Berwick Rangers 1 v 1 Albion Rovers

Attendance : 457

Scorers ~ Berwick Rangers : Horn (6). Albion Rovers : Chaplain (89).

The big kick-off was nigh and Albion Rovers headed south to take on the fancied Rangers side who had no less than 8 new faces in their line-up. Rovers however had 7 new boys of their own in their squad.

It was Bryan Felvus in his competitive debut that first came close to opening the scoring when his header in 3 minutes from close-range went over the homesters crossbar.

3 minutes later Steven Noble who’d been released by Rovers in May swung in a free-kick his former employers penalty box which was put into the back of the net by Robbie Horn apparently having come off his chest.

Rovers were quick to attempt a reply when Felvus again was the man in the thick of it, his low and wide shot crossed the goal. Stuart Fraser then came close for Berwick when he headed wide despite standing unchallenged at the time within Rovers area.

A brace of shots from the Coatbridge men then ensued with Lee Sichi’s effort rebounding from ‘keeper O’Connor to Felvus whose shot was cleared.
In 10 minutes Jamie Ewings was called on to make a quality stop from a McCallum effort. Seconds later Manson too tested the stopper only to see his attempt tipped over the bar.

Some good build up play by Rovers gave Bonnar the chance but the defence turned the ball out for an unproductive corner. Weak defending by the visitors allowed McCallum to put in a low shot which Ewings struggled to prevent crossing the line.

Numerous Berwick fouls took their toll in 35 minutes when Manson was shown a yellow card. Chaplain shooting too high and Jamie Ewings punching a Berwick shot clear followed.

Rovers fans held their breath momentarily when a hard and low Ian Thomson kick whizzed just wide of target.

Sichi and a defender tangling in an attempt to get a loose ball at the edge of the English penalty area ended the first half.

Half-Time

With only seconds of the second period having elapsed a Berwick corner was headed off-target by Paliczka. Next Rovers gained a corner in 51 minutes and Scott Chaplain took it and Ciaran Donnelly did his best to cause alarm in the amassed defence but it was to no avail.
Felvus shot wide before play switched ends almost instantly but the move was foiled when Noble had his shot blocked. 
New signing, hitman Patrick Walker who’d turned out and scored a few goals in Berwick’s pre-season build-up replaced Tommy Lennox in Rovers ranks.

Thomson gave a ball far too much altitude before Rovers fans were lifted by Felvus blasting the ball off the Berwick crossbar from 25 yards out. A Walker corner was then headed past by Donnelly.

At the other end Berwick showed they were still dangerous when a Manson cross resulted in a Thomson bullet header being stopped.
Paliczka of Berwick and Messrs. Walker and Bonnar of Rovers all had shots saved by the respective ‘keepers within a couple of minutes before Iain Chisholm headed clear another dangerous ball.

Paliczka then found himself unchallenged near the post but only gained a corner from it. The corner was taken into a crowded box and Ewings was on hand to save the day once more.

With just 5 seconds of the 90 minutes remaining Bonnar helped the ball reach Chaplain who rammed it home from close range.
Watson and Bonnar of Rovers also received yellow cards during the game.

Summary

Berwick Rangers dominated parts of the match and will feel aggrieved at Rovers “snatching” a draw at the last minute. Travelling fans were delighted by the never say die spirit which resulted in that goal.

Berwick Rangers : O'Connor, Notman, Campbell (Greenhill 49), Wood, Horn, Thomson, Manson, Fraser, McCallum, Paliczka, Noble. Subs Not Used : Brittain, Lucas, McLean, Flockhart.

 
Albion Rovers : Ewings, Nicoll (Chisholm 60), Lennox (Walker 65), Lennon, Watson, Donnelly, Friel, Chaplain, Felvus, Bonnar, Sichi (McBride 85). Subs Not Used : Clearie, Thompson.

Referee : C. Charleston

Man of the Match - Jamie Ewings

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