Berwick Rangers 4-2 Hibs XI
Monday 20th July 2009
One swallow doesn't make a summer but a Berwick Rangers side with 4 trialists in its starting line up put on an impressive display at Shielfield on Saturday against what was essentially a Hibs U-19 side - though one with some pedigree,having won the Scottish U-19 league and cup double last year. After the match, Rangers signed keeper Mark Peat, who was in considerable demand, with at least 3 other clubs after his signature.In what looks like a major coup, Rangers have also added Hibs
U-19 captain Oliver Russell to their squad on a full contract. Russell, who Morton had tried to sign, is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions in midfield or defence.
With Ross Aitchison having returned the playing surface to billiard-table perfection, Rangers hit their stride quickly and were 3 goals up within the opening half hour. Trialist left back Paul McMullen and David Greenhill, who linked well all afternoon, combined neatly for the former to dink over a cross which the trialist No. 10,who formed an impressive understanding with Alan Brazil, headed home from close range in the 12th minute.Three minutes later, Greeenhill doubled the lead, his
12 yard shot being deflected past the keeper. With 27 minutes on the clock, Chris McMenamin slotted home after the keeper had saved brillianly from the trialist 10 and Greenhill in quick succession.
Rangers went on to miss a hatful to double their lead before half time,their attacking play well supported to Steven Notman breaking forward from midfield at every opportunity.
Inevitably, a plethora of substitutions and Hibs' full time conditioning took their toll in a more even second half. A Callaghan penalty gave the Gers a four goal lead (they'd had a stonewaller refused minutes earlier after the trialist 10 was rugby tackled in the area), but Hibs No. 7 Chris Byrne restored some semblance of credibility with two good strikes in the closing stages.
Rangers impressed all over the field, and managed to play some very tidy football into the bargain. Peat looked well organised in goal, McMullen provided excellent support down the left, Andrew McLean, another trailist, looked comfortable at centre back, Notman and Callaghan ran the midfield and the front two gelled from the start. It will be much tougher in the white heat of genuine competition, but the 250 spectators who turned up will have left with some degree of optimism.
Team: Trialist (Peat), E Smith, Trialist (A Mclean), Ewart, Trialist (P McMullen), McMenamin, Notman, Callaghan, Greenhill, Brazil, Trialist.
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