Berwick Rangers 1-0 Stranraer
Wednesday 23rd September 2009
A David Greenhill goal took Berwick Rangers to the top of the Third Division last night after another dominant home performance against a one-dimensional Stranraer outfit. The win maintained Rangers' 100% home form and sets them up very nicely for the visit of bottom dogs Montrose on Saturday.
After the disappointment of chucking away two points at Elgin the previous Saturday, it was vital that Rangers got back to winning ways at Shielfield and despite the narrow scoreline last night, they did so with some style and should have won by a much bigger margin. If there is a worry about Rangers, it's their inability to kill teams off when they're bossing the game, and there was further evidence of that last night when Rangers passed up some excellent chances to put the result beyond doubt. Supporters are getting used to nibbling their nails down to the bone as home matches head towards the final whistle, but it's a small price to pay after some of the mince we've watched under the previous regime.
As predicted, Jimmy Crease rang the changes following the 3-3 draw at Elgin, Andy McLean getting the bullet, undeservedly according to most supporters who made the trip to the Highlands, with Jamie Ewart stepping up from the bench. David Greenhill was restored to the starting line-up but surprisingly swopped flanks with Fraser McLaren in an attempt to capitalise on suspected weaknesses in the Stranraer full back positions.
With Jack and McColm quick and powerful up front for Stranraer, Rangers looked to be facing a tough contest, and it's fair to say that the visitors were the better outfit in the opening quarter before Rangers wrestled control from them, a position which they held on to for the rest of the match. With a mere 4 minutes on the clock, Jack banged in an 18 yarder which had Peat scrambling across his line to see the ball to safety ,though Rangers responded immediately, Gray and McLaren having a header then a shot cleared from the line in the space of a few seconds. Rangers were given the perfect opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot midway through the half after Stranraer keeper Mitchell fouled Damon Gray. In truth, it looked a soft award, but had no bearing on the outcome of the match after Mitchell saved Callaghan's tame spot-kick. Alan Brazil continued his excellent early season form with a fine demonstration of the centre forward's art and with Gray showing some classy touches to knit together some flowing attacks, Rangers began to pile the pressure on a Stranraer side that looked devoid of a Plan B, unless it involved hoofing the ball 40 yards and hoping for the best. Seven minutes before the break Rangers put together a stunning pitch-length move, Currie running on to Brazil's through ball to beat Mitchell, only to see his low shot come back off the post.
The second half started with Rangers well on top and Stranraer rarely threatening, allowing Mark Peat another quiet 90 minutes in goal, though McInnes caused a scare in the 72nd minute when his chip clipped the outside of the post after Peat lost a high ball into the box. With Greenhill and McLaren changing wide roles again and restored to their natural positions, Rangers had a more balanced look to them and began to create a stream of scoring opportunities. Ewart, who gave a typically powerful performance at centre half, should have headed home from a Greenhill corner in the 56th minute; McLaren chipped wide from a good position in the 62nd minute, and Callaghan fired over when well placed two minutes later. Just when it looked as if a repeat of the Queens Park game was on the cards, Greenhill popped up in the 70th minute to banjo the ball home from 8 yards after Gray failed to take advantage of Brazil's flick. Sub Stephen Radzynski should have scored nine minutes later but Mitchell saved brilliantly to prevent the Gers going further ahead. Rangers saw out the closing moments with no alarms to get themselves a througoughly deserved victory.
With another home match on Saturday, Rangers have an excellent opportunity to consolidate their lead at the top of the table. Sounds good, does'nt it? The real test will be the tough run of games looming on the horizon, with Forfar, Shire and Livibank all to be faced in the first three weeeks of October. If Rangers are still top of the pile after that, this could be shaping up to be one of the most sensational seasons at Shielfield since Dave Smith danced round the opposition wearing his white magic boots.
Peat 6; Notman 7; Ewart 8; Guy 7; Smith 6; Greenhill 6; Callaghan 6; Currie 7; McLaren 6; Brazil 8; Gray 7.
Crowd - 366
LINK : SFL3 Table
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