Newton Grange Friendly Match Report
Chaos reigned at New Victoria Park as Berwick came up on the short end of an eleven goal thriller against Newtongrange Star.
It all looked rosy for Berwick after 20 minutes as Jamie Watson’s brace and Aaron Laidlaw’s composed finish put Berwick three to the good.
Familiar defensive woes reared their ugly head as three long balls led to a brace for the impressive Michael Jones and a strike from Mitchell Bentley while Jack Neilson headed in from a corner to give Star a 4-3 half time lead.
The second half saw Berwick spurn opportunities before Neilson turned home his second from another straight long ball before Jonny Devers gave Berwick hope with another calm finish.
Berwick continued to huff and puff but Aidan Barrowman’s effort five minutes from the end all but killed off the game with Liam Buchanan’s last minute effort a footnote on a crazy evening of football.
Defensive woes continue to haunt Berwick
“We’re going to have outscore teams 4-3.”
Kevin Haynes’ assessment on his side’s defending after Saturday’s defeat was fairly scathing, labelling it “sloppy”, and he will be even more disappointed to see his side manage to lose despite scoring five.
Despite the change in shape and personnel, the same familiar failings haunted Berwick at New Victoria Park – runners allowed to run beyond markers; space being afforded opposition players in dangerous areas; poor individual errors and, most strikingly of all, set pieces.
While it is true that Berwick have struggled to field a consistent backline thanks to injuries and suspension, it is now no clean sheet in any game since November 16th – a worrying statistic.
Attacking potential
It all looked so good when Arran Laidlaw made it 3-0 and Berwick could have been even further ahead in the first quarter of the game. The interplay between Devers, Watson and Laidlaw produced some dangerous moments and the midfield duo of Matty Collins and Kyle Somers were winning the ball back in dangerous areas.
However, as has been the case throughout February, Berwick haven’t had that clinical edge. There is undoubtedly talent in forward areas but decision making has been a huge let down in the final third.
Rayan Mohammed has endeared himself to the Berwick faithful with his bustling style but he’s only managed a solitary goal; Jamie Watson matched his goal tally for Berwick at New Victoria Park and Arran Laidlaw hasn’t scored since the Scottish Cup victory over Cupar Hearts in November.
Up next
It’s back to Lowland League action as Cowdenbeath visit Shielfield Park in a rearranged fixture from November. Kick off is 3pm.
