Today we play a Stranraer team currently sitting 4th – basically not losing by a ton of goals today guarantees them the last play-off spot, most probably v Stenhousemuir, before the winner plays (most probably) Cowdenbeath, and the winner of that plays either Buckie Thiostle or Edinburgh City for a place in League 1 for the 2021/22 season.
Before then our U18’s beat Eyemouth Res 7-0, braces from 17yo STC James Doolan & 18yo STC Paul McCarthy, singles from 18yo DR Gregor Malcolm, 17yo STC Alex Gourlay and (again MotM, we have quite a player here) 16yo MC Spencer Bennett.
Harry, Aaron & Seany-Boy in the League 2 Team of the Week after the 3-0 v Elgin City.
Our Ressies then beat Abbey Vale Res 5-0, goals from Tom Sutherland, an O.G. and a hat-trick from Paul McCarthy, making it 5 goals in 3 days for him.
Stranraer arrive in Northumberland in OK form, W1 D2 L2 in the last 5, whereas we’re on a 5 game winning run. They just need to not lose by an absolute ton of goals to be almost assured of 4th place and the last play-off spot.
4-3-3, Barr in Centre Mid as the DLP(D) with the youngsters Cornelius and Gardiner bombing on as CM(A). Faulds back in at DL. Seany-Boy only needs 2 more goals for 30 in the league this season – I really hope we can get him in again for next season. Stranraer start with a 5-1-2-2 DM WB – really trying not to get beaten by too many goals…
HT Berwick 4 (Balde 5, McLaughlin 12, 29, Nicolson 20) Stranraer 0
More beautiful April sunshine today, and nearly a Balde goal in the first 20 seconds, the Stranraer Keeper pulling off a beautiful save. he did score in the 5th, a headed clearance from a McLaughlin cross straight into Balde’s arc, volleying home superbly. Stranraer pushed on but it was 2-0 in the 12th – Gardiner playing in McLaughlin who fired home at the near post. A stunning start. 3-0 in the 20th, Nicolson at the back post slamming home a Dunsmore cross after a corner. Clinical. 4-0 in the 29th, McLaughlin again after a Gardiner no-look pass. Madness. They are now going more attacking 🙂 4-0 at half time, a beautiful performance so far, especially seeing as both teams have only had 2 half-chances...
FT Berwick 4 (Balde 5, McLaughlin 12, 29, Nicolson 20) Stranraer 0 Att 539 (31 Away)
More of the same please!! Much quieter at the start of the second half though. McGrath for Slaven & Turner for Barr on 60. 4-0 it finished, quite a difference to the first half but that’s 6 wins on the trot and 430 minutes without conceding.
Cowdenbeath have secured 2nd with their 2-1 win v Stenny. It’s only an 11 goal swing now between Stranrare & East Fife in 4th & 5th – it can’t happen, can it? Peterhead will finish bottom after their loss to East Fife, and will be in the relegation playoff v the winners of Lossiemouth/Keith/Fraserburgh v Queen’s Park/Gretna 2008/BSC Glasgow – It will go to the final day for this to be decided.
Next up is the last game of an amazing campaign, at home to Cowdenbeath, who will be looking to go into their playoff versus the winner of Stenhousemuir & Stranraer/East Fife with a win. See you then.