2018/19: Down & Out

Results

Competition Results

Appearances & Goals

Berwick Rangers started the 2018/19 season with 17 signed players with more expected to follow. Manager Robbie Horn had a hard job bringing players in with several clubs in the Lowland and East of Scotland leagues splashing the cash to make their way up the pyramid system and all were fishing in the same pond as Berwick. Outwith that, many players did not wish to travel, and some were asking big money. Rangers still lacked a bit of experience in the squad, but the club had to live within its means.

July

Rangers began their pre-season with four tough friendlies in ten days. Premiership side Hibernian defeated Berwick 6-0 at Shielfield Park before a trip to Championship side Alloa Athletic saw Berwick defeated 3-1. More Premiership opposition followed with visitors St Johnstone winning 4-0, but Berwick saw victory with a 2-0 win in their final friendly at Lowland League side Civil Service Strollers.

17. Berwick's competitive season got off to a very disappointing start with a heavy 4-0 defeat in the League Cup at Annan Athletic. Rangers weathered the storm as Annan attacked from the start but gave away two cheap goals in the last third of the first half. It was game over after Berwick switched off twice at the start of the second and it could have been more but for a couple of good saves by Adams. Annan opened the scoring on 30 minutes when Muir ran unmarked from near the back post into the middle of the six-yard box and headed home Johnston's well-placed corner from the right. Muir scored a second for Annan on 42 minutes when a cross from the right found him in a good position in front of goal and he slide the ball under the diving Adams from 10 yards out. Three minutes into the second half, Wilson made it three for the home side when a free kick wide on the right was floated into the crowded goalmouth by Johnston; the ball bounced off a Berwick defender to the feet of Wilson, who powered a high ball into the net from the edge of the 18-yard box. Roberts added goal number four on 52 minutes after Johnston held off the challenges of Orru and Murrell to play Hooper through near the right corner flag. Hooper crossed into the goalmouth and the unmarked Roberts ran in and scored the easiest of goals from six yards with a simple tap in.

21. Visitors Airdrieonians returned home with three group points after a comfortable 3-0 win over Berwick Rangers in the League Cup at Shielfield Park. After Crighton had headed his side in front, there was only ever going to be one winner. Rangers started the game with a distinctly defensive approach but did provide some early threat when Wilson headed inches over Gallacher's crossbar with just four minutes gone. Gallacher had to act quickly on 11 minutes to collect a low shot on target from Orru, although an angled effort from Willis was closer to the keeper's back post two minutes later. Airdrie went close when Conroy's delivery from a corner found Crighton, but he headed narrowly wide. However, on 20 minutes, another Conroy delivery from a corner found Crighton the back post and this time he headed the ball beyond Brennan to open the scoring. Rangers replied with a Willis 25-yard volley three minutes later, but it was comfortably pushed over the crossbar by Gallacher. Airdrie's pressure paid off with nine minutes of the half remaining when Stewart swept past two defenders before firing the ball into the box which Duffy tucked into the net. Carrick went close to adding a third three minutes from the break when a long ball from Robertson was nodded back by Duffy, but he shot just wide. Duffy went close again a minute after the restart with a powerful drive which rebounded back into play off the left-hand post. Brennan made three brilliant saves against Carrick, Crighton and Robertson to keep Berwick in the match. However, Airdrie got the killer goal on 76 minutes when Page won the ball inside the box and was taken down. While others were claiming for a spot kick for the foul, Leighton McIntosh had the presence of mind to control the ball and fire it into the back of the net without hesitation. Five minutes from time, Gallacher was alert to Healy's late run and raced out to smother the ball, ensuring the visitors a clean sheet.

Daryl Healy makes a goalmouth challenge in the League Cup versus Hamilton Academical at Shielfield Park on 24th August 2018.

24. Hamilton Academical took the points in a comfortable League Cup win at Shielfield Park with two goals scored in each half. A hat trick from Miller and a late defected effort from Imrie, were enough to give the visitors a deserved win. Rangers were always second best and conceded a goal after just five minutes when Miller headed into the top left corner from very close range after Imrie had headed a cross from the left back across the face of the goal. MacKinnon was just a bit too high with a header from the right side of the six-yard box for the visitors before Berwick's first attack saw Murphy's shot from outside the box blocked before it could reach the goal. Hamilton doubled their lead on 29 minutes when McMann sent over a high cross from the left and Miller scored with a header from very close range to the high centre of the goal. Want, Boyd and Bloomfield all had chances before Imrie, Phillips and McMann combined to give Miller another chance, but his goal just before half-time was ruled out for offside. Hamilton's Boyd was lively early in the second half, setting up Bloomfield as well as having a chance himself, before Gordon and Sowah put in a couple of good tackles to deny Berwick advancing. The visitors were awarded a penalty on 64 minutes when Miller was tripped in the box by Murphy, and he stepped up to score from the spot to complete his hat trick. The visitors had a deflected effort ruled out for offside before making the score 4-0 with three minutes remaining. A headed clearance from a corner fell kindly to Imrie, who took a shot at goal from 20 yards and the ball was deflected past Adams and into the net off Bingham. In the last minute, Hamilton had another goal ruled out for offside when Miller was judged to be offside when he bundled a shot from Lyon over the goal-line.

28. Livingston finished top of Group F after a comfortable victory over Berwick Rangers at Prestonfield, Linlithgow. After Hamilton opened the scoring inside three minutes, Livingston dominated proceedings but had to wait until eight minutes from time for McMillan to seal the victory. Livingston got off to the ideal start, taking the lead inside three minutes after Miller played a perfect ball through to release Hamilton, who took a touch before slipping a low finish past Brennan into the far corner of the net. Livingston kept up the pressure after making the breakthrough and Miller linked up well with Kaja before firing in a dangerous cross that was fractionally too high for Crane. Kaja fired a low ball across goal on 24 minutes that was just of reach for both Hamilton and Miller. Berwick made a rare foray upfield a minute later and Cook curled in an effort that took a wicked deflection before being tipped wide by Kelly. Berwick came even closer from the resulting corner with a well-worked routine that saw Willis circle round from the back post to the near before getting on the end of the low cross and firing in a ferocious effort that crashed back off the woodwork. Livingston came close to doubling their lead when the ball fell to Pittman, who unleashed a fierce volley which Hamilton could not get out of the way of, and it deflected wide for a goal kick. Cadden fired in a low strike which Brennan did well to save and had another go from distance shortly after, but Brennan was once again equal to it as Livingston were restricted to a one-goal lead at the interval. The home side picked up where they left off after the restart with Cadden finding space in the box before firing in a strike which was palmed away by Brennan. Berwick made a break forward on 65 minutes and Phillips let fly from the edge of the box, but his effort flew high and wide. Hamilton was proving a real handful for the Berwick defence, and he forced his way into the box only to see his low drive saved by Brennan. Livingston came close to notching a second on 82 minutes when Robinson got to the by-line and cut the ball back for McMillan, but he did not get a good connection and the shot was comfortably saved. However, a minute later, patient build-up play ended with a perfect through ball for McMillan to slot home from a tight angle to claim the points and reach the knock-out rounds.

