1937/38: Imports & Locals

Results

Competition Results

Appearances & Goals

Berwick Rangers started the 1937/38 season debt free after the hard work of the Supporters' Club and Ladies Committee had wiped out the club's financial liabilities.

August

A trial match was held at Shielfield Park to choose new players with a large selection attending from both Scotland and north-east England, as the club looked to field a team with a mixture of imports and locals.

21. Jed Artisans, winners of the East of Scotland League last season, were the visitors to Shielfield Park for the opening match of the new campaign. The composition of the Berwick team was three locals, five from south Northumberland and three from the Edinburgh district. Of the Artisans, only King had played for them last season. On the first half-hour's play there was little between the teams, but it was the visitors who opened the scoring when McIntee seized the ball with the Berwick defence napping and scored with a hard shot. Scarcely a minute later, Dixon played Scobie through, and he went on to level maters with a low shot into the far corner of the net. Just before half-time, Hutchison gave Rangers a handy lead from close in shot. After the interval, first Shotton and then Gilchrist were injured, with the result that Rangers seemed content to hang onto their lead and play suffered. Exchanges were scrappy for a while, but the game took a new lease of life when Hutchison chased a loose ball down the middle to put Rangers two goals clear. Rangers had the match in their pockets after Tomlin saved a Marshalsay penalty kick and finished comfortable winners. Two points won and £14 taken at the gate was good start to the season on both accounts.

28. Berwick Rangers scored their second success of the season when they travelled to play Leith Athletic. Play in the first half was keen, and at the interval the teams were level, but in the second half Rangers went ahead to collect two well-deserved points. Rangers took the lead after just five minutes when Lyall handled in the area when clearing a Berwick attack and Hope beat Bertram from the resultant penalty. Leith then pressed and two corners by McLellan troubled the Berwick defence. Tomlin was foiled when a pass by Flucker was cleverly caught by J. Forbes, who equalised with a low shot into the net. Berwick forced a corner and Hutchison went close with header that rebounded off the crossbar. From a free kick, Lyall sent in a strong shot, but Tomlin did well to turned it around the post. At the other end, Bertram saved well from Dryden, Hutchison and Dixon as Berwick attacked strongly and it came as no surprise when Rangers retook the lead on 35 minutes after Scobie outpaced the Leith defence and crossed for Walker to score. A minute later, Walker came close to doubling the lead, but Bertram saved his fast drive. Just on the interval, J. Forbes levelled the score when he headed in neat pass from Lyall. Berwick pressed on the restart and Scobie grazed the crossbar with a fast shot. Leith found it hard to make progress against the solid Berwick defence and, following a long clearance, the home goal had a narrow escape when Bertram ran out and attempted to clear a cross from Dryden; the keeper failed to get to the ball first; H. Walker head goalward, but G. Walker covered up the empty goal and headed clear. Shields and Forbes carried Leith upfield and from a free kick McLellan shot narrowly wide. Later, from a McLellan cross Forbes hit the base of the post with a fast shot. Walker then tested Bertram with some good shooting, but the keeper saved well on each occasion. However, Bertram was later beaten when Hutchison's shot from close in rebounded into the net off the post. Leith pressed strongly to the finish for an equaliser, with Forbes and Paterson worrying Tomlin, but it was not to be.

September

4. Although defeated 3-2 at Penicuik Athletic in the first round of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup, Berwick Rangers fought hard. The game had a sensational start with Miller putting Berwick ahead inside the opening minute with an easy goal. Penicuik pressed, but Berwick held out. Rangers attacked the home goal, but Wilson saved, and Penicuik forced a corner, from which Tomlin punched over the bar. End-to-end football followed. Another corner went to Penicuik, and then Cuthbert had a good shot, which went just over the bar. Cuthbert had better luck shortly after when he levelled the score with a close-range shot. Penicuik upped the pace and put Tomlin under immense pressure, but time and time again the keeper kept them out. The home side were awarded a penalty, but Wilson miskicked, and Tomlin saved. Except for random raids, Berwick were not much in evidence up to half-time. The second half started as did the first, and Dryden put Berwick back in front in the opening minute. With the wind in their favour, Penicuik gave the Berwick defence a trying time, and should have equalised on being awarded another penalty for hand ball. Sherlock took the kick but missed badly. However, a few minutes later, Peutherer broke through the Berwick defence and shot low past Tomlin. A desperate struggle resulted with the teams on level terms and Cuthbert provided the winning goal for the home side when he smashed the ball into the net late in the game. Rangers went all out to equalise, but the Penicuik goal remained intact.

11. Penicuik Athletic and Berwick Rangers met at the Royal Hotel Park for the second time in eight days when the teams competed this time in the first round of Scottish Qualifying Cup. A big miss in the Berwick team was Dryden, who was away on trial with Bristol Rovers. Wedderburn was dropped from the full-back position with Harkins taking his place and owing to the non-arrival of an Edinburgh player, Watson, who travelled as reserve, was called to fill the outside-right birth. Except for Naughty replacing Wakenshaw and the inclusion of Dougal in the forward line, Penicuik were unchanged. The moving of Dougal to the forward line proved to be a masterstroke as he scored a hat trick for Penicuik in their 5-1 win. Tomlin was Berwick's star man, as without his heroics in goal Penicuik would have easily reached double figures. The game was played in a sporting manner throughout with very few infringements. In the first minute of the game Dougal hit the crossbar with a fierce shot. Scobie initiated the first Berwick attack, and, after receiving a cross from Watson, he sent narrowly over. However, Penicuik were the dominating team and a promising move by Cuthbert was spoiled by Dougal, who missed a sitter from five yards. Wilson was the schemer of the home side and his clever play on the right led to Tomlin being bombarded with shots. A Wilson initiative led to Cuthbert putting Penicuik ahead when, unmarked and a few feet from the goal-line, he received the ball and headed it clear of Tomlin. Shortly after, Penicuik played their way into the Rangers' goalmouth and Rafferty, anxious to clear, attempted to place the ball back to Tomlin, but the keeper was beaten for possession by Dougal, who walked the ball into the net. In one of Berwick's infrequent raids, Watson forced and then placed a corner into the goalmouth where Hope snapped up a weak clearance and slammed it against the crossbar. Wilson, on the right wing, beat McLean before crossing neatly to Dougal, who shot over from in front of goal. Dougal, however, made amends in the next move when he netted his second and his side's third after a similar move. Three-nil down, Rangers fought back in cup-tie fashion and a short run by Scobie paved the way for Walker to reduce the deficit with a fast-rising shot. A safe lead for Penicuik arrived in the last minute of the half when Dougal scooped the ball up from point-blank range and netted, to register his hat trick. With Penicuik's substantial lead, the second half was minus any thrills. Berwick were now being hopelessly outclassed and could make little headway against the home defence. Tomlin was frequently applauded for his daring saves but was beaten one more time when Cuthbert broke down the left and centred for Dodds to complete the scoring with a cross shot.

18. Back to League business, Berwick Rangers maintain their one-hundred percent points record with a 4-0 win over Gala Fairydean at Shielfield Park. The only disappointing feature of the game as far as Berwick Rangers were concerned was the £8 gate. It was understandable that some supporters would stay away after the two cup defeats at Penicuik. However, the Rangers' committee wished to class the defeats as history and move on. Both teams had to call on last-minute substitutes. Shields, an Edinburgh based player, was called into the outside-left berth in place of Dryden and Harkins, who called off injured, was replaced by W. Rule, who went to the match with the intention of being a spectator. Gala arrived a man short and had to call upon the services of local player J. Graham, who last season played for Berwick Hibs. Rangers had a bright start to the second half, and two goals were scored in the space of a minute, to give them a three-goal lead and make the points comparatively safe. Apart from a half-hearted goal by Shields after half-an-hour's play, the only other incident of note in the first half was an effort by Scobie. From well in his own half, Gilchrist whipped the ball up the middle to Miller, who neatly back heeled it, and Scobie had hard lines with a powerful shot which just cleared the crossbar. Early in the second half, Shields score a second. It was in striking contrast to his first, when the ball hardly had the strength to run into the net. He was placed through by Walker and ran in on goal to beat Nichol with a fast cross shot. Spectators scarcely had the chance to appreciate the fact that Rangers were two up before Miller got a third with a superbly struck 20-yarder following a fine move involving Gilchrist, Scobie and Dixon. Miller also scored the fourth, which was a result of keen anticipation. A high ball bounced in the penalty area, and he fastened on to it to give Nichol no chance at all. The visitors were far from outplayed and had their forwards showed some steadiness the result would have been much closer.

