Lowland League | Spartans beat Berwick to get back to winning ways

Posted on Saturday, September 25th, 2021

The Spartans maintained their unbeaten Lowland League record against Berwick Rangers as Blair Henderson and Cammy Russell netted in a 2-1 win that sees the side move to a three place joint second spot in the table.

Early exchanges saw both teams made some mileage up the pitch with Cammy Russell, the recent signing from Kelty Hearts, making a decent run towards goal whilst Mikey Allan was in determined form at the other end to protect his.

Russell was involved once again when he chased the ball into the Berwick box, only for keeper Andrew McNeil come out and collect. In the challenge, Russell took a knock to the face and he might have a visit from the tooth fairy in due course.

A great piece of individual skill from Sam Jones saw the playmaker gain ground and as the ball broke to him inside the box, the finish perhaps not matching the work he put in to set up a chance that went wide.

Jack Newman had been a relative by-stander for most of the half but the keeper needed to be alert to spread himself to make an important save with his legs to deny a Berwick opener.

HT: The Spartans 0-0 Berwick Rangers

Berwick Rangers were out of the sheds early from the interval however it was Dougie Samuel’s sides who were out of the traps first when they took the lead just four minutes after the break.

Jamie Dishington’s cross from out wide was sent in with pin-point precision to find Blair Henderson who swooped to head home from close range.

Spartans were to double their lead on the hour mark and in some style. A bye-kick from the Berwick keeper was returned with interest and a nudge from Blair Henderson turned the scorer into provider for Cammy Russell who still had lots to do but his first touch with the head put him into the box and the sweetest of half-volley strikes nestled into the back of the net.

Spartans made a change on the 78th minute when Russell was replaced by Sam Newman. Moments later, the visitors halved the deficit to make for an interesting finale.

With the game entering into the final five minutes, Spartans shored up the back division with Dan Baur replacing Gregor Woods.

There was to be one final nervy moment for the Spartan Army faithful within the 219 in attendance as Lewis Baker forced Jack Newman into a save.

FT: The Spartans 2-1 Berwick Rangers

Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Ian McFarland