Preview: Annan Athletic v Berwick Rangers
The battle for the play-offs intensifies this weekend as Berwick travel to Galabank to face Annan Athletic, with both sides aware that a win would give them a three-point cushion in that all-important fourth spot. Currently the teams are locked on 27 points – although the ‘Gers have a game in hand – and Saturday’s contest will be a good barometer as to whether the Borderers can prolong their upturn in form with the team unbeaten in their last four Scottish League Two matches.
Previous fixtures:
Galabank – not a happy hunting ground for the ‘Gers. Picture: Annan Athletic FC.
A positive result on Saturday would be somewhat of an achievement, given the fact that Berwick haven’t beaten Annan at Galabank in seven visits, last tasting success back on April 16, 2011 when a brace from Damon Gray and one from Paul Currie helped record a 3-2 victory. Since Annan’s admittance into the Scottish Football League in the 2008/09 season, Berwick have only won there three times in 13 attempts although there have been six draws.
In the last 10 meetings between the sides, home and away, it doesn’t make good reading for Berwick fans with a record of three wins, one draw and six defeats.
Berwick team news:
Despite being unbeaten in four, the ‘Gers will be looking to bounce back from what manager Colin Cameron called an “unacceptable” second half performance against Montrose last week, where the team squandered a 2-1 half-time lead as veteran defender Marvin Andrews netted an injury time equaliser to make it 3-3. Kerr Young was sent off in the dying seconds of last week’s match and is suspended, with captain Stephen Tulloch itching to make his first start in more than two months after a fractured cheekbone sustained at East Stirlingshire back in early December. Other than that, just like last week boss Cameron is likely to have a full squad at his disposal.
Annan team news:
Annan have been busy in the transfer window, boasting three new signings while four players have departed the club. Striker Chris Dickinson, 20, has signed on the dotted line until the end of the season and goalkeeper Jordan Hart, 19, has joined on loan from Celtic. Most recently, the club signed Calum Cook from Dumbarton and he, along with his fellow signings, were unused substitutes in last week’s 3-1 win over East Stirlingshire.
Officials:
Referee for this match will be Colin Steven and he will be assisted by Alan Mulvanny and Craig Walker.
Admission:
Adults: £10.e
Adult & Child (U12): £10.
Concessions/U16s: £5.
Live updates:
We hope to be able to provide live updates as usual. Our Facebook page will include only goal updates. For a full set of match updates, follow @OfficialBRFC or download the ‘Berwick Rangers’ app available on the App Store & Google Play.