25. A seven-minute bombardment produced three goals and two points for Peebles Rovers as they ended Berwick Rangers' unbeaten league record with a 4-1 win at Shielfield Park. It was a brilliant day for watching football but only 500 lined the ropes at kick-off time. There were changes in each team. For Berwick, Straffen of Spittal Rovers took the place in goal of Johnstone, who was to have deputised for Tomlin. Miller failed to appear, McLevy, ex-Morpeth Town and Bedlington United, filled the centre berth and Douglas from the KOSB Depot replaced Shields. The inclusion of Walker and Cochrane made changes in the Peebles forward and middle lines. Rangers started on the attack and a shot by Dixon was headed past by McLevy before Watt cleared a good shot from Douglas. Peebles then took a hand in the game. Straffen conceded a corner and Hailstones, rising to the ball, opened the scoring by heading it into the corner of the net after twenty minutes' play. The visitors then gave Straffen a busy time. Rangers again pressed and Scobie had hard lines when he just missed the upright. A hard ground shot by McLevy was saved by Robertson, and from his clearance Peebles attacked the home goal. A shot with all Till's weight behind it was well saved by Straffen, while a shot by Walker from the right wing scrapped the crossbar and another from Kilner just missed the post. On the half-hour, Walker took a shot on goal and, attempting to clear, Hope headed the ball into his own net. Peebles continued to press and a low shot by Sayers on 35 minutes gave Straffen no chance. Two minutes later, Kilner headed the ball in from a corner, making it three goals scored in seven minutes and four scored without return. However, Rangers reduced the deficit when a pass from McLean to Walker was given to Douglas, who sneaked the ball into the net through a small gap between the upright and keeper just before the interval. Peebles soon took up the attack following the restart. Sayers gave the Rangers' defence a torrid time and Straffen was called upon on several occasions. Berwick made several good attacks, but they hesitated instead of shooting and the chances were lost. Walker struck the crossbar and McLevy failed to score when presented with an open goal. Rangers were unlucky not to reduce the lead when Robertson made a spectacular save to prevent Walker's header from entering the net. Rangers pressed strongly towards the end but found it impossible to break the solid Peebles defence.

October

2. A deep depression which had centred over Shielfield Park during the past few weeks finally lifted after the few spectators who attended watched goals galore as Berwick Rangers beat Edinburgh University 7-1. A crowd of only 245 turned up, making less than £6 at the gate. True, the students might not have been strong opposition, but Rangers still taught them a lesson or two. Berwick dominated play from the start and the Uni keeper was called upon to clear high shots from Hope and Dixon in quick succession. Jeffrey went close following a fine left wing move before Dixon opened the scoring after 30 minutes and scored a second just a minute later. Rangers went further ahead early in the second half when Dixon float in a corner and Jeffrey scored with a high shot which keeper Yorkington fumbled into the net. The Uni upped their game but were poor in front of goal and Tomlin, who in the first half was never in action, saved a well-taken free kick by Moss. Rangers soon wore down the visitors' defence to net a fourth through Hope and Jeffrey headed in a fifth from a Gilchrist free kick. Relph got the sixth in similar fashion when McLean sent a high cross into the goalmouth. The students pulled a goal back when McCallum diverted a clearance by McLean into the net, leaving Tomlin thoroughly beaten. Rangers again pressed. Roughead and Scobie just missed scoring with Dick barring their progress. Dixon pushed through a forward pass to Scobie, who with only Yorkington to beat sent wide of the post. Jeffrey completed his hat trick when, from a very tight angle, he placed the ball over Yorkington's head and into the net.

9. A goal by Ben Roughead and Tomlin's fine goalkeeping won Berwick Rangers both points at Gala Fairydean. The home side started with some fine attacking runs. However, Dryden launched an early attack which ended in Roughead scoring with a neat shot from close in. For a time, Berwick had all the play, and it took some vigilant watching by the home side to stop them from adding to their lead. Gala eventually threw off the Berwick attack and James Laing sent in a great shot which Tomlin punched against the crossbar and Rangers were hard pressed to clear the danger. A minute later, Tomlin punched another shot from Laing over. Gala had a lucky escape when Roughead appeared well placed to score but Robb literally picked the ball off the goal-line. Berwick always looked potential goalscorers when they were in possession, whereas the Fairydean attack never showed much sign of success and the Rangers' defence were never really stretched. Berwick kept up the attack at the start of the second half and came close to scoring when Miller headed a Dryden cross from the left just wide. Gala had a look in when Flynn had several attempts to score, but Tomlin was secure with his handling and kept his goal intact. At this point, Gala began to take a greater share of the game, but their finishing was poor, and Tomlin was never really challenged. Robb was able to keep a hard shot from Roughead out, and only a foul saved the Fairydean goal, when the ball fell out of the keeper's hands. Shortly after, the Berwick forwards provided the best move of the game when four of them combined in a nice passing run which deserved a goal, but Dixon shot past. In the closing minutes Gala tried hard to level, but they were stopped by a resilient Berwick defence.

16. Dunbar Town, playing their first season in the East of Scotland League, entertained Berwick Rangers. After their fine display against Gala Fairydean, Rangers travelled confidently and returned with a deserved 2-0 victory. Berwick showed only one change to their team with Staines, of Pegswood, who had been offered trials with Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United, replacing Walker in the forward line. Staines paved the way for the first goal and his scoring of the second was the highlight of the game. Rangers kicked uphill and against a strong wind in the first half. Roughead open the scoring following a fine move between Staines and Dryden. Dunbar retaliated but could not make headway against the strong Berwick defence. Miller was prominent for Berwick, and from one of his passes Staines put Rangers further ahead with a tremendous shot. Play swung freely from end to end and Dunbar had several chances spoiled through being caught offside. The second half opened with Dunbar striving to reduce the lead, but the Berwick defence and Tomlin dealt confidently with all manner of shots. The Dunbar goal had a narrow escape midway through the half when Dixon, after cleverly beating two defenders, centred a long drive, which struck the upright and rebounded back into play before being cleared. At the other end Porteous missed a last-minute sitter for Dunbar.

23. Despite Berwick Rangers sitting proudly at the top of the East of Scotland League table after a 2-1 victory over Murrayfield Amateurs at Shielfield Park, supporters at matches were still hard to come by. An appeal was made in the matchday programme, which gave the balance sheet of the last home game at which 250 spectators contributed £6. After deducting the guarantee of £3 for the visiting club and £1 as referee's expenses, the princely sum of £2 was left to meet remaining expenses. If it was not for the Supporters' Club's untiring efforts in raising much need funds Berwick Rangers would again be on the slippery slope of financial ruin. The game was played under incessant rain which swept across the pitch. Play opened in favour of Murrayfield, and in the first minute Tomlin was called upon to save a high ball from Barclay. In the next instance Wilson, after a fine run down the left struck the side netting of the Berwick goal. Rangers eventually broke upfield but Dixon was denied a scoring chance by a well-positioned defence. Murrayfield attacked frequently and Barclay rattled the Berwick upright. Maintaining the initiative, Murray, after drawing Tomlin from his goal, put the Amateurs in front. At the other end, Roughead evaded the opposition, but Harper collected and cleared. The interval arrived with Rangers pressing, but a goal down. The second half opened with Rangers on the attack, and after a melee in the Amateurs' goalmouth Dryden scrambled the ball into the net. Berwick kept up the pressure and Harper was forced to leave his goal on several occasions to relieve the pressure. It was not all one way, however. Whitecross outpaced Gilchrist, Barclay collected, but Rule, running over, smothered his shot and Tomlin cleared. Rangers took the lead shortly after when Dryden scored with a low shot through a ruck of players. With time running out, Rule, from the full-back position, beat player after player in a mazy run, but was dispossessed of the ball when only a few feet from the Amateurs' goal.