A boardroom coup saw chairman Len Eyre axed by his fellow directors after a vote of no confidence in him. They cited several 'incidents' which had led to their decision, and this followed the axing of vice-chairman John Bell and the departure of the club's commercial manger. However, it was later confirmed that two proxy votes cast at the meeting were invalid and as a result Eyre and Bell were reinstated to their former positions. Five directors, including Douglas Watkins, who led the coup and was elevated into the positions of vice-chairman and then chairman, then resigned. The Supporters' Trust and Supporters' Club, the two largest shareholders in the club met to discuss convening an EGM with the view of removing up to five of the club's nine directors. It was believed that both organisations were in favour and supported by several former directors and individual fans. However, following the resignations of Watkins, Eric Tait, Graham Bell, Lesley Hood and David Hamilton the EGM as not required.

August

4. The attempted boardroom coup was not the best backdrop to the start of the league campaign against Stirling Albion at Shielfield Park. However, new signing Ross Brown made an immediate impression with the only goal of the game as Berwick Rangers got off to a flying start. Berwick could have found themselves dead and buried by half-time as the visitor's had a goal disallowed and struck the woodwork three times. However, Rangers weathered the storm, and in a much better second-half performance, Brown scored on 65 minutes to give Berwick victory. The opening half-hour provided little by the way of goalmouth action, but on 30 minutes Fell sent a looping header over Brennan, following a long ball from just inside the Berwick half, only to have the effort ruled out for offside. McLaughlin and Jardine then both hit a post and Brennan had to make low save before Docherty saw a shot deflected onto the crossbar. Berwick were leading a charmed life, but in the second half they started to find their feet. Willis, Healy and O'Kane all tried their luck from distance before Willis cut in from the left and set up Brown, who, from a central position, jinked his way past a defender before coolly slotting the ball past Ferrie and into the bottom corner of the net. Willis then dragged a shot wide and had a shot well saved by Ferrie as Rangers tried to kill off the game.

Ross Brown scores the opening goal of the league campaign against Stirling Albion at Shielfield Park on 4th August 2018.

11. Berwick Rangers went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Queen's Park at Hampden Park, with the home side scoring the only goal of the game in the first half from the penalty spot. There was little between the sides in the opening stages and any goalmouth action was limited to a blocked shot from Orru after 15 minutes. However, a minute later, Todd fouled Mortimer in the box, the referee pointed to the spot, and McKernon converted the penalty to put the home side in front. There was a further setback for Rangers on 21 minutes when Willis had to leave the field through injury and was replaced by Murphy. Osadolor tried his luck from distance for Queens, but his shot from outside the box was always going wide. Berwick tried to press the high line in the build up to half-time and twice they got good balls into the box, but they trailed 1-0 at the break. The second half got off to a slow start. Rangers had a good claim for a penalty when Healy went down; however, the referee saw it differently and booked Healy for diving. On 71 minutes, Phillips pulled a shot wide as Berwick tried to force their way back into the match. Just over a minute later, Brennan pulled off a good save to prevent McGory extending the home sides lead. Late in the game, Phillips went close again, but this time his low shot was saved by Hart at the post. A minute later, Brown set up Rose in front of goal, but he fired over as Rangers tried vainly to grab a share of the points.

14. Airdrieonians visited Shielfield Park for the second time in just over three weeks, this time in the Challenge Cup, but the scoreline remained the same with the visitors winning 3-0. It took only two minutes for the visitors to open the scoring. A low ball into a crowded penalty area broke to Conroy 20 yards out and he fired home a powerful shot which left Brennan rooted to the spot. Straight from kick off Rangers bore down on the Airdrie goal, but the threat was snuffed out and the visitors soon resumed their domination of possession. Carrick got on the end of a Victoria cutback on seven minutes, with his shot beating Brennan only to be cleared off the line by a defender. Brennan was having a busy night, and he was down quickly to gather a 16th minute Victoria effort. However, three minutes later, Carrick did find the net with a tremendous strike from a tight angle when a cross looked more likely. There was no let up for Berwick as Airdrie continued to press. A rash challenge on Stewart just inside the box on 22 minutes saw the referee blow for a penalty, and Brennan was left cursing his luck as he palmed McIntosh's spot-kick against the inside of the post only to see the ball spin over the line. Rangers enjoyed a couple of attacks before half-time, but their finishing was wayward. Murrell had the perfect opportunity to pull one back after he was tripped in the box and a penalty awarded, but Airdrie keeper Hutton made a smart save to his left. Robertson fired a good chance over the crossbar following a neat build-up before Brennan made saves from Victoria and Stewart to keep the scoreline at 3-0 as the sides went in for the interval. Airdrie's comfortable position, coupled with three substitutions, meant the second half lacked the intensity of the first, and much of the game was played out in midfield although Brennan had to act quick to deny Carrick a second on 56 minutes. With 15 minutes remaining, the keeper did well to hold a fierce 30-yard strike from MacDonald, before Cairns and Russell missed the target from decent positions. However, the early goal blitz proved enough to see Airdrie comfortably through.

18. A disappointing Berwick Rangers side slumped to their seventh defeat in eight league and cup matches this season with a 4-0 loss at Cowdenbeath. Two goals in three minutes in the first half were followed by another two in a minute midway through the second. Goals from Sheerin and Scott in 33 and 36 minutes and Scullion and Buchanan on 68 and 69 minutes meant it was another depressing afternoon for Berwick. Willis had an early shot saved and Lavery pulled a shot wide as Rangers broke on the half-hour. The home side opened the scoring when Sheerin headed in a Mullen cross on 33 minutes before Scott doubled the advantage just three minutes later. Sheerin went close twice more before the break whilst early in the second half Lavery and Mullen both saw shots saved by the respective keepers. Lavery again went close on the break before Malcolm saw an effort come back off the post for Cowdenbeath on the hour-mark. The third goal came when Scullion found the top corner of the net after 68 minutes, and a minute later it was four when Buchanan shot home after being set up by Swann. Both sides were then reduced to ten men when, within a minute, Cowdenbeath's Miller was sent off for violent conduct and Berwick's Wilson was shown two yellows and a red. Rose had a shot saved, Todd headed just wide from a corner and Lavery again shot wide on the break as Rangers tried to salvage some pride, but it was too little, too late as Cowdenbeath took their first win of the season and all three points.

Darren Lavery in goalmouth action versus Annan Athletic on 25th August 2018.

25. Berwick Rangers went down to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of joint league leaders Annan Athletic at Shielfield Park in a game which highlighted Rangers' lack of confidence and to a certain extent lack of luck. Annan took the points with a first-half goal from Smith and second half strikes from Muir and Wilson. The opener came when keeper Mitchell played a long ball over the top after eight minutes; Smith ran through and managed to beat Adams to make a connection on the edge of the box and prod it into the net with the defenders back peddling. The remainder of the half was mundane with goalmouth chances at a premium and at half-time it remained 1-0 to the visitors. Berwick started the second half brightly and just a minute after the start they had the ball in the Annan net. Fleming followed up after Mitchell spilled a shot from Murrell, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Willis then got in a shot which Mitchell got down well to save, while another Willis shot was blocked in the box. However, on 61 minutes Annan doubled their lead when Wallace turned his marker twice on the left and crossed to the back post where Muir headed in. With the game virtually won, the visitors then afforded themselves the luxury of re-placing both their goalscorers. Annan might have added a third when they shot across the goal and Brown almost turned the ball into his own net but for Adams having to save well. Late in the game, Lavery almost got on the end of a through ball, but Mitchell beat him to it on the edge of the box. Cook had an effort from a corner cleared off the line before Orru headed just over from a Lavery cross as Rangers fought hard but were unable to break through. In injury time, Annan scored their third when Wilson netted with a free kick from a central position.

