When will turning point come?
BERWICK picked up three welcome, not to say much-needed points when they won at Queen's Park on Saturday.
But just 72 hours later a 4-1 hammering at Albion Rovers signified more short-comings within the Rangers ranks.
There is no doubting that Berwick's poor run, which co-incided with the bad weather and the deterioration of pitches across the country, could be levelled at their inability to adapt to the worsening conditions.
Saturday's win at Hampden only added fuel to that fire as the victory came on a decent surface where they were able to knock the ball about.
Fast forward to Tuesday and after a hammering at the hands of a side now challenging Rangers for a play-off place, there are more than a few anxious over-the-shoulder glances to see how the teams are closing the gap behind them.
We can only hope that the pitches dry out soon, because Rangers have a difficult run-in to the season and a top four place is not guaranteed.
Published Date:
10/03/2010
Modified Date:
10/03/2010
On the slide . . .
BERWICK'S 4-0 home defeat at the hands of Forfar on Saturday was described by manager Jimmy Crease as 'the worst since I took over as manager.'
And there will be few people arguing with that fact, as the performance fell well below the level fans have come to 3expect this season.
As Crease says, their title hopes have now gone, but if the team doesn't start to show signs of improvement shortly (they have only won one of their last eight games) then even a play-off place might slip from their grasp.
There's no denying that the enforced break due to the bad weather has had an effect on the side - injuries and suspensions have also taken their toll - but heavier pitches just don't suit their top of the ground style of play and the results show that.
The players should be good enough to adapt, however. There is still quite a way to go in the season, therefore there is plenty of time for the team to pick it up again, but clearly an improvement sooner rather than later would appease the supporters, not to mention the manager, who has threatened that 'heads might roll.'
Published Date:
17/02/2010
Modified Date:
17/02/2010
Time to kick on
FOLLOWING on from last Saturday's 5-1 away win over Elgin - Berwick's biggest victory for quite some time - surely now is the time for the team to kick on for the rest of the season.
This weekend they face Montrose at home in their first match at Shielfield since December 12 - a much-needed boost to the coffers I am sure - and another three points to strengthen their hand in their title and play-off bids would be a welcome addition.
For after that Rangers embark on what is likely to be a very difficult and testing period. Fellow contenders East Stirling and Forfar are next up, and of course they still have four postponed matches t0 re-arrange, which is almost certain to mean a flurry of Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday fixtures.
Recent suspensions and injuries have shown how vulnerable the small squad can be, and with Chris McMenamin having been put out on loan to Linlithgow Rose, manager Jimmy Crease will probably be keen to try and add to his numbers before the transfer window closes.
Published Date:
29/01/2010
Modified Date:
29/01/2010
It's snow longer a joke . . .
THOSE are the feelings of Berwick manager Jimmy Crease . . . and I am sure they are being echoed by players and supporters alike as well.
It's now over a month since Rangers played their last game (home to East Stirling on December 12) - heavy snow forcing the postponement of four games (five if you include a re-staging).
This Saturday could see the club return to action with a planned trip to Hampden - undersoil heating at the national stadium should ensure the surface is playable.
But providing the game goes ahead Berwick will be struggling to field a full-strength side due to injuries and suspensions.
Stuart Callaghan and Elliot Smith both have two match bans which have been due to kick in since before Christmas, and in addition to that strike duo Alan Brazil and Damon Gray are both unlikely to start.
Gray has only returned to training this week and the game will come too soon for him. Meanwhile, Brazil, who limped off with a leg injury during the East Stirling match, has so far failed to respond to treatment and has not returned to training yet. He is a definite non-starter.
That will mean chances to the likes of Oliver Russell, Paul McMullen and Steven Radzynski will all get their chance to shine.
Let's hope so, for it seems a long time ago since any points were added to their tally to keep their play-off hopes alive.
Published Date:
13/01/2010
Modified Date:
13/01/2010
Vital period
BERWICK are entering what is generally considered to be a crucial period.
Christmas and New Year is always a key time in any league and this festive spell is likely to be no different.
A home defeat at the hands of East Stirling last week - their first loss in six outings - was a blow.
It's to be hoped that they can bounce straight back against Forfar on Saturday, but with a threadbare squad it won't be easy.
Skipper Stuart Callaghan and fullback Elliott Smith are both starting two-match suspensions, and strike pair Alan Brazil and Damon Gray are both major injury doubts.
That's probably not the ideal scenario with forthcoming fixtures against Annan and Livingston looming on the horizon.
But now is the time for the likes of Paul McMullen and Oliver Russell to step up to the plate. They are players who have been sitting patiently on the sidelines waiting for their chance.
Well, now they are likely to get that opportunity . . . let's home they can step in and fill the breach.
Published Date:
18/12/2009
Modified Date:
18/12/2009
Proverbial banana skin?
IT'S Cup weekend and Berwick face the unenviable task of taking on non-league opposition.
It's off to Edinburgh they go to face East of Scotland League side Civil Service Strollers at Muirhouse.
A proverbial banana skin? . . . let's hope not.
So far this year Rangers haven't won a cup tie, knocked out of the Alba Challenge and CIS League Cups at the first round stage. So what chance a hat-trick?
I'm sure manager Jimmy Crease will be going all out to try and prevent that happening.
For whilst the league, as always, remains the club's priority, a good cup run is always essential if they want to try and swell the coffers with some much-needed income.
This is as good a chance as they have had of making progress, so let's hope they take it.
Published Date:
23/10/2009
Modified Date:
23/10/2009
Out of luck
AFTER making their best start to a season in 40 years, Berwick appear to have run out of luck.
Five straight home wins took the team to the top of the table and everything seemed rosy.
But a 95th minute equaliser conceded at Elgin cost them a certain two points, their unbeaten home run was ended by a penalty in a 1-0 defeat by Forfar, and then on Saturday they went down 1-0 away to East Stirling when there was even more controversy.
Shire scored their winning goal when the defence stood still, believing that they should have had a throw-in which was awarded the other way by the referee, over-ruling his linesman in the process.
Manager Jimmy Crease admitted to 'having a go' at the referee afterwards and he was later called to the official's room.
An angry Crease now intends to take the matter up with referee's official Hugh Dallas.
These recent events have cost Rangers at least four points, points they could well have done with as they have sen themselves overtaken by the likes of Albion Rovers and East Stirling in the process.
With Livingston (away) and leaders Albion (home) to come in the next two league fixtures, (split by a trip to Edinburgh to face Civil Service Strollers in the cup), everyone connected with the black and gold will be hoping for a change of fortunes soon.
Published Date:
14/10/2009
Modified Date:
14/10/2009
Birthday celebration
FRASER McLaren celebrated his 21st birthday on Saturday by scoring the first goal of the game in the 2-0 home win over Montrose which strengthened Berwick's hand at the top of the table.
But the player subsequently missed out on a night on the town with his team-mates when he left early to return to Edinburgh for a family party.
The rest of the team hit the bars in Berwick, which according to manager Jimmy Crease was 'important' as he said they needed to mix with the locals and get a flavour for the area.
Let's just hope everyone enjoyed themselves . . .
Published Date:
29/09/2009
Modified Date:
29/09/2009