30. Berwick Rangers continued their successes in the East of Scotland League when they scored a decisive 5-1 victory over Peebles YMCA at Shielfield Park. Near the end of the first half, a scramble in the visitors' goalmouth resulted in Wright, the Peebles keeper, and Dixon, the Rangers' forward, being injured. Fortunately, for Berwick, Dixon was able to resume in the second half, but Wright received a cut in the side of the head and was unable to continue. Encouraged by their recent successes, Rangers gave the comparatively small attendance of spectators ninety minutes of first-class football. Berwick might have been playing against only ten men for the entire second half, but they had the game in their pocket by the time Carrick took Wright's place in goal. Peebles gave a spirited display but were unable to subdue the Berwick attack. Dryden fumbled an early scoring opportunity and a few minutes later he lost possession of the ball in a scoring possession and the visitors cleared. Play was fast and furious with the defences dominating. A clever run and cross into the Berwick goalmouth by Wilson caught Tomlin out but luckily Graham was on hand to clear on the line. Aitken then broke through for the visitors, but this time Tomlin punched clear. Rangers took the lead a minute later when Staines played a neat pass to Dryden, who ploughed his way through three or four sprawling defenders before shooting into the far bottom corner. Hope doubled Berwick's lead from the penalty spot after a foul on Dryden. Straight from the kick-off, Peebles attacked and after a forceful exchange Fraser scored despite the close attentions of Rule. A third goal in as many minutes was scored by Roughead following a defence-splitting pass by Dryden. Peebles returned to the attack but Fraser, facing an open goal, shot over the bar. Peebles started the second half with ten men. Wright was unable to guard the uprights and his place was taken by Carrick. A cross by Miller was snapped up by Staines, whose shot was blocked on the line by a defender. Rangers bombarded the visiting goal but playing free and easy football, they let many gilt-edged chances go astray. Midway through the half, Staines hit a powerful 20-yarder into the back of the net. Rule hit a long free kick into the Peebles goalmouth following a foul, but Dryden, standing practically on the goal-line, slipped and the ball was cleared. Miller dribbled his way across the 18-yard box, beating two defenders, before passing to Dixon, who rattled the Peebles crossbar with a fierce shot. Rule was delighting the crowd with his long, high clearances, which almost covered the length of the field, but Dixon and Staines allowed countless opportunities to go amiss. Near the end Miller rushed through the Peebles defence to complete the scoring with a fifth.

November

6. Jed Artisans brought Rangers' run of five successive league wins to a halt with a 2-0 win and were also the first team to beat Berwick on their travels. Rangers were without Roughead, who was unavailable, with Miller taking his place up front and Scobie filling the gap. Roughead was sorely missed as Berwick's light-weight forwards on a heavy pitch were ineffective. Rangers were beaten by a team which was heavier all round and mastered the conditions much better. Full marks went to the Artisans. They played consistently and well throughout the game. The Arts attacked from the start. Baxter sent narrowly wide and then Mollison hit a first-time volley which shaved the bar. Berwick pressed down both wings, but the home defence covered both effectively. Rangers had a narrow escape following a scramble in the goalmouth, and the Arts appealed in vain for a penalty for hands. The Arts continued to have the better of the exchanges and took the lead just before the interval. Mollison sent in a low drive from 18 yards, and Rule, in trying to clear, lifted the ball over his shoulder and into his own net. The second half started with some end-to-end play. The home side then took up the running and it was only the readiness of Tomlin that saved the Berwick goal. At the Arts' end, Hope tried a nice lob, which Harkness held. However, Jed Arts increased their lead when Sim slipped a short pass across the goal to Baxter, who gave Tomlin no chance.

13. Berwick Rangers and Duns shared the points after a lacklustre game at Hawthorn Park ended goal-less. Murray had the ball in the net Berwick in the opening minute, but offside by a colleague ruled it out. Duns had the better of the early exchanges, but Rangers gradually found their way into the match and Roughead shot inches past following a neat cross from Dryden. Stoddart sent over a cross which ran close in front of the Berwick goal, but there were no takers. Broadley shot past after latching onto the end of a Miller free kick before a cross from Stoddart troubled the Berwick defence but was eventually cleared. Laing and King had little trouble in stopping the runs of the Berwick forwards and consequently there was a good deal of midfield play. Kay was the first keeper in action after the interval, but the game continued much the same as the first. Roughead missed a good chance for Berwick and Duns could not take advantage of an open goal when Tomlin ran out to clear a cross, but the danger was cleared by Rule. Both teams missed chances late in the game and as such the game ended goal-less and lifeless.

20. It was at first doubtful that the Coldstream versus Berwick Rangers league match at Home Park would take place as an early morning frost had made the pitch unplayable, but by mid-day the conditions had improved. Owing to the late arrival of some of the Coldstream players the game commenced 25 minutes late and it was decided to play 35 minutes each way. Berwick were first to press and had the ball in the net in the first few minutes, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Both ends were visited in turn with Tomlin clearing well from Simpson and Libberton was deservedly applauded for saving a point-blank shot from Miller. Coldstream were awarded a penalty for a foul on 15 minutes, but Hush, taking the kick, shot straight at Tomlin. However, Coldstream opened the scoring in the next minute when Simpson beat Tomlin with a close-range shot. So far, the game had been even. Miller forced a corner for Berwick, but Libberton punched clear. Hush, after beating two Rangers defenders, forced a corner, and after a goalmouth scramble in the Berwick goal, Rule kicked a long clearance upfield; Roughead gained possession and played Dryden through on goal, but Libberton made another fine save. A few minutes from the interval, Simpson doubled Coldstream lead following a well-placed centre by Hush. Berwick pressed early in the second half and a fast shot by Dryden was well saved by Libberton. However, the home keeper was finally beaten on 55 minutes when Staines scored with a low shot. Hope went close to levelling the score, but Bryson cleared the danger. Coldstream made the points safe with minutes remaining when a Riley clearance sent Simpson away and he crossed for Fairbairn to score with a dipping 20-yard shot. Berwick tried hard to reduce the leeway, but the home defence saw time out.

27. A remarkable game at Shielfield Park saw Chirnside United wiped off a 3-1 deficit at the interval to win by the odd goal in seven. Chirnside's victory was deserved on the run of play. They were nowhere to be seen in the opening stages, but they rallied, especially in the second half, to gain both points. Rangers opened the scoring in the inside the first minute when Staines sent in a hard shot from the edge of the box, Hope fumble, and Dryden ran in to make sure the loose ball entered the net. Hope in the visitors' goal was fortunate the next two times he was called into action. Rangers forced a corner, which Hutchison cleared, and Hope made a clever save to stop a shot from Staines. However, Dryden scored Berwick's second soon after from a Miller cross. A minute later, Hope saved a surprise shot when Miller intercepted a cross from Dryden and with his back to the goal he swung round and sent it goalward, but Hope was right in the line of fire and stopped the shot. Tomlin was called into action by Wakenshaw, but the Berwick keeper saved with ease. The visitors reduced the lead on 40 minutes through Muir, who was left unmarked in the goalmouth and converted a centre from Wakenshaw. Rangers, however, with more method, dictated matters until the interval. Hope made a fine save from a Roughead header at the expense of a corner before Dixon put Berwick further ahead with a shot from the edge of the penalty area. Chirnside started the second half brightly. Jeffrey was given too much space and sent in a long-range shot which beat Tomlin. Spurred on by the quick goal, Chirnside kept pressing and Hutchison equalised, when, after receiving a pass from Jeffery, he sent the ball over Tomlin's head when the keeper dived at his feet. Fortunes had completely change, and it came as little surprise when Chirnside took the lead. Hutchison forced a corner and sent in a low cross which Wakenshaw volleyed into the net. Rangers retaliated and Hope did well to save a well-taken free kick from the edge of the box by Gilchrist, but time was running out and Chirnside held on for a remarkable win.

