October 24 – Preview
Following on from an impressive unbeaten September, Berwick will look to use home comforts to build on that in an exciting October.
Thomas Scobbie’s side are scheduled to play six games, of which four are to be hosted at Shielfield Park.
Within those six games comes tough Lowland League games as well as more exhilarating cup action.
All games kick off at 3pm unless otherwise stated
Tuesday October 1 – Bo’ness United (H, 7:45pm)
October kicks off with a difficult midweek Lowland League tie as Bo’ness United visit Shielfield Park.
Stuart Hunter’s side have had a similarly mixed start to the Lowland League season as Berwick, sitting level on points with the ‘Gers but one place higher in the table thanks to goal difference.
Bo’ness will be confident travelling to Shielfield, a ground Bo’ness have never lost at in their previous three visits, most recently coming from behind to win 2-1 in July 2023. In fact, Bp’ness’ only defeat against Berwick in seven previous meetings was back in February 2022 – a 4-1 victory for Berwick that saw Lewis Allan (2), Graham Taylor and Lewis Baker get on the scoresheet.
Despite their mixed start to the season, Bo’ness have the fourth best defensive record in the Lowland League. Only East Kilbride (11), Celtic B (6) and Caledonian Braves (4) have conceded fewer goals so far this season.
Tickets will be priced at £10 for adults, £5 for concessions with under 16s going free.
Saturday October 5 – East Kilbride (H)
October does not get any easier as Berwick welcome the Lowland League champions to Shielfield.
Mick Kennedy’s team were the largely dominant force in the Lowland League last season, losing just five times and winning the title by a comfortable 12 points. They were also one of just three teams to complete a league double over Berwick, finishing 39 points ahead of the ‘Gers in the process.
However, their title defence has not started as strongly as last season, suffering two defeats already and are five points adrift in fourth place. Despite this, they are currently the top scoring side in the Lowland League away from home (18) and have a remarkably strong record against Berwick, winning 8 of the 10 meetings between the sides.
Tickets will be priced at £10 for adults, £5 for concessions with under 16s going free.
Saturday October 12 – Threave Rovers (H)
South Challenge Cup action returns to Shielfield in mid-October as Berwick welcome West of Scotland Third Division side Threave Rovers.
It will be a first time meeting of these two teams with Rovers making the trip from Castle Douglas, hoping to complete a huge upset and match their run in this competition in 2023/24 where they made it to the quarter finals.
Berwick saw off Heriot-Watt University 2-1 to make it to this Third Round clash while Threave saw off Benburb 4-2. This will be the first time that Berwick will face a West of Scotland Football League side in a competitive setting.
Tickets will be priced at £10 for adults, £5 for concessions with under 16s going free.
Tuesday October 16 – Hearts B (H, 7:45pm)
It will be more midweek Lowland League action under the lights of Shielfield Park as Berwick look to get revenge on Hearts B.
The two sides met back in August where the ruthless young Jambos ran out 6-1 winners in a display of unerring finishing and deep Berwick frustration. Liam Fox’s side have never lost to Berwick at Shielfield Park but both previous games have been draws while the young Jambos have hit 6 in the three meetings at their homes.
Interestingly, at the time of writing, the 6-1 victory back in August was Heart’s last victory in the Lowland League. Since then, they have drawn 3 and lost 3 including a 6-1 thrashing at Gretna and a 2-0 home defeat to a then-winless Broomhill. Those results mean that Berwick sit just one point and three places behind Hearts heading into October.
Tickets will be priced at £10 for adults, £5 for concessions with under 16s going free.
Saturday October 19 – Gretna (A)
Berwick’s first away day of October sees Thomas Scobbie’s team travel to the most southerly away day all season – Raydale Park in Gretna.
Gretna’s incredible last day escape from relegation and subsequent turnaround under new boss Vinnie Parker sees them entering October having matched their win total from 23/24 (3); being just a single point (11) behind 23/24’s total (12); ending a winless away run that stretched almost two years and scoring almost half as many goals (11) as they managed in the whole of 23/24 (26) with less than a third of the season gone.
Berwick’s record at Raydale Park is fairly good with the ‘Gers winning each of their last three trips. In fact, Berwick’s only defeat to Gretna in 11 previous meetings came at Raydale Park in November 2020.
Tickets will be priced at £8 for adults and £6 for concessions with under 16s going free.
Saturday October 26 – Forfar Athletic (A)
October ends with Scottish Cup action as Berwick face a familiar foe in League 2 Forfar Athletic.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides since March 2017 – a 3-2 win for Berwick at Station Park with Pat Scullion, Aaron Murrell and Greg Rutherford on the scoresheet.
The tie may also see Berwick face former loanees Bayley Klimionek and Jackson Mylchreest who are now on loan at Forfar after impressive spells at Shielfield in 2023/24.
Tickets will be priced at £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for under 17s.