September

1. Berwick Rangers recorded their second victory of the season following a gritty performance against bottom-of-the-table Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill. New striker Cedwyn Scott, on loan from Premiership side Dundee, came off the bench and made an immediate impression by scoring twice. Albion, who had lost their opening four games, and were looking for their first goal of the season and had only three minutes wait before they broke their duck when Murdo fired in a shot from a central position following a corner. Watson pulled a shot wide for Albion and Phillips had a shot saved by home keeper Potts before Phillips equalised on 13 minutes after being set up by Willis. It was Willis who put Berwick into the lead from the penalty spot on 25 minutes after he picked himself up from a foul in the box by Potts. Neill had a shot saved by Potts on the half-hour. At the other end, McGeough shot wide and then had another effort saved by Adams before Wharton fired just over. Rovers eventually hauled themselves level on 38 minutes when McLear shot into the bottom corner. Five minutes into the second half, Albion took the lead when, on the break, Gracie found the net from 35 yards. There were then chances at both ends before Scott made it 3-3 on the hour, just a minute after coming off the bench. Willis put a free kick into the goalmouth and from a central position Scott headed past Potts. Berwick then sensed they might eke out a winner and Willis, Phillips and Scott all shot wide as they pressed Albion back into their own half. The pressure told on 78 minutes when Scott played Healy through on goal and his shot from the centre of the box flew to the top right-hand corner to give Rangers back in the lead. It was game over with four minutes remaining when Scott's low shot found the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

15. Poor defending let Berwick Rangers down against Elgin City at Shielfield Park. Rangers conceded two in a two-minute spell and a third right on the stroke of half-time. Morrison struck twice, the second coming with the very last kick of the first half, after an own goal from Orru had given City the lead. In the opening exchanges Elgin probed down the left, but neither they nor Berwick could find a way through to create a clear-cut chance. The first real effort fell to Rangers on 16 minutes when they were awarded a free kick 25 yards out, but Willis's kick was always going high. The visitors got the breakthrough on 22 minutes when a ball into the box from the left was toe poked into his own net by Orru at the back post. City doubled their lead on 24 minutes when Morrison netted from almost on the line after McGovern slid the ball into the danger area from the right. Berwick, who saw Brown shoot wide, had a chance to pull a goal back when Healy got to the by-line and cut the ball back for Scott, but he was unable to get his shot away from six yards out. Elgin then added a third goal with virtually the last kick of the first half when Morrison was played in on the left by Omar and he slid the ball under the advancing Brennan for his second of the match. With the visitors now in easy street they defended deeper in the second half, content to sit back on their lead. Berwick enjoyed more possession but still could find no way through the well marshalled City defence, for whom Gourlay never had a direct shot to save.

22. Berwick Rangers lost 1-0 on the road to Peterhead and were left to rue several missed chances which were either saved or just off target. On another day Berwick might have left with at least a point, but once Peterhead got their noses in front, it was always going to be difficult for Rangers to claw their way back. Rangers gave a debut to defender Aiden McIlduff, who had played for Peterhead last season, and who had signed just 24 hours earlier. In the early stages, the home side had two decent chances through Brown, who shot just over, and Lyle, who fired wide. Ferry also shot wide while Brown had a header well saved by Brennan. Rangers' best chance of the first half fell to Healy, who had a shot saved, but Peterhead were control of matters and Stevenson fired just wide from a free kick, while Leitch had a shot blocked. In the second half, Brown had a shot blocked and McAllister had a shot from outside the box saved by Brennan as Peterhead continued to press. Just after the hour-mark, Willis and Healy both went close for Berwick in quick succession before McAllister (twice) and Leitch went close for the home side. However, Rangers were finally undone when on 73 minutes McAllister shot home from the right side of the six-yard box to the bottom left corner after being set up by Stevenson. Afterwards, Dow and McKean both shot wide as Peterhead went on search of second, whilst Willis shot wide for Berwick in the closing stages.

Manager Robbie Horn looks away from the match action.

29. Berwick Rangers went down to a last-minute defeat by the odd goal in five against Clyde at Shielfield Park. Rangers surrendered a 2-0 half time lead as Clyde fought back for a dramatic last-minute win. There was little between the sides in the opening quarter-of-an-hour, with neither keeper being tested. Then on 17 minutes, Goodwillie found a gap on the edge of the box for Clyde and managed to get in a shot which rebounded off the inside of Brennan's right-hand post. Just two minutes later, Healy pulled a shot across the Clyde goal from an acute angle. The opening goal came for Rangers in the 27th minute when Healy played Scott through the middle and he side-stepped his marker before confidently shooting low past Currie into the bottom corner. On 37 minutes, Brennan made his first real save of the match when he got down to smother a Cuddihy shot. Berwick then doubled their lead on 40 minutes when Phillips made a strong run through the middle and set up Ogilvie who coolly slotted past Currie to make it 2-0 at half-time. However, Clyde hit back with two goals in nine minutes in the second half to quickly level matters. Just two minutes after the restart Clyde caught Rangers cold when Goodwillie netted from close range after the ball was cut into box from the left by McNiff. Lamont then blazed wide before Belmokhtar levelled it up at 2-2 on 53 minutes when Wilson lost possession in the opposition half and Clyde broke quickly. Minutes later, Goodwillie went close with shot from close range before Brennan saved a Rankin shot from outside the box at the post following a corner. Brennan stopped shots from Lamont and Goodwillie as Clyde pressed for the winning goal. With three minutes remaining Goodwillie took a dive in the area and was rightly shown a yellow card for his effort. Boyle went close with a shot from outside the box as Clyde kept up the pressure before Belmokhtar scored in stoppage time with a shot from the right side of the six-yard box into the top right-hand corner of the net.

October

6. Berwick Rangers found themselves second best in the game against Edinburgh City at Ainslie Park. Henderson contributed two goals to their downfall, including one from the penalty spot, and Laird one. Henderson gave an early indication of his threat when he fired over after eight minutes. Taylor and the Shepherd also shot over before Laird opened the scoring on 29 minutes after finding the bottom corner from a free kick. Scott had Berwick's only attempt of the first half when he shot over before Black had a shot saved by Brennan at the other end in the build up to half-time. Just a minute into the second half, Henderson fired over again before he doubled City's lead two minutes later with a header from a cross by Shepherd on the right. It was game over on 70 minutes when Brennan fouled Watson in the box, for which he was shown a yellow card, and Henderson dispatched the resultant penalty into the back of the net. Goalmouth chances were few and far between after this and the home side finished comfortable winners, leaving Rangers with only two wins from nine league fixtures at the competition's quarter-way stage.

Manager Robbie Horn resigned a few hours after the Edinburgh City defeat, citing health issues as one of his reasons. During the summer, he had his budget cut by the board and admitted it had been difficult to attract players of the quality he would have liked to the club. Horne, who had been in charge at Shielfield Park for just over a year said following his resignation: "When you stop enjoying the game you love and it affects your health, it's time to admit defeat. When it's YOUR club, it's even harder! I genuinely wish the club every success in the future. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over the last year."

Rangers were quick to appoint a new manager with Johnny Harvey taking the position. Ex-Berwick player Harvey was widely acknowledged as one of the brightest managerial prospects outside the SPFL, having enjoyed success with Edinburgh United, Haddington Athletic and latterly Penicuik Athletic.

Chairman Len Eyre welcomes new manager Johnny Harvey to Shielfield Park before the Scottish Cup match versus Gretna 2008 on 20th October 2018.

