Lewis Allan partnered the prolific Calum Smith in attack.
After a positive start to the game, it took only 9 mins for Lewis Allan to score his first goal in the black and gold. A fine through pass from Jordan Sinclair sent Lewis clear, and the frontman showed impressive composure to lob the goalkeeper from 20 yards.
Shortly after Calum Smith collected the ball in the right channel and played a lovey one-two with Allan, before squaring to give the former Hibs man a tap in for his second.
Berwick should have been given the opportunity to make it three from the spot after Liall Smith was hauled down. The referee wasn’t interested in the appeals, waving play on. In one of the few negatives on the night, Liall had to be replaced by Jack Wright as a result of the challenge shortly after.
The first Whitehill attack of the game brought an outstanding save from McNeil, who tipped a glancing header that loooked bound for the top corner over the bar.
Allan could and might well should have completed a first half hat-trick shortly before the break, as he again linked up incredibly well with his new strike partner Calum Smith, this time the Whitehill goalkeeper making a good stop.
Half-Time: Whitehill Welfare 0-2 Berwick Rangers
It didn’t take long after the break for Berwick to extend their lead. After a good link-up between the ‘Gers sole Trialist and Lewis Allan, the ball fell for Calum Smith to tuck away his second goal in two games.
There was a ten minute spell after the third when Berwick were devastating with their forward play. Two great opportunities fell to Jack Wright but he couldn’t tuck away from an advancing goalkeeper.
After things settled, a slack back pass midway through the second half allowed former ‘Ger Stephen Thomson to race clear before being flattened by Ali Forster. This time the referee pointed to the spot and Thomson picked himself up to slot the spot kick in the bottom left hand corner.
Gaffer Ian Little made several substitutions late in the game as he cast his eye over others in his squad, with The Dream Team seeing out the duration of the match fairly comfortably.
The club would like to thank Whitehill for their hospitality and wish them the best of luck for the season ahead.
