Preview: Berwick Rangers vs East Kilbride – Lowland League
The Dream Team return to Shielfield Park this weekend as they host Lowland League table-toppers East Kilbride.
Berwick capped off consecutive away games last Saturday with a good 1-0 victory at Caledonian Braves to make it six points from a possible nine this season.
Berwick were beaten both times by the visitors in 2019/20 – losing a hard fought game 3-2 at K-Park in September before a 2-0 loss in the reverse fixture in January.
Berwick Team News
Berwick boss Ian Little has no new injury concerns after last weekend’s win at Caledonian Braves.
Injured duo Lewis Barr and Kevin Waugh are progressing well and moving towards taking part in light training as they step up their recoveries from ankle and hamstring problems respectively. Both are expected to be involved on Saturday though… in the commentary box.
East Kilbride Team News
East Kilbride are the early pacesetters in the Lowland League, one of five sides with 100% records so far. They are top by virtue of goals scored, owing in large part to their 6-1 victory over Gretna 2008.
The Kilby boast former Berwick players Daryl Healy and Ricky Miller, as well as one-time ‘Gers midfielder Kyle Wilkie, while they also have in their ranks former Scottish Premiership players in Kyle Hutton, Paul Paton and Steven Old. Their top scorer is Craig Malcolm with three goals, joint best in the division.
Admission
Once again, this game is available for fans to stream online. The cost of the stream is reduced to £6 and includes a free matchday programme, available at this link.
Fans are advised to purchase the stream as early as possible so that the club can offer any support if required, something that can’t be guaranteed closer to kick-off.
Sponsors
Ball Sponsor
The club is indebted to long-distance supporter Paul Gerry, with this match his second of five Ball sponsorship packages he’s taken out for the season, while he’s also got three Man of the Match sponsorship packages to come too!
Paul, who is also the player kit sponsor of ‘Gers centre half Craig Reid, has been a follower of the Dream Team for some time and began taking a more active interest and involvement in the club in the summer when the club’s social media content caught his eye.
Having become somewhat disillusioned with events at a club a little closer to home, Paul hopes to invest more time in supporting the ‘Gers throughout the 20/21 campaign – and hopes to make his first visit to Shielfield Park.
Paul said: “I always look out for the club’s results and when I heard about the international football commentator Derek Rae becoming an ambassador for the club, it just felt right to do my bit and help the wee English club in Scotland.
“I’m looking forward to keeping an eye on the club’s progress from Africa where I’ve been based the past few months, and look forward to seeing the ‘Gers in action myself soon!”
The club thanks Paul for the incredible support he’s shown the club and look forward to giving him a warm welcome to Shielfield Park at some point later in the season.
Man of the Match Sponsor
We’re delighted to say that the Man of the Match sponsor for this game is the St Andrews Berwick Rangers Supporters, a group of ‘Gers fans with a connection to St Andrews University.
Founded by ‘Gers fan and Berwick Rangers Supporters Trust committee member David Letham, the group is a combination of students, staff and family, with most based in Fife but some members from as far and wide as Belfast and Newcastle.
The group works tirelessly to promote and support Berwick Rangers Football Club, as well as making direct donations to the club, purchasing shirt sponsorship raffle tickets, creating an annual award for players, having an advertising board in Shielfield and plenty more.
This season, the group is also the player sponsor of ‘Gers goalkeeper Dougie Horne. The club would like to thank David and the rest of the group for their fantastic support.
You can read the group’s blog HERE.