20. New manager Johnny Harvey got off to a good start as Berwick Rangers beat Gretna 2008 3-1 in the second round of the Scottish Cup at Shielfield Park. Two goals from Willis (one in each half) and one from Scott in the second half, safely saw Rangers through to the third round. Gretna started brightly, but once they fell behind Berwick started to exert their authority on the match. The first chance of the game fell to Gretna after seven minutes when Grandison shot narrowly wide. Two minutes later, the visitors broke down the right but Connelly's cross evaded Messenger at the back post. Berwick's best chance fell to Willis after 18 minutes but his first-time shot from outside the box was always going high. On 23 minutes, a long clearance from Gretna keeper Atkinson found Kelly, but he lifted the ball over the crossbar under pressure from a defender. As the visitors continued to take advantage of the wind, Messenger went close with a cross from the left which shaved Brennan's post on the half-hour. The breakthrough came eventually came after 37 minutes when Willis smashed the ball home for Berwick after Healy's first effort was blocked and the ball fell kindly to him in the box. Rangers started well in the second half and, after Healy dragged two shots wide, two goals in a two-minute spell killed the game. Scott extended Berwick's lead on 51 minutes when he rolled the ball into the net from close range after forcing his way into the box down the left. A minute later, Willis made it three when he found the net after Scott's initial effort was deflected. Gretna went close to reducing the deficit on 76 minutes when Smith hit a powerful 25-yarder off Brennan's left-hand post, with the keeper at full stretch. Late in the game, the visitors saw the ball bounce off the top of the Berwick crossbar, but with three minutes remaining Gretna got the reward their efforts deserved when a long throw-in from the right found Hope at the back post, and he tapped in from close range.

27. Back to league business, Berwick Rangers suffered a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Cowdenbeath and had three players sent off into the bargain. Rangers had Neil red carded in the first half, with Wilson and Hamilton both following him in the second. With only two minutes on the clock, Hurst forced Cowdenbeath keeper Maley into making a save, the only effort on target for the home side in 90 minutes. Rangers were dealt a blow on 16 minutes when Neil was shown a straight red after kicking out at Cox, who was shown yellow for retaliation – one of five visiting players to find their way into the referee's book during the game. Cowdenbeath used their extra man to good effect when they took the lead on 28 minutes, when Swann fired home from 15 yards through a crowded goalmouth. Two minutes later, Swann fired wide after Berwick failed to clear their lines. The visitors doubled their lead on 36 minutes when Swann converted from the penalty spot after Wilson tripped Scott on the edge of the box. The second half provided little by the way of goalmouth action. Berwick battled away with ten men but never threatened the Cowdenbeath back line and keeper Maley was never really tested. Rangers' task was made more difficult when Wilson was sent off for an over-the-top challenge right in front of the referee. Hamilton followed suit just two minutes later for a foul, having already been booked for dissent following Wilson's dismissal. From the resulting free kick, on 80 minutes, Mullen slammed a loose ball past Brennan into the bottom corner to make it 3-0 to Cowdenbeath and game over.

November

3. Short of players due to suspensions, Berwick Rangers went down to a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Stirling Albion. Goals from McLaughlin and Makin gave Stirling a 2-0 half-time lead and Jardine added a third in the second half. They also hit the woodwork in the first half and missed two penalty kicks within the space of a minute in the second. The home side started the brighter and Mackin had a shot saved by Brennan after three minutes before hitting the crossbar after five. Jardine also had a shot saved and McLaughlin pulled a shot wide before he opened the scoring on 16 minutes with a shot from the centre of the box. Makin doubled the advantage after 26 minutes with a strike from a similar position before McLaughlin had another shot saved in the build up to half-time. After the break, Marr and McIndoe both went close for Stirling while Hurst had a shot well saved by Binnie. However, Stirling were still the dominant force and they made it 3-0 on 56 minutes when Jardine headed in from a corner. Hurst had another shot saved by Binnie, while Brennan saved from both Docherty and Jardine. Stirling were then awarded a penalty on 66 minutes when Brown fouled McLaughlin. Brennan saved the spot-kick but then fouled McLaughlin as the pair went for the rebound and a second spot kick was awarded. This time McIndoe stepped up to take the kick, but his effort rebounded off the crossbar. In the closing stages, O'Kane twice went close for Berwick, but in truth Stirling were still the better side.

10. After two league defeats after his appointment, it was third time lucky for manager Johnny Harvey with a moral boosting 4-2 win against Elgin City at Borough Briggs. Rangers remained in ninth position in the league, but more importantly they opened a five-point lead over basement side Albion Rovers, who they faced next at Shielfield Park. Willis scored twice for Berwick with two trialist, Hume and Barr, also netting. In many respects, it was a first-half smash-and-grab raid which handed Berwick a 2-0 interval lead. Elgin started the brighter of the two sides and created several chances before Willis fired Rangers in front with their first attacking move after 26 minutes, netting on the break after being set up by Barr. Berwick then doubled their lead on 33 minutes when Willis turned provider by paving the way for Hume to score. Sutherland, twice, and Morrison both went close as Elgin continued to find little luck in front of goal but at half-time Berwick led 2-0. Early in the second half, Healy shot narrowly over for Berwick, but Omar, Sutherland and McGovern all went close as the home side pressed. City finally pulled a goal back on 64 minutes when McGovern found the net from close range after being sent up by Byrne. Just four minutes later, Berwick restored their two-goal advantage when Barr slotted in a left-footed shot. Omar again shot wide for Elgin before McHardy bagged a second for the home side on 72 minutes with Cameron the provider. It set up a nervy final quarter-hour, but on 78 minutes Willis struck again when he found the corner of the net with a well-placed free kick. Elgin tried to respond with Sutherland having two shots blocked, while Beattie headed wide from a corner, but Rangers held on for the win and three much-needed points.

17. Berwick Rangers picked up their first back-to-back league victories in two seasons when they defeated Albion Rovers 2-0 in the basement battle at Shielfield Park. A first-half goal from Healy and a second-half penalty from Willis helped Berwick open an eight-point gap over their opponents and leapfrog Stirling Albion into eighth place. For the second week running, Rangers took the field with two trialists in their starting eleven. Albion started the brightest of the two sides and in the first minute McLear broke down the right and fired across the goal for the visitors, Watson also had a free kick safely collected by Brennan. It took Berwick 27 minutes to carve out an opening when a Phillip's free kick was met by Murrell with a glancing header, but the effort was straight at Rovers' keeper Potts. Healy then hit a half volley over the top from just outside the box after the ball was headed down to him by Murrell. At the other end, Watson shot straight at Brennan when Albion broke from their own half. The deadlock was broken on 33 minutes when Healy poked home from close range in a crowded goalmouth after Cook headed down into the ground and onto the crossbar from a corner. Straight from the re-start in the second half, Albion got themselves into all sorts of trouble at the back and Phillips almost got in, but a defender made a last-ditch clearance. On 64 minutes, Berwick created a good opening when Willis broke down the right and crossed for Healy, who headed straight at Potts. Two minutes later, O'Kane was fouled by Potts in the box and Willis converted from the penalty spot to double Rangers' advantage. Albion tried to respond with Wilson having a shot deflected narrowly wide following a goalmouth scramble before McLear saw a shot well saved by Brennan. Near the end, Berwick might have added a third when Potts parried a shot from distance, but the in-rushing Ogilvie was unable to keep the rebound down.

Daryl Healy scores aaginst East Fife in the second round of the Scottish Cup at Shielfield Park on 24th November 2018.

