Preview: Berwick Rangers v Montrose – SPFL Ladbrokes League Two
Manager John Coughlin has acknowledged the sheer importance of tomorrow’s home clash with Montrose – with a win vital to claw back some points on the Gable Endies.
Berwick currently sit six points behind tomorrow’s visitors with a game in hand, and a defeat at Shielfield Park will make it look even more like a straight shootout between the ‘Gers and East Stirlingshire to escape bottom spot.
“That’s certainly something I’ll be reiterating to the players tomorrow,” Coughlin told the official site. “It’ll be pretty crucial to the message I’ll be telling them before the game, but if they don’t know that by now, they never will.
“We’re in a dogfight down there so the three points are absolutely massive, and for both teams to be fair, but with us being at home, I hope we’ll be able to come out on top.”
Berwick Rangers Team News:
Coughlin has no new injury concerns or player suspensions from the midweek game against Queen’s Park, but hasn’t ruled out a couple of tweaks to the starting XI as the ‘Gers bring to an end a run of five games in 14 days.
“We’ve got a big enough squad to deal with the run of games and there’s been no need to make wholesale changes, but there may be one or two again tomorrow to freshen up a couple of areas,” said Coughlin.
“One or two guys have been waiting in the wings for an opportunity so hopefully the conditions are right to bring them in and we can put on a show in front of the fans.”
Montrose Team News:
Neil Martynuik spent time on loan with the ‘Gers late last season.
The away side will be on somewhat of a high despite a fairly disappointing league campaign so far, having agreed a deal to purchase their home stadium Links Park.
And manager Paul Hegarty has already been working to secure Montrose’s longer-term future by rewarding defender Andrew Steeves with an 18 month contract.
There will also be a familiar face in the form of Neil Martyniuk, the defender joining the Gable Endies on loan from St Johnstone until the end of the season.
Martyniuk was joined by journeyman striker Chris Templeman, midfielder Jamie Clarke and English stopper Alex Tokarczyk in the January window as Montrose look to avoid becoming embroiled in another relegation battle.
Match Admission:
Admission is as usual for SPFL League Two games, though fans can look forward to a return to £10 football next Tuesday 8th March, when the club will offer reduced admission.
Adults – £12
Concessions – £6
Match Odds:
SPFL sponsors Ladbrokes fancy the ‘Gers to close the gap on Paul Hegarty’s men, pricing the ‘Gers at above-evens favourites.
Berwick Rangers – 23/20
Draw – 14/5
Montrose – 9/5
Match Officials:
Grant Irvine will take charge of the clash and will be assisted by both Joseph Lawson & George King.
Enjoy the match!