December

4. Berwick Rangers set another record when they met Coldstream for League points at Shielfield Park. A record was usually something to be proud of, but the low record gate of 15s 1d reflected the decreasing interest supporters in the Borough are taking in the fortunes of the club and the East of Scotland League. Many were staying away in protest of recent poor performances and especially last week's poor second-half against Chirnside United. Supporters were again calling for a more local team. The club, on the other hand, said they would have liked to have strengthened the team with better players, but with poor crowds bringing in little income they had their hands tied. Although the weather was rotten with rain and sleet falling, the ground in a treacherous condition and the atmosphere near zero, football supporters must remember that the game is a winter sport. The football served up by the players was of quite a high standard and Rangers scored a nap-hand. Several changes were made by both sides, mainly positional by Coldstream, but Rangers, enforced by several of their players calling off, introduced local lads. Dryden decided not to travel, and his place was taken by Rae of Spittal Council old Boys. Scobie, despite playing for Berwick Grammar School at Dunbar in the morning, turned out, making some reshuffling necessary with Roughead occupying the outside-right position. An attempt to brighten up the forward line saw Wilson at centre-forward, with Staines and Dixon as inside players completing the line-up. Rangers were the early aggressors and for the first few minutes the Coldstream goal was under severe pressure with Gilchrist responsible for initiating the attacks. Berwick took the lead through Hope, who hit a free kick from 40 yards out which curved in the air and sailed into the net above Nicholson's head. At the other end, Ford headed narrowly past from a Pearson free kick. The visitors gave Tomlin a little more work to do as time moved on, but the Rangers defence remained steady, and their forward line attacked frequently. The first half was brought to a dramatic close with two goals in as many minutes. With two minutes remaining, Roughead played Watson through to score a brilliant goal, and immediately after, Dixon added a third with a shot which entered the net off the underside of the crossbar. The slippery surface made itself evident in the opening exchanges of the second half, with the players finding difficulty in keeping their feet and controlling the ball. However, midway through the half, Staines accepted a neat pass from Rae and scored Berwick's fourth. A few minutes later, Dixon added a fifth from a Roughead cross into the box. Rangers continued to attack, and Watson came within an ace of adding to the score. Rae the crossed into the goalmouth with Watson, Dixon and Roughead all failing to add the finishing touch.

Berwick Rangers' officials decided not to fulfil their fixture League fixture with Vale of Leithen on 11th December. Rangers were notified by wire during the week to travel to Innerleithen. The club was led to understand at the end of the previous week by the East of Scotland League authorities that they would not have a game on that date. The long journey would necessitate the team leaving Berwick at an early hour, which could not be arranged.

25. Berwick Rangers had another "off day" when Duns visited Shielfield Park for a league encounter on Christmas Day. In marked contrast to Berwick's last home game, the ground was bathed in winter sunshine. With playing conditions at their best, expectations of a competitive match ran high, and the season's record sum of £14 16s 3d was collected at the gate. This, however, was the only pleasing aspect of the day as far as Rangers were concerned. Duns raced towards the Berwick goal in the opening minutes, and a high ball from Young was punched against the bar by Tomlin. Rangers' defence was playing raggedly, and Duns were gaining ground with little difficulty. Naismith made amends for an earlier mistake by flashing the ball from the right in range of the Berwick goal; Tomlin rushed out, but failed to hold the ball, and Broadley, running in, opened the scoring. Rangers attacked in a spirited manner and were awarded a penalty. Hope took the spot kick and his high shot into the net levelled the score. Berwick came more into the game, but their finishing was poor. After Naismith had missed a glorious opening, Miller collected from the right and drove the ball home to put Duns back in the lead. Gilchrist went close early in the second half and the Duns supporters looked on anxiously as his long shot skimmed the far upright. Duns attacked and a mistake by the Berwick defence gave Young a chance to shoot into an almost open goal, but he missed by inches. A few minutes later, Miller sprinted goalward and made it 3-1 with a shot into the roof of the net from close in. Two minutes later it was game over when Miller found another opening and made the most of it to put his side 4-1 ahead. This quick turn of events seemed to knock the bottom from the game and a steady stream of supporters could be seen making towards the exit.

Jed Artisans became the latest club to announce their inability to carry on. Formed seven seasons ago, the club had relied heavily on players from Edinburgh and district which incurred heavy travelling expenses. As they were already in debt, it was considered advisable to suspend activity rather than risk getting further into financial difficulties. Berwick Rangers became beneficiaries of the situation when they later signed several of the Artisans players viz. King, Mowatt, Sim, and McIntee.

January

1. A patched-up Berwick Rangers side surprised the spectators who watched the New Year's Day league match between Berwick Rangers and Chirnside United at Home Park. At Berwick, the club officials were seated on the bus waiting anxiously for the arrival of their team. With time running out it was a either a case of cancelling the fixture and, as well as disappointing a large crowd of spectators, risking the imposition of a heavy penalty from the East of Scotland League. Chirnside were contacted and the position explained to their secretary, who guaranteed to secure several local lads who played for Chirnside Hearts to complete the Berwick side. Rangers arrived at Chirnside five players short and 25 minutes past the designated kick-off time. After the positions were sorted out it was found that there was an all-Chirnside forward line as well as an inclusion in the halves. As the game commenced many wondered how "Chirnside Rangers" would fare against the United defence. Surprisingly, Rangers were first to go close when Gilchrist struck the crossbar following a corner. Chirnside replied strongly and, going through on goal, Cossar was brought down heavily. A penalty was awarded from which Morrish scored. The lead was short-lived, however, as a fine cross by Middlemiss saw Scobie head in the equaliser. Chirnside then hemmed Rangers in their own goalmouth for a considerable time before Cossar headed in a second for the home side following a corner. Chirnside had several chances to extend their lead but failed to take them. Just before the interval, Rangers broke upfield but Hope saved well at the foot of the post from Johnston. Hope was again called into action early in the second half by Johnston as Berwick pressed. Ten minutes into the half, Rangers levelled for a second time when a fine move by Scobie was finished off by Middlemiss. A few minutes later, Hope cleared another shot from Johnston and then checked a dangerous run by Middlemiss. Midfield play then prevailed before Chirnside broke away and, in the semi-darkness, added a third goal. A shot from Cossar totally deceived Johnstone due to the bad light, which led to referee abandoning the game after 70 minutes had been played. It was left to the League committee to decide the outcome of the abandonment and destination of the points.

15. Penicuik bound Berwick Rangers made wholesale changes to their team in a bid to restore the club's reputation in the eyes of Berwick's sporting public. Rangers included King, Mowatt and Vesco, all ex-Jed Artisans, in their line up with Patterson from Belford and Kerr, an Edinburgh player, making up the new faces. Despite the heavy state of the ground and the wind, a competitive game was witnessed between the teams. Penicuik Athletic were certainly the better-balanced team, but the Rangers' new line-up gave a good performance despite being beaten 4-0. The home team were quickly on the attack and Nicholson shot just past. Play swung to the other end where Rule was just off the mark. Penicuik then forced a series of corners and from the subsequent play Nicholson gave them the lead. Rangers made sporadic attacks and defended relatively well. Overall, the home side were well on top throughout the opening half, but Johnstone played well in goal and restricted Penicuik to just one goal at the interval. The second half was played mainly in the Berwick half and Penicuik doubled their lead when Dougal beat Johnstone with a fast shot following a neat Nicholson pass. McPhail headed in a third from close range shortly after and Cuthbert completed the scoring with number four following a well-placed corner.

22. Berwick Rangers had a field day against Selkirk at Ettrick Park, with eight goals claimed out of twelve scored. Before the match, Rangers secured the signatures of Mollison, who had also played for Jed Arts and Duns, and McIntee, ex-Jed Arts and Vale of Leithen. Both were included in the team with Mowatt and Patterson losing their places. At the last minute, Rangers found out that Scobie was unavailable and quickly sought the services of W. Rule of Spittal Rovers to make up the numbers in a reshuffled team. Selkirk opened brightest, and King came to Berwick's rescue with some hefty kicking. Rangers forced a series of corners without result before Selkirk returned to the attack and Tranter opened the scoring when he brought Johnstone to his knees with a shot he could not hold. From the kick-off, McIntee broke clean through the Selkirk defence and levelled the score with a fast shot in a one-on-one with Hope. A minute later, Rangers took the lead when R. Rule netted following a goalmouth scramble. Berwick were now doing the bulk of the pressing, with McIntee and Kerr going close with some promising efforts. McIntee added another goal to Berwick's tally when he cut in from the left to beat Hope with a low shot. In their next raid, Selkirk were awarded a penalty, but Nicol shot straight into Johnstone's hands. However, a few minutes later, Taylor finished off some good work by Mullins to reduce the leeway. Rangers attacked and Kerr put them 4-2 ahead with a fine solo effort. Towards the interval, Selkirk pressed steadily, and Mullins beat the backs again and the half ended with the teams separated by the odd goal in seven. Berwick had the strong wind in their favour during the second half and it took just five minutes before Kerr scored his second and Berwick's fifth goal. Rangers kept up the pressure, keeping Selkirk hemmed in, and after their goal had run a few narrow escapes, Sim added a sixth. Before the end, Gilchrist scored a seventh, and McIntee completed his debut hat trick to bring the total up to eight. It was just on the final whistle that Adamson, with a long-range shot, made the score look a bit more respectable with a fourth for the home side.

29. Penicuik Athletic gained their 15th successive League victory with a 5-1 victory over Berwick Rangers at Shielfield Park. Rangers were determined to avenge the three defeats they had suffered at the hands of Penicuik this season, but the result was just the same. Penicuik had to make several changes to their team, while Berwick fielded the same side which beat Selkirk the previous week. The game was tarnished by some questionable refereeing decisions and some un-sportsman like tactics of Penicuik, especially in the second half. Penicuik won the toss and chose to play with the strong wind at their backs. Rangers opened with a splendid effort by Kerr, but keeper Wilson cleared. Play moved quickly to the other end where Johnstone was buried under three or four players when he stopped the ball on the goal-line. Subsequent play saw Penicuik take control and after 20 minutes Wilson scored following a cross from Burke. Johnstone left his goal and dived at Wilson's feet, but he was beaten by a fraction of a second. Rangers tried to fight back, but the wind was too strong. One occasion, the ball was tapped into the air, and it sailed downfield. Johnstone saved well from Sherlaw, and at the other end Wilson stopped a hard drive from R. Rule at the expense of a hotly disputed corner. After all the fuss the wind cleared the danger! Penicuik continued to attack, and Wakenshaw turned a high ball past Johnstone to put the visitors two-up. A few minutes later, McIntee reduced the lead from a well-taken free kick. It was a curving shot, which cleared the defensive wall and beat Wilson near the post. Back in the Rangers goalmouth, Johnstone had several high shots to deal with which he saved in fine style. A further reverse came Berwick's way when a shot on goal by Dougal hit the hand of W. Rule and the referee awarded a penalty. Dodds stepped up to the spot and scored. After a further spell of pressure, Penicuik went three goals clear when Wilson ran in to meet a cross by Dodds which Johnstone missed. In the closing minutes of the half, Rangers were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, but Hope sent over the bar. With the wind now in their favour in the second half, Rangers were not long closing in on the Penicuik goal. Rule shot just past the post and a little later Sim did likewise. However, Penicuik adopted the spoiling tactic of kicking into touch at every opportunity and Rangers found it difficult to get the ball into the goalmouth. Sim did get the ball in the net, but McIntee was ruled offside. At this stage Rangers held the upper hand and W. Wilson was forced to concede a corner in a Berwick raid. At the other end, King saved a certain goal when he intercepted a Wilson cross. Penicuik began to fight their way back into the game and Johnstone had to punch away a shot by Dodds to relieve a delicate situation. Rangers were temporarily reduced to ten men when Hope had to leave the field injured. At the Penicuik end, with every Berwick player in that half but Johnstone, King sent a free kick in on goal, and from the quickly taken clearance, Dodds managed to master the wind resistance and the Berwick defence to run in on goal and score a fifth. Rangers appealed for offside, but the referee refused to listen. Hope returned and sent a free kick narrowly over. Rangers continued to press, and the Penicuik goal had a very close call with a few minutes remaining when R. Rule let fly with a powerful header following a corner.

February

Berwick Rangers withdrew from the second round of the Border Cup. It was not due to financial matters, but the fact that the East of Scotland Football Association refused to lift a ban on ex-Jed Artisan players, who were figuring prominently in the team. The players had already competed unsuccessfully in the competition, and since the closing down of the Artisans, penned their signatures with Berwick Rangers. It was felt that Rangers would be unable to fill the positions left vacant by the ex-Arts players, hence their decision to withdraw.

5. Supporters who attended the last two successive home games had seen two different Berwick Rangers teams in action. They saw a team against Penicuik Athletic which could do nothing right, and another team against Coldstream which could do nothing wrong. Rangers swept all before them in the first round King Cup match, and Coldstream were lucky to leave Shielfield Park only five in arrears. Not that the visitors were a poor team, in fact they were far from it. The eleven played much the same style as Berwick with fast sweeping attacks but lacked a marksman. Rangers showed two changes from the team beaten by Penicuik. Cunningham from Bo'ness was brought in at left-back in place of W. Rule, and Scobie was again at outside-right in place of R. Rule. Kicking downhill with the wind in their favour, Rangers played faultless football and trouble Libberton on several occasions from well-placed corners. However, Berwick had to wait several minutes before they took the lead when Hope hit a tremendous 40-yard free kick high into the net. Coldstream were just not in the picture. Corners were forced, the crossbar and uprights hit, but Rangers were unable to add to their solitary goal. When they did score, however, it was from the foot of Gilchrist and not the forward line, who drove the ball into the net from close range and just out of Libberton's reach. Rangers were playing fine football and seldom was a pass wasted. Attack followed attack in favour of Berwick and a third goal followed when Kerr plunged through the centre of the Coldstream defence and hit the ball home. Just before half-time, Kerr concluded the first half scoring his second and Berwick's fourth in a one-on-one with Libberton. Coldstream moved Bryson to the centre-forward position at the start of the second half and they showed a vast improvement. Johnstone was called upon to save several well-hit shots, while King, under pressure, made one or two mistakes which allowed Coldstream to break through the Berwick defence. Coldstream put up a fierce fight but were unable to hit the back of the net. Rangers came back on the attack and Gilchrist rattled the crossbar with a lengthy free kick. Shot after shot was then rained in on the visitors' goal much to the delight of the home support. Sim completed the scoring late on when he intercepted a cross in the box and, after advancing a few feet, swung the ball high into the net to register the best goal of the match.

12. Berwick Rangers fielded an unchanged side when they played Murrayfield Amateurs in an East of Scotland League match at Pinkhill. Some brilliant goalkeeping by Berwick's Johnstone was a feature of the opening half but the second half was uninteresting apart from a late goal which gave Rangers both points. Rangers set up an early attack, but Brooks cleared the danger. Berwick, however, were not to be denied and within five minutes they opened the scoring. Scobie got the ball within shooting distance; he flicked the ball over his head, and Kerr was able to catch it in his stride before firing into the net. The Amateurs replied in spirted fashion and equalised a few minutes later. J. Barclay was unfortunate to strike the post after working his way into a scoring position, but Whitecross collected the rebound and netted. On 20 minutes, McIntee twisted his ankle and for the rest of the match he was virtually a passenger. Despite this setback, Berwick continued to force the play. Harper brought off a top-class save from a Vesco header, and a minute or two later he sighed with relief when a free kick by Hope went within inches of the upright. At the other end, the Berwick defence was kept on the move for a time, but King and especially Cunningham were in top form and gave little or nothing away. The nearest the home side came saw Munro work his way in front of the goal before shooting well wide. Rangers attacked again and Gilchrist was unlucky when Harper handled his high ball in excellent fashion. Towards the interval each side in turn made strong attempts to take the lead, but there was no further scoring. Rangers had had the bulk of the play and were unfortunate not to be ahead. Exchanges in the second half were not as interesting as the first. Frequent corners fell Berwick's way, but nothing was accrued. On several occasions both sides got within range, but their shooting lacked sting and neither Johnstone of Harper had much difficulty in saving. Just when the match looked like ending in draw, Rangers played the ball to the Murrayfield end and forced a corner; a scramble for possession resulted from the flag kick; a clearance was made, but Hope received the ball on the edge of the box and returned it into the back of the net with a powerfully hit shot. With five minutes remaining, the Amateurs strove hard to rescue at least a point. Whitecross got the opportunity to do so when he got past King and Cunningham, but Johnstone left his goal and narrowed the target, which Whitecross missed by less than a foot.

19. Penicuik were lucky to progress into the third round of the King Cup after beating Berwick Rangers by the odd goal in five in a thrill-a-minute cup-tie at the Royal Hotel Park. It was the fifth meeting of the season between the clubs, with Penicuik yet to be defeated. To say Penicuik deserved their victory would have been flattery, as a draw would have been a true reflection on the day's play. The game opened in typical cup-tie fashion with both ends visited in turn. King repelled several dangerous attacks from the home side and Johnstone jumped high to punch a shot over the bar. Penicuik came very close to taking the lead when Henderson, standing on the goal-line, just failed to connect with a cross from the left. At the other end, Mollison went close when he rattled the crossbar from close in. Penicuik took the lead when Wilson sent in a high drop-shot from 35 yards; Johnstone seemed to be deceived as ball went behind him below the crossbar. Rangers retaliated, but they had to wait until the closing minutes of the half before the equaliser arrived. Following Mollison striking the woodwork, constant pressure saw Kerr work his way down the left and made no mistake with his finishing effort. Berwick kept pressing at the start of the second half with Mollison prominent in attack. Mollison showed plenty of neat touches and it was from one of his moves that Rangers took the lead. Mollison received the ball on the edge of the 18-yard box and after side-stepping two defenders he finished the move with a hard drive into the roof of the net. Berwick's hopes of a win looked possible, but Penicuik rallied. The referee was forced to call a half to the game when play became a little rough. Johnstone in the Berwick goal seemed to be the target, but King, Scobie and Gilchrist also had to receive treatment. Henderson took a pot shot at goal which Johnstone did well to save under pressure from three Penicuik forwards who pinned him, together with the ball, in the mud. However, Penicuik levelled matters with a fluky goal soon after. Batchelor sent in a shot which took a wicked bounce in front of the goal and left Johnstone stranded as it entered the net. Penicuik then upped the pace, and with a fine piece of showmanship, Dougal put the home side ahead when he screwed the ball into the net from a difficult angle. Shots from Kerr, McIntee and Mollison deserved a better fate than just smacking the woodwork as in the last three minutes Berwick piled on the pressure but could not find that little bit extra which might have meant a replay.

26. With no further involvement in cup competitions this season, Berwick Rangers settled down to East of Scotland League business and did a nice job of claiming the points against Leith Amateurs. The match at Shielfield Park was played under mild weather, but the crowd was again below expectations with many supporters staying faithful to the old fireplace. The game was interesting with Rangers dictating play throughout. Leith started brightly but Berwick soon found their feet. Hope was solid in defence and Kerr led the attack. Mollison headed over from under the crossbar, but success followed this hard luck when he met a cross from the wing and scored a great goal from 15 yards. There was no stopping Berwick after this an attack after attack was showered on the Leith goal. Gilchrist was unlucky when a long shot just missed by inches. A slip by Leith half-back, Robertson, led to Rangers increasing their lead. It gave Scobie an opportunity to gain ground, but he slipped when on the point of shooting; lying on the turf, he touched the ball on to Vesco, who shot home. Rangers kept up the attack, but Leith reduced the leeway against the run of play when Forbes scored with Johnstone lying on the ground. The story of the second half was more in Leith's favour. They evidently found the slope a great advantage and frequently kept Berwick at bay. Although only a narrow margin separated the teams, there was no doubt to Berwick's superiority. However, such a position did not last for long. The Amateurs' defence tired under pressure and the ever-alert Kerr scored after collecting a neat pass from Sim in the centre of the goalmouth. Bertram cleared two dangerous corners to stop Berwick from extending their lead before Leith pressed in the last few minutes. Dunn got through on goal, but Johnstone dived and save the ball with his trailing leg in a one-on-one situation, the ball bounced to Hope, who knew where to put it. The last action of the game saw Johnstone fist over an effort from Lyall.

The takings at the game amounted to £5, from which a £3 guarantee was paid to Leith, a pound to the referee, and Rangers had to survive on what was left. It was a good pay day for Leith. Berwick's lowest gate was 15s, but to Leith Amateurs 15s was about their highest. The Edinburgh team was run using local players on strict amateur lines and had few if any imports. They played for the game's sake. It was frightening to imagine what shape Rangers would be in with a team made up entirely of locals, and as everyone knew - imports cost money.

March

5. Selkirk were to have been the opponents of Berwick Rangers in a League match at Shielfield Park on Saturday 5th March – March Hirings Day. However, late on the Friday afternoon Selkirk called off owing to team raising difficulties. Chirnside United quickly stepped in and a friendly was played to fill the void. It was a spring-like day but with a strong west wind blowing down the field, giving a fair advantage to the team playing with it. Chirnside won the match 5-1 and much was said about the result, but supporters should have remembered that Rangers played for three-quarters of the game without a recognised keeper and only ten men. The biggest loss was the services of Johnstone, who was ruled out for the season. Mollison was out injured, and his place was taken by Stewart in an otherwise unchanged Berwick line-up. Soon after the start, Gilchrist netted with a brilliant shot, but Kerr was ruled offside, and goal disallowed. J. Hope, the Chirnside keeper, made several clearances, and one from Kerr was particularly noteworthy. A free kick given against Feenie saw Hope make a top-class save from G. Hope. Midway through the half, Chirnside pressed, and Johnstone fisted a Virtue centre clear. However, two minutes later, Johnstone was hurt clearing at the feet of Spence, who then had an open goal, but his shot was not strong enough and the ball was swept away in the wind. Johnstone had to leave with field with a broken collarbone and Cunningham took his place in goal. G. Hope had another long shot at the United goal, but his namesake tipped the ball over the bar. After a spell of midfield play, McIntee had a great run and finished off with an equally great shot which Hope saved in a masterly fashion. Hope also saved well from Stewart, who connected well with a Scobie cross. Rangers did nearly all the pressing with McIntee coming nearest to scoring. However, just before the interval, Berwick gained the lead when a penalty was awarded against Feenie for handling. Chirnside protested strongly, but with the kick Hope scored. Playing with the wind behind them, it took Chirnside just two minutes into the second half to find the net when Gray levelled the score. Five minutes later, Spence, taking advantage of a miskick by King, put United in front. Rangers fought back and had Chirnside on the ropes for a while. However, Townsley scored Chirnside's third goal as Johnstone's absence was keenly felt and the visitors attacked almost continually until the end. After Cunningham had saved well from Spence, Hush scored the fourth goal, and with the last kick of the game Virtue scored the fifth.

Berwick Rangers made just £5 off the gate, a very poor amount for March Hiring Day. However, several clubs in the East of Scotland League set up were struggling financially with poor gates and the extra cost of importing players from the Edinburgh district. Coldstream became the latest club to withdraw from the League.

19. Although Vale of Leithen deserved full credit for their 3-0 win against Berwick Rangers at Victoria Park, the result rather flattered the victors. It was a game of unexpected happenings, with the final result the greatest surprise of all. Berwick showed three changes to the side beaten by Chirnside with Edinburgh-based players Rourke and Nichol in for the injured Johnstone and McIntee respectively. Watson replaced Stewart. A troublesome wind blew down the pitch and Rangers, losing the toss, were set against it. Vale scored once with the advantage, and it was expected that Rangers would easily wipe out the deficit on the change of ends. The game opened with each end being visited in turn. However, midway through the half Vale opened the scoring when Hoy scored from a good position in front of goal. Rangers retaliated and Crawford was called upon to save well from Kerr. An infringement in the Berwick goalmouth led to Vale being awarded a penalty, but McFarlane struck the upright and the rebound was sent clear of the posts. Stand-in keeper Rourke dealt confidently with shots from Hoy and Wilson and with Berwick unlucky not to improve their position after some determined attacks, the home side ended the first half a goal up.

With the opening of the second half, Berwick played better football, but the home side in their few attacks were always dangerous, with Hoy and Murray both missing good chances when well placed. Throughout the half, Rangers pressed. Full backs King and Cunningham were always on the centreline, while the half-backs and forwards tried hard not notch a goal. The Berwick forwards were, however, in poor form and, try as they might, they could not find the net. Rangers were caught stone-cold a few minutes from the end when Hoy picked up a loose ball in midfield and ended a clever run with a goal in a one-on-one with Rourke. To make matters worse, a minute later Hoy scored his hat trick goal in a similar fashion to make sure of the points.

Mystery was surrounding the whereabouts of Mollison, missing from the Rangers' team sheet for the last few weeks but recovered from "injury". It transpired that Mollison was unable to play for Berwick Rangers in the East of Scotland League for the remainder of the season due to being a Duns player. The East of Scotland FA considered him to be on the books of Duns and therefore ineligible to play for Berwick Rangers. Although Mollison had played earlier in the season for Duns, he had refused to sign, but the ESFA ruled he had automatically penned his signature by turning out for the Berwickshire club. However, in the eyes of the Scottish Football Association, Mollison was a signed and registered Berwick Rangers player after putting pen to paper.

26. It was another disappointing Saturday for the few who turned out to watch the League match against Dunbar Town at Shielfield Park. Despite leading 2-1 at half-time, a poor second half performance saw Berwick beaten 4-3, gifting Dunbar both points. The forward line got little support from the half-backs, who lacked judgement. Several changes were made in the home ranks. Rourke, their keeper last week, called off and Pearson was called in at the last minute. Sim was unavailable, while Mollison was suspended, their places being filled by Cpl Hewson and Sgt Douglas of the KOSB Depot. Dunbar, aided by the wind, started brightly and D. Grant opened the scoring after racing downfield to score following a long clearance. Rangers went all out for the equaliser but time and time again the forwards were out of position when the half-backs sent through. Pearson was often in action and saved shots from Rae and D. Grant, but he was taken by surprise when a long shot from Sked rattled the crossbar. However, Rangers levelled when Hewson accepted a fine pass from Kerr before scoring with a low shot. Douglas then put Berwick ahead shortly before the interval with a long kick which completely deceived Harkness in the Dunbar goal. There was little of interest to tell of in the second half, with play falling to a low ebb after Rangers lost their lead following two goals in quick succession. First, Gullane raced away up the centre and gave Pearson no chance with a powerful shot, and a few minutes later he broke away on the left before crossed the ball in front of the goal; D. Grant missed, but Hannah ran in to give Dunbar the lead for a second time. Berwick pressed for a while, but their finishing was poor. A penalty was given for a handling infringement from which Hope brought Rangers back level. However, near the finish, Gullane scored Dunbar's winning goal.

The game was not only a loss on the field. The gate receipts amounted to £3 0s 6d, a sum sufficient only to pay the guarantee of the visiting team. With the referee's and players' expenses and general administration costs, the game was a financial failure. It would have made better financial sense for the club to play their fixtures away from home. Without the help of the Supporters' Club, Berwick Rangers would not have been able to complete their fixtures so far.

April

2. Berwick Rangers enjoyed another away victory when they defeated Peebles YMCA 3-1. A goal down at the interval, Rangers stormed back and scored three times in the second half to secure victory. With sheets of rain falling and facing a strong wind, Rangers were to be congratulated on their display in the first half, when they restricted the home side to a single goal with a good defensive display. The elements were kinder after the interval and Rangers forged ahead with a better defence and attack. Wyse replaced Pearson in goal, with Bowie and Stewart in for Hewson and Douglas in a reshuffled line-up. Peebles started well, but a slick right-wing move was neatly stopped by Cunningham. At the other end, Kerr headed just over when well placed. Sim, on the Berwick left, was putting in some good work and it required the best effort of Brunton to counter a shot from the winger. Most of the scoring chances were falling to the YMCA and Wyse had to leave his goal on two occasions to clear the danger. The home side eventually succeeded in breaking through when Gilchrist sent in a long, high shot from the left which completely deceived Wyse and landed in the net behind him. A minute later, the Berwick keeper saved a clever shot from Grant. During a Berwick raid just before half-time, Carrick, the Peebles centre-half, sustained a leg injury. Peebles started the second half with only ten men and on the defensive. They survived the Berwick pressure, however, and twice carried out dangerous raids on the left, but King saved the situation on both occasions. Kilner had a good effort saved by Wyse before Rangers took a hold on the game and following a corner Stewart headed in the equalising goal. Berwick went back on the attack and a clever move ended with Kerr putting Rangers ahead two minutes later. Rangers now had Peebles on the rack and Brunton had to leave his goal to dispossess Howie of the ball when he was clean through on goal. Berwick took full advantage of a sudden change in the weather and at times Peebles were hard pressed. Kilner raised the siege but good work by King thwarted the attacking move and before the end Kerr scored Berwick's third to make sure of the points.

16. The last home fixture in the East of Scotland League against Vale of Leithen saw a dramatic end: a player sent off; a disputed penalty, and the referee knocked out! There were occasions when the game had an end-of-season atmosphere, but the referee had a lot to answer for with several questionable decisions made, which raised tensions amongst the players throughout the game. Rangers were the sprightlier at the start with Bowie, Gilchrist and Sim going close in the opening minutes. After 15 minutes, Berwick were awarded a penalty when Kerr's goal- bound effort was handled by a defender. However, Hope sent his shot straight at the keeper. Encouraged by this let off, the visitors made tracks to the other end and Hoy opened the scoring with a smart header low into the net following a corner. A spell of midfield play followed before Stewart broke through and hit a shot which rebounded off the Vale crossbar. More sustained pressure followed in which Scobie equalised from close range. Stewart, Vesco and Bowie all went close with fine tries, but hesitancy near goal let them down. Just on the interval, Crawford clutched a high cross from Bowie on the goal-line and in attempting to evade the in-rushing Kerr, he carried the ball over the line. Although Vale protested, the referee's award of a goal stood. With their backs now up, Vale started the second half in a lively fashion. The ball was kept swinging and play moved rapidly from end to end. Wyse was fortunate to see a strong shot hit the crossbar as the visitors pressed, but the keeper was beaten a short time after when Hoy drove in a fierce long-range shot to level the score at 2-2. The score was still level after a sustained Berwick raid. Vale replied without success, the crossbar again coming to the rescue. Crawford got down well to stop a Sim shot as the pace quickened before Vale went ahead after a succession of corners ended with Wilson scoring. Ten minutes from the end, Vesco restored parity with a remarkable goal. His shot from the left struck the inside of the far post, bounced along the goal-line, hit the inside of the other post, and rebounded back into play. The referee ruled the ball had crossed the line – much to the protest of the Vale players who surrounded him. A few minutes later came the dramatic climax. Stewart and an opponent had a brief altercation in midfield. They were separated and a free kick to Berwick was awarded. The kick was sent over to the left; Bowie met it and cut in towards goal; he was just inside the box when McFarlane brough him down heavily and the referee awarded a penalty. Vale resented the referee's decision, and he was lost in a ring of blue jerseys for a while. When the referee emerged, his finger was pointing to the stand. Watson appeared to be the player being sent off. As he was walking past the referee, he swung out an arm and the official fell prone to the ground. Within a matter of seconds all hell was let loose as the crowd invaded the pitch; Watson was hustled off by his colleagues, and the referee, who had been rendered unconscious, was attended to. Play was held up for five minutes before the referee had sufficiently recovered to continue with the game. Rangers lost their chance of a win when Sim failed to score from the spot, which was maybe a good thing under the circumstances, and a few minutes later the final whistle went.

The Gate drawings at the match amounted to £4 19s 6d. "An improvement on the last home game," remarked an official, "but not nearly enough to make the Club feel by any means comfortable about the financial position."

23. In their final League match of the season, Berwick Rangers beat Peebles Rovers at Whitestone Park for the first time in 14 matches. Sim was replaced in the team by Frank Vesco, brother of Charlie, and Stewart's place was taken by a trialist. The well-balance and eager Rangers ran riot over their opponents, with the forwards shooting from all angles. Rovers had their lucky stars to thank that they had Robertson in goal. It was his heroic display which averted a spate of goals. Unlike his rival who was under an aerial bombardment in the second half, Wyse, the Berwick keeper, spent the afternoon in the role of a spectator. Rangers could have netted double figures, for Peebles hardly set foot in the Berwick half after the interval. Rovers were quickly on the attack at the start and Wyse made a brilliant save to deny McPherson from a free kick. Rovers did most of the early pressing, but King and Cunningham were on the alert and Wyse had little to do. A few minutes later, Aitken nearly scored but Cunningham kicked clear on the goal-line when Wyse was beaten. Bowie raised the siege and Robertson in the Peebles goal did well to save two good shots from the winger. The home goal had a narrow escape when Robertson touch a Sim shot over the bar for a corner. However, it was Peebles who took the lead midway through the half. Rovers played into the Berwick half and won a free kick on the edge of the box and Walker's kick deflected off Gilchrist and into the net. C. Vesco came close to scoring an equalising goal just before the interval, but Robertson made an excellent save. Rangers were not long in arrears after the restart with Bowie beating Robertson to level the score. Bowie then placed a corner into the six-yard box from which Gilchrist put Berwick into the lead. Sound defensive work by King and Cunningham kept the Rovers out and Bowie added a third following a corner kick. Bowie scored his hat trick goal with a low shot from 20 yards before completing the scoring with his fourth and Berwick's fifth in similar style.

May

5. Berwick Rangers were again in top form when they defeated a strengthened Chirnside United team 1-0 in the semi-final of the Berwickshire Senior Charity Cup at Shielfield Park. Chirnside included several St Bernard's players – Sayer, Flucker and Flynn. Rangers fielded their usual team except for Straffen in goal for Wyse, Dougal of Penicuik Athletic and the return of Mollison. Berwick attacked from the start and the Chirnside defence kicked wildly to relive the pressure. Corners were forced at both ends, but the all-important goal did not arrive until the 20th minute. Dougal crossed from the right through a line of players, and Bowie connected with a first-time volley, giving Hall little chance. Rangers kept up the pressure and for several minutes bombarded the opposition goal. Hall cleared well and dealt confidently with high shots from Sim and Bowie. King put a stop to a Chirnside attack before Gilchrist found an opening and played Mollison through, but he shot just past the post, and a rousing first half in which both teams played flowing football ended with Rangers clutching onto their slender lead. Chirnside upped their game in the second half, but poor finishing let them down. The Berwick defence was going great guns and timely interventions relieved several promising dangerous situations. Sim tricked his way into the United penalty box, but his attempt hit the upright and bounced out of play. A similar act was performed by Dougal, who after accepting a centre by Bowie, shot against the post. Chirnside rallied, and in an attack Straffen was called upon to save drives from Sayers and Spence in quick succession. After Dougal had struck the upright for the second time, Scobie was faced with an open goal, but his shot too bounced off the woodwork and out of play. Both teams tried hard to better their position towards the end, but the Berwick defence kept the opposition at bay and finished worthier winners than the single goal suggested.

14. Rangers won the Berwickshire Senior Charity Cup for the first, beating Duns 4-1 in the final at Home Park, Chirnside. Fielding an unchanged side, Rangers held a four-goal lead at half-time. A heavy shower of rain shortly before kick-off made the ground slippery. A large crowd lined the ropes, expecting a fiery opening, but with the ground greasy the teams started cautiously. The Duns goal had a narrow escape early on, but Foreman made a full-length save to avert the danger. Duns attacked, but Straffen cleared confidently from McLaren. Success came Berwick's way when Sim finished off a fine move by giving Foreman no chance with a powerful shot, and a few minutes later, Sim crashed home a second. Rangers fully deserved their two-goal lead on the run of play. End-to-end football followed. Whitelaw sent a fast shot just past the Berwick post and at the other end Dougal had hard lines with a good shot. Rangers went further ahead when Dougal sent in a fast shot which Forman dived head-long to save. He stopped the ball from entering the net, but in clearing sent out to Bowie, who hit a return ball into the net. Berwick scored the fourth goal in a similar fashion. A goal-kick by Foreman found Mollison, and the keeper had no chance with the swift return. It was a great task for Duns to reduce such a formidable lead, but they certainly tried in the second half. The Berwick defence had a gruelling time from a succession of attacks made by the Duns forwards. Offside stopped Bowie from following up an advantage and later Foreman did well to clear from Mollison. Duns were awarded a penalty after the referee had consulted the linesman on an infringement, and it was from this that Young scored Duns' only goal. This livened up play and both ends were visited in turn. Both keepers were called into action but saved well. Broadley, Young and Whitelaw had good chances for Duns, before the Berwick back line took a firm grip on the game. The Rangers forwards, however, had eased off considerably, but had they played with the attack and determination of the first half the score would have been much greater. The gate receipts were £18.

The season ended with very little success other than winning the Berwickshire Senior Charity Cup. Rangers met with only limited success in the League, finishing third, and made first-round exits in the East of Scotland and Scottish qualifying cups at the hands of Penicuik Athletic and the King Cup at the second stage. The club scratched from the Border Cup under protest.

The average gate of the season was just over £4. Only on rare occasions did the gate exceed £5. Yet it took three or four hundred pounds a year to run an East of Scotland League club. The officials were truly thankful to the Supporter' Club, who almost weekly delved into their funds to keep the flag flying at Shielfield Park. At the Club's AGM, an appeal was made for more support at home matches, with many this season choosing to spend a Saturday afternoon by the fireplace.

Items in the financial statement included: Admission to home matches, £119 1s 5d; season tickets, £20 0s 6d; away gates, £62 1s; transfers from the Supporters' Club, £250. The total income amounted to £554 1s 11d, with expenditure totalling £500 15s 8d, leaving a credit balance of £53 6s 3d. It was clear to see that the income from the Supporters' Club had made it possible for Berwick Rangers to complete the season, unlike some other border clubs, and in credit.