24. A late fightback in the third round of the Scottish Cup against East Fife at Shielfield Park was in vain as two goals in the opening 11 minutes had put Berwick Rangers on the backfoot. The visitors scored twice early on through Davidson and Agnew to stamp their authority on the match, while Healy pulled a goal back at the start of the second half. Rangers staged a late onslaught in which they carved out several chances to force an equaliser, but none were taken. East fife took only six minutes to open the scoring when Currie played the ball in from the left and Davidson slammed home from close range in a crowded goalmouth. On 11 minutes Rangers fell further behind when Agnew slid the ball home after Currie again played the ball in from the left. Watt fired over after half-an-hour as the visitors made all the running. Berwick's best chance fell to Healy, who was unable to get any power, stretching for a volley when the ball was played over the top. Currie nearly made it three for East Fife when he latched onto a ball through the middle, but his first-time shot was straight at Brennan. Healy had another chance for Berwick but shot into the hands of McDowall in the East Fife goal. Just a minute before half-time, Brennan had to rescue Rangers again when he went full stetch to deny Watson from a header. East Fife looked to be cruising, but the second half was a much more even affair and Berwick took the wind out of their sails when they pulled a goal back after 56 minutes. Hamilton played a long cross in from the right and Healy rose well to head in at the near post. Dunsmore almost capitalised when Rangers tried to play the ball out from the back at a goal kick, but Brennan managed to fingertip his effort over the top for a corner. With ten minutes left, Rangers launched a late onslaught. Ogilvie shot over when well-placed and then saw a shot go inches wide. Willis did likewise with low shot as Berwick tried to force a late equaliser, but it was to no avail.

December

1. Back to league business, Berwick Rangers grabbed a point against Clyde in a six-goal thriller at Broadwood. Rangers had led 3-0 at the interval with two goals from trialist Barr and one from Willis, but Clyde hit back in the second half with goals from Goodwillie, Cogill and Rankin earning the home side a share of the spoils. Clyde had the better of the opening exchanges with McNiff, Syvertsen and Goodwillie all going close before Barr gave Berwick the lead on 18 minutes with a shot from a central position. Within a minute, Syvertsen almost got Clyde back on level terms when he hit a post with a shot from just inside the box. Clyde continued to press and Goodwillie shot over, Nichols headed against the post and Syvertsen shot wide. Rankin then had a shot saved by Brennan, but on 36 minutes Berwick doubled their advantage when Barr netted his second after being set up by Brown. Chances continued to fall at both ends with McStay having a shot saved for Clyde and Murrell hitting the cross with a powerful shot for Berwick. In first-half stoppage time, Willis struck Berwick's third goal with a free kick which found the bottom corner of the net. Clyde came out of the blocks flying in the second half and after McStay, Boyle and Goodwillie had all gone close, the hosts pulled a goal back when Goodwillie struck after being set up by Lamont. Rankin then shot over before Cogill reduced the arrears even further on 64 minutes with a close-range effort with Lamont again the provider. Just four minutes later, Lamont provided his third assist when he set up Rankin, who scored the equaliser with a low shot into the bottom corner. At this stage it was anyone's game and the chances continued to flow at either end, with O'Kane and Murrell, twice, going close for Berwick and Rankin, twice, and Goodwillie likewise for Clyde. In the final minutes, there was even more drama with both sides hitting the woodwork, Grant hitting a post for Clyde and Orru striking the crossbar for Berwick. In stoppage time, Goodwillie and Rankin both had shots blocked and McStay had a shot well saved by Brennan.

8. Berwick Rangers got a hiding off promotion chasing Peterhead, who raced into a very early lead at Shielfield Park. Three goals in the first half from Leitch, McAllister and Brown put the visitors in the driving seat and goals from McLean and Stevenson heaped more misery on Berwick after the break. It took Peterhead only two minutes to open the scoring when Leitch took advantage of some hesitancy in the Berwick defence and fired in a left foot shot off the inside of the post. On 13 minutes, Berwick were architects of their own downfall when they attempted to play the ball out from the back and the visitors doubled their advantage. O'Kane lost possession to Leitch and McAllister had the simple task of finishing from inside the box. Rangers struggled to get out of their own half and for most of the game the visitors were rarely troubled at the back. Healy lifted one effort over the crossbar and Barr managed to get behind the defence on 24 minutes but his cross from the right was unable to find any of his team-mates closing in. Peterhead added a third on 36 minutes when a Stevenson corner from the left was headed down by Brown and the ball squeezed under Brennan and crept over the line. With five minutes of the opening half remaining, McLean did well down the visitors' left, but he slipped as he tried to get his shot away and the ball drifted over the top, but at 3-0 Peterhead were well in control at the break. Early in the second half, a long through-ball found McAllister who looked to be clean through on goal, but luckily for Berwick he was unable to finish. Just a minute later, however, McLean made it four when he found the net after taking a pass from Dunlop on 51 minutes. Peterhead continued to press with Gibson and McAllister both going close. On 78 minutes, the visitors went nap when Stevenson's low free kick from 22 yards squirmed under Brennan and into the net. Berwick had a couple of late chances, but it was no more than token resistance against an accomplished Peterhead side, who might have added to their tally with a last-minute McAllister shot being smothered by Brennan.

22. There was no festive cheer as Berwick Rangers were dumped in a disappointing 4-0 defeat at Annan Athletic. Annan were the better side throughout and a goal at the start of each half put them in the driving seat. It took Annan just two minutes to open the scoring when Swinglehurst found the net after meeting a cross from Johnston. On seven minutes, Smith hit the crossbar for the home side and as they continued to attack. Annan went close on several occasions but still only led 1-0 at the break. However, straight from the kick-off at the start of the second half, Annan doubled their advantage when Moxon found the net with a shot from outside the box. Brennan then had to make two saves in two minutes to deny Wilson and Smith, but on 55 minutes he was beaten for a third time when Smith headed in from a Johnston cross. A few minutes later, Brennan saved again, this time from Johnston, but there was more misery for Berwick on 69 minutes when Swinglehurst bagged his second of the match and Annan's fourth with a header following a well-placed corner.

Ross Brown in action versus Edinburgh City at Shielfield Park on 29th December 2018.

29. With a much-improved performance, Berwick Rangers came from two goals down to snatch a point with a goal from the last kick of the game at home to league leaders Edinburgh City. Edinburgh, who looked the brighter of the two sides throughout, opened the scoring after 31 minutes when Balatoni headed in from corner. City doubled their advantage on 54 minutes when Henderson was allowed time and space in the box, and he coolly slotted the ball past debutant Berwick keeper Allison in the Berwick goal. With 88 minutes on the clock, Rangers looked to be heading for defeat, but Barr had other ideas and slid the ball over the line at the back post from a Forbes cross from the right. Then, in a dramatic finale, substitute See, who had been out with a badly broken leg since April and making his first appearance of the season, crossed into the box from the left and Neil with the last kick of the match, mishit a shot which was turned into the net by an Edinburgh defender trying to clear.

January

5. An injury hit Berwick Rangers kicked off the New Year with a yet another defeat. Rangers were beaten after conceding a first-half stoppage-time goal and a penalty against Cowdenbeath at Central Park. With Willis, O'Kane, Murphy and Healy all out injured, Berwick secured the services of Matthew Knox on loan from Livingston, who started on the bench. He was introduced as a second-half substitute, by which time Rangers were 2-0 down. Cowdenbeath were the better of the two sides in the first half, creating several chances. Miller shot wide in the first minute. A few minutes later, Cox shot over, Mullen had an effort well saved by Allison and Renton headed wide as the home side made all the running. Berwick's sole effort in the opening 45 was a shot from Neill saved in the bottom corner by McGurn. It looked as if the sides were going in level at the break, but in stoppage time Cowdenbeath broke quickly upfield and netted a deserved goal through Cox. In the second half, Barr shot over for Berwick, but on 61 minutes Rangers conceded a penalty when Forbes fouled Cox in the area and Swann netted from the spot. Rangers were reduced to ten men on 67 minutes when Brown was shown a straight red for a foul. Cowdenbeath tried to push home their advantage and Fraser went close while Allan had a shot saved by Allison. Again, Rangers found chances hard to come by. Orru had a shot from a tight angle saved by McGurn, while Knox fired a good chance wide. The defeat left Berwick ninth in the table; seven points clear of last-placed Albion Rovers.

12. Berwick Rangers' poor run for form continued when they went down 3-0 at home against Clyde. No wins in the last six outings and only two points from 18 was the total. The visitors were in complete control throughout and took the points with two first-half goals from McStay and Goodwillie and a last-minute free kick from Rankin. The visitors were first to show their hand with Rankin firing in a shot from outside the box after only three minutes, which Allison did well to push away. Clyde kept up the pressure and the opening goal came after nine minutes when a free kick from Rankin was spilled by Allison and McStay followed up to net the rebound. Goodwillie and McStay both then had shots just off target from outside the box. On 23 minutes, Berwick made a claim for a penalty when Barr went down on a run into the box, but the referee waved their pleas aside. The visitors had a great chance to extend their lead when Goodwillie headed over from two yards out after a corner was headed back across the goal to him following a corner. Hume headed wide for Berwick from a corner while at the other end Allison saved well from Rankin. Clyde doubled their lead on 36 minutes when a ball was slipped through the middle and Goodwillie slid it past Allison. Just four minutes later, Goodwillie had a chance to make it three when Berwick failed to cut out a through ball; Goodwillie ran through on goal, but Allison pushed his shot onto the post and out for a corner. Allison also saved from Boyle as he broke into the box and at half-time it remained 2-0 to the visitors. Clyde pressed from the start of the second half. McStay had a shot saved by Allison and Orru had to clear another attempt off the line. Goodwillie pulled a shot wide on the break while McStay had a long-range effort parried by an overworked Allison, but they were unable to add to their tally until stoppage time when Rankin fired in an unstoppable free kick from 22 yards out past a helpless home keeper.

Paul Willis in action versus Clyde at Shielield Park on 12th January 2019.

19. Berwick's winless run stretched to seven games when they went down 2-0 at Peterhead. It was Peterhead's third win of the season over Berwick and was achieved courtesy of two second-half goals from McAllister and Leitch, who netted the second deep into stoppage time. Rangers made a decent start with Hume and Healy having shots saved in the opening minutes by home keeper Fleming. However, Peterhead gradually exerted their authority and Allison pulled off two good saves to deny Gibson and Lyall. Leitch hit the crossbar and Lyall had another attempt stopped by Allison and at half-time it remained goalless. In the second half, both keepers had to make saves from Lyall and Willis respectively, while Forbes shot narrowly wide following a Berwick corner. Lyall continued to pose a threat and twice went close in a two-minute spell. Brown and Gibson shot wide as Peterhead cranked up the pressure. The deadlock was eventually broken on 72 minutes when McAllister was fouled by Wilson and McAllister found the net from the subsequent free kick. Allison was again called into action to save from McAllister and Lyall in quick succession and with other efforts blocked a second home goal looked only a matter of time. However, it did not arrive until four minutes into stoppage time when Leitch found the bottom corner with a shot after McAllister had created the opening.

26. Berwick Rangers were put the sword at Hampden Park as their dismal run continued with a 7-1 defeat by Queen's Park. Rangers had not won in their last eight games and, to add insult to injury, they were forced to play the entire second half with only ten men after goalkeeper Allison was sent off for violent conduct in the tunnel at half-time. By the stage Allison saw red, Berwick were already 3-0 down. A McLean penalty and two wonder strikes Kurtis Roberts put the Glasgow side in the driving seat. In the second half, Queens scored twice in two minutes through Galt and McLean for 5-0 and netted again through Galt and Hawke. Willis had an early chance saved by the home keeper, but after that Queens started to exert their authority and, after several near misses, took the lead on 15 minutes when Brown fouled Galt just inside the box and McLean converted from the spot. Three minutes later the home side doubled their lead when Roberts hit home a tremendous 20-yard volley, and he made it three on 28 minutes with another tremendous shot, this time into the top left-hand corner from fully 35 yards. Just before half-time, Allison made three saves to deny the home attack, but as the players entered the tunnel for the break, he was shown a red card for violent conduct and Rangers knew they were in for a torrid second half. Brennan replaced Allison in goal, but he was beaten twice in quick succession. On 54 minutes Galt curled in a shot from 12 yards out, and two minutes later McLean scored with a fast rising shot from the side of the 18-yard box, as Queens cantered into a five-goal lead. Brennan was beaten again by Galt after 68 minutes, when a defensive clearance by Wilson fell kindly to his him in the centre of the box and he beat the keeper from 12 yards out. Hawke made it 7-0 when he was left completely unmarked and ran into the six-yard box to head home from a corner on 73 minutes. It might have been worse yet for Berwick as Moore hit the post with a header from close range on 80 minutes, before Rangers broke upfield and Orru netted a consolation after being setup by Barr two minutes later.

February

Negativity surrounded Shielfield Park with the announcement that leading goalscorer Paul Willis and Aaron Murrell had left the club on transfer deadline day. Willis had signed for Peterhead whilst Murrell had his contract terminated. Strike pair Calum Anderson, ex-Hill of Beath Hawthorn, and Tunisian Ahmed Aloulou, on loan from Alloa Athletic, were added to the squad alongside central defender Dougie Brydon, who returned to Shielfield Park for a second spell.

9. Berwick's winless streak stretched to nine games after Rangers went down 2-1 to Stirling Albion at Shielfield Park. A first-half penalty from Mackin and a second-half header from Smith put Stirling in the driving seat. Barr netted with a tremendous strike from 25 yards late on to give Rangers some hope, but they were unable to complete the fight back. There was not much between the sides in the first half. Twice in the first half-hour, Albion had the ball in the net, but twice they were denied by a flag for offside. During that time, Berwick's best chance came from a free kick when Aloulou brough a full-stretch save from Ferrie. Brydon then fired wide on 35 minutes with a volley at the back post following a cross by Brown. The visitors took the lead on 43 minutes when they were awarded a penalty for hand ball in the area and Mackin converted from the spot. In the second half, Stirling started well and Mackin headed over from a corner. Wright brought out a fingertip save from Brennan with a shot from outside the box and Brennan also had to tip over an effort from McGeachie. As Berwick struggled to get out of their own half, Docherty pulled a shot wide for the visitors. They eventually went two up after 77 minutes when Smith glanced a header into the far corner after a good run and cross on the right by Horne. Less than a minute later, Smith should have scored his second when he broke through, but he could not get his shot in on goal. Late on, Brennan saved Berwick again with a good reaction block from a shot by McGregor before Barr pulled a goal back for Berwick with three minutes remaining with a superb 25-yard strike.

23. The winless streak reached ten when Elgin City beat Berwick Rangers 3-0 at Shielfield Park. Three second-half goals scored by Omar, McLeish and Cameron did the damage. Elgin also missed a first-half penalty, saved by keeper Allison, who also made a string of other saves throughout the game to keep the score down. The teams changed ends goalless at half-time, although Berwick did have the ball in the net after 36 minutes through Barr, who was judged to be offside. Earlier, Allison had made a fine save from a Hester shot and had also saved a penalty from McHardy on 23 minutes after Wilson tripped Hester in the box. Allison then punched away a snapshot from Campbell while at the other end Berwick's best two chances fell to Aloulou just before half-time, but both were blocked. Elgin finally managed to break the deadlock on 54 minutes when, from a third corner in quick succession, Omar headed in from close range after a failed near post header from a Berwick defender. Hester poked an effort wide as Elgin tried to further their cause, while at the other end Aloulou fired over for Berwick after being set up by Barr. Elgin always threatened and two goals in two minutes sealed Rangers' fate. Just three minutes after coming on, McLeish made it 2-0 on 70 minutes after being set up by Roberts. Two minutes after that Cameron added a third, slotting in from the edge of the box after Rangers lost possession. As Elgin continued to press, Allison twice had to make saves to deny McIver and McLeish and late in the game he saved from McIver again as the visitors ended the game comfortable winners.

26. Berwick's winless run was extended to 11 matches without success after a narrow 2-1 loss to fourth placed Annan Athletic in a midweek game at Shielfield Park. The defeat meant Rangers have now only collected two points out of a possible 33 and remain in a relegation dogfight with Albion Rovers, who they faced next in a season defining match. Muir gave Annan the lead midway through the first half and Bradley doubled their advantage midway through the second before Adamson pulled a goal back for Berwick. To make matters worse, there was an injury blow for Rangers when keeper Allison had to leave the field midway through the second half with a dislocated knee. Annan took the lead on 26 minutes when Muir headed in a cross from Wilson. Two minutes later Annan had the ball in the net again from a corner, but the referee blew for a foul. Blues had Berwick's best chance of the first half when the ball dropped to him on the edge of the box, but he sliced his shot well wide. Goalmouth action in the second half was at a premium, although Allison pulled off a superb save to stop Muir's close-range snapshot. The visitors doubled their advantage on 73 minutes when Bradley side-footed into the corner of the net after being set up by Smith. Berwick gave themselves a lifeline on 78 minutes when Adamson took advantage of a defensive mix-up by Annan and rolled the ball into an empty net. Aloulou then forced Mitchell into making a fingertip save from a free kick. In injury time, Aloulou raced clear but again Mitchell proved his equal.

March

2. A late equaliser from Calum Anderson saved Berwick's blushes when they faced Albion Rovers in the basement battle at Coatbridge. Rangers looked as if they were heading for defeat before Adamson popped up to net the equaliser in the 87th minute. The one-all draw kept Berwick seven points clear of Albion in the relegation play-off battle. Albion were the better of the two sides in first half, creating several decent chances. They took the lead after 15 minutes when Newall found the bottom corner of the net after being set up by Morena. Brennan had to make two good saves to deny Fotheringham and Wharton. In the second half, Fotheringham had another shot saved by Brennan before Rangers started to find some form. Forbes and Blues both shot wide before Brydon had an effort saved. Late in the game, Newall was denied by Brennan as Albion tried to extend their advantage, but with just three minutes of normal time remaining Adamson proved to be Berwick's saviour when he shot high into the roof of the net from just inside the box. In stoppage time, Albion went close to a winner, but luckily Brennan saved.

5. Berwick Rangers went down to a second-half penalty in a midweek fixture against Edinburgh City at Ainslie Park. Despite their struggles this season Rangers looked the more purposeful in attack with City looking weary on their feet. However, Berwick's inability to create much in the way of clear-cut chances underlined their struggles this season. City's first glimpse of the Berwick goal arrived five minutes before the interval when McIntyre's low-driven cross had to be parried to safety by Brennan. That appeared to spark the hosts into life, and they forced a series of corners, but without reward. City started the second half brightly and ten minutes in Walker's rasping drive from 25 yards forced Brennan to fingertip the ball onto the crossbar and over. City got the breakthrough they so desperately needed on 62 minutes. A deep cross to the back post was knocked back into the path of Henderson by Smith, and from Henderson's strike on goal, Brydon was adjudged to have blocked the shot with his left arm and the referee was quick in pointing to the penalty spot. Henderson composed himself before sending Brennan the wrong way. Berwick almost found themselves back on level terms with just over ten minutes remaining. A neat interchange found Barr with a clear view of Antell's goal, but the keeper got down well to block with his right arm before the danger was cleared. Barr had one final opportunity to snatch a draw in stoppage time but miscued his angled effort wide of Antell's left-hand post.

9. Berwick Rangers saw their points advantage at the bottom of the league reduced by five points after drawing 1-1 at Cowdenbeath. Rangers started the day seven points clear of Albion Rovers, but they were given a boost by the unexpected award of three points by the SPFL after Clyde fielded an unregistered player against them earlier in the season. Albion went on to record only their second win of the season with a 1-0 win away to Stirling Albion, which meant Berwick's point for a 1-1 draw at home to Cowdenbeath saw the deficit cut to only two points. With no control over outside influences Rangers had to concentrate on their own situation. In a game of few scoring chances, Rangers started brightest and on nine minutes Adamson broke through on goal from almost halfway, but with Todd chasing him he was unable to get his shot on target. However, Adamson netted his third goal in four games when he gave Rangers a 24th-minute lead after beating the offside trap to sprint clear and calmly guide the ball past the Cowdenbeath keeper in a one-on-one situation. An in-swinging corner hit a post just a minute later, while at the other end Buchanan headed over from a cross caught up in the wind. On 31 minutes the visitors drew level when Buchanan forced the ball home from close range following a cross from Cox on the right. Allan burst through for Cowdenbeath five minutes later but was denied by a timely tackle as he shot from just ten yards out. The second half provided little by the way of goalmouth action, although substitute Forbes, on for the injured Brydon, was forced to clear off the line following a Cowdenbeath corner. Malcolm also fired narrowly wide following a blocked free kick. Rangers ended the game with only ten men after O'Kane was shown a straight red for a high-footed challenge.

12. Berwick Rangers failed to put any more daylight between themselves, and fellow League 2 strugglers Albion Rovers after Queen's Park came from behind to win 2-1 in a midweek match at a wet and windy Shielfield Park. Blues gave Rangers a first-half lead, but Moore equalised before the break and Hawke netted in the second half as the visitors came back to claim all three points. Blues headed Berwick in front on 17 minutes after good run down the right and cross by Adamson. McGory then had a shot blocked for Queen's Park in the box, while Healy shot into the side netting for Berwick after a quick break. The visitors were restricted to shots from the edge of the box in the first half but equalised on 35 minutes when Moore fired a low shot into the net after the ball was cut back from the right by McLean. Early in the second half, Hawke headed inches over the crossbar for Queen's Park from six yards out, but on 61 minutes he headed Queens in front from a corner. On 76 minutes, Barr struck a post for Berwick from a tight angle, but in the worsening conditions both sides struggled to contend with the elements and in the closing stages only a rising shot from the visitors' Galt threatened either goal.

George Blues scores Berwick Rangers' last goal in the SPFL in a 2-0 win over Peterhead on 19th March 2019.

19. Berwick Rangers ended their winless run with a 2-0 victory over league leaders Peterhead in a midweek match at Shielfield Park. It was Berwick's first win in 17 matches in a run which stretched back to November. Peterhead, five points clear at the top, arrived on the back of a six-match winning run, but they were undone by first-half goal from Barr and Blues. Barr gave Rangers the lead after 13 minutes, sliding in at the back post from close range following a good run and cross from Ogilvie on the left. The visitors tried to press, but on 30 minutes Rangers doubled their lead when Blues netted from close range after a quick break from their own half. Adamson crossed into the box and Ogilvie's flick was saved low by Fleming but spun into the path of Blues who netted from eight yards out. With their confidence up, Berwick had a great chance to make it 3-0 just four minutes later when Ogilvie broke through, but he dragged his shot narrowly wide. Peterhead never really threatened in the first half. They searched for an early breakthrough in the second half and Brown had a low shot blocked by Brennan before Gibson dragged a free kick wide. Home then saw a half volley tipped onto the crossbar by Brennan at full stretch on 56 minutes. Peterhead kept pressing throughout the half; however, with ten minutes remaining Rangers had an excellent chance to extend their lead when Healy got through on goal, but Fleming saved his shot. Berwick thoroughly deserved their victory, and it gave them a bit of breathing space over Albion Rovers at the foot of the table, who were showing an upturn in form.

23. Berwick Rangers were drawn back into the battle to avoid the relegation play-off after a single goal defeat against Stirling Albion at Forthbank. There was not a lot in the game, but the outcome hinged on one single refereeing decision, of which Rangers were unfortunately on the wrong end. Makin scored the only goal of the game for Stirling Albion from the penalty spot in the 80th minute after Hughes was fouled in the box by Ogilvie. In a goalless first half, there were chances missed at both ends with Allan, twice, Smith and Hughes going close for the home side, Adamson and Aloulou doing likewise for Berwick. In the second half, Blues had a shot saved from outside the box by the home keeper, while Stirling had a header from Makin saved by Brennan and Smith shot wide. Wilson went close with a header from a Berwick corner on 77 minutes, but just three minutes later, after McGregor had fired wide, Stirling were awarded a penalty which Mackin slotted into the bottom corner. Smith went close to doubling the lead on 86 minutes, but Brennan saved well. In stoppage time McGregor fired over and McLaughlin also had a shot saved by Brennan as Stirling tried to kill off the game.

As Berwick Rangers continued to fight to save their Scottish Football League status, chairman-elect John Bell warned that the club was not currently a sustainable business model. At an open forum before the match against Edinburgh City, he warned that the club needed to tighten its belt to survive. Bell outlined his business plan for the future of the club regardless of which league they are operating in next season and said the figures would remain the same whether they were in League 2 or the Lowland League. Bell said: "As a business model we are just not sustainable. We have lost £40,000 over each of the last two seasons, we have only £80,000 in the bank, so it does not take a genius to work out that we can only survive for another two seasons at our current level of income and expenditure. We have to steady the ship." He also said that they would need to raise an additional £16,000 per annum 'just to break even'. Bell continued: "The club finds itself in very difficult position at the moment, but it is not something that has happened over night. The decline has been gradual over the past few years, but the relegation battle this season has brought it into focus. Obviously, we want to survive as a League 2 club, and we have six games to do that. I have heard people say that if we go out of the league that will be the end for us, but our history shows that we have spent a long time operating out of the Scottish Football League and if we go down the aim is to try to bounce straight back up again".

30. Berwick Rangers dropped to tenth place in the table after a 2-0 defeat at home against Edinburgh City. With Albion Rovers winning 2-0 away to Elgin City and then beating Cowdenbeath 1-0 in midweek it meant Berwick dropped a point behind them at the bottom of the table. With only five games remaining, Rangers needed a dramatic upturn in fortunes to avoid finishing in bottom spot. City looked the better side throughout and after McIntyre had a shot blocked on the edge of the box, they took the lead on 14 minutes when a cross from the right was headed in by Galbraith, who stooped to wrong-foot Brennan. Five minutes later, Galbraith was through again, but this time his shot was saved by Brennan. City doubled their advantage on 31 minutes when Henderson, at the second attempt, fired past Brennan after his initial shot was blocked. Laird the pulled a shot wide as City led comfortably at half-time. In the second half, Berwick saw more of the ball without ever really threatening. Healy had one shot blocked and that was it. City continued to be a danger; however, Henderson dragged a shot wide before Shepherd nearly capitalised on a poor back-pass and Watson shot into the side netting on a quick break up the right. Henderson had a header acrobatically saved Brennan while another effort was cleared off the goal line. In stoppage time, Rangers also had an effort cleared off the line, but this was their only attempt on goal throughout the entire match.

April

6. The pressure continued to mount after Berwick Rangers were hit for six by Annan Athletic at Galabank. It was Annan's fourth win of the season over Rangers and their biggest victory since joining the SPFL. Berwick meanwhile had only won one of their last 19 games and remained bottom of League 2. Fortunately, Albion Rovers lost 4-0 at home to Queen's Park which meant that only one point separated the sides with four games remaining. Berwick literally slumped in the second half with all six Annan goals being score after the interval. After a goal-less first half, the floodgates opened less than 60 seconds into the second when Moxon headed in from a Nade cross. Wilson then conceded a penalty when he fouled Moxon in the box on 51 minutes and Wallace converted from the spot. Berwick showed little up front and the home side, sensing blood, hammered home their advantage with four goals in a 12-minute spell. On 65 minutes, Moxon side-footed in his second of the game. On 71 minutes, Wilson turned the ball into his own net for 4-0 and just two minutes later Johnston made it five with a shot from the centre of the box after being set up by Hooper. The final nail in Berwick's coffin came in the 77th minute when Wilson made it six for the hosts with another shot from central position. It might have been worse for Berwick had it not been for two good saves by Brennan in the closing stages from Wilson and Muir, while Smith headed over in added-on time.

13. After a disappoint 3-0 home defeat against Queen's Park, coupled with Albion Rovers' stoppage-time equaliser against Peterhead, Rangers found themselves marooned two points adrift at the foot of the table. The pressure was cranked up another notch with the defeat in a game which turned on two penalties, one given, one not. First-half goals from Moore and McLain, from the penalty spot, gave the visitors a 2-0 half-time lead. Summers added a third midway through the second half to give Queen's Park all three points. With four minutes on the clock, a long ball from the back caught out McLaughlan and found Rose, who slipped it through to Barr, but his shot was tame and straight at keeper Ross. There was not much between the side and on 17 minutes, Rose headed onto the roof of the net from a corner. However, on 21 minutes, the visitors broke down the left and Moore headed in a deep cross from Galt to give Queen's Park the lead. Just three minutes later, Moore had another shot from the edge of the box which Goodfellow managed to push away at full stretch. Then came four minutes which chanced the pattern of the game. On 38 minutes, Rose went down under a challenge in the box and made a claim for a penalty, but the referee waved the appeals aside. On 42 minutes, Queen's Park were awarded a penalty when Ruth was tripped by Wilson and McLean slammed home the spot kick to double the visitors' advantage. At the start of the second half, Main pulled a shot wide for the visitors and then Galt fired in a half-volley which Goodfellow did well to parry away. A third goal for Queens from Summers after 75 minutes came when a short corner found him on the edge of the box, and he cut inside before finding the net. Two minutes later See had a stretching header saved by Hart, but Rangers never really tested the visiting keeper throughout, leaving them with only one win in 20 league outings.

Clyde's appeal against their points deduction, from which Albion Rovers benefited by the addition of three points, was rejected by the SPLF.

20. The trap door opened just a little bit wider and the fight for league survival deepened after Clyde cruised to a 5-0 victory over Berwick Rangers at Broadwood. Clyde opened the scoring after just five minutes when Syvertsen played a ball across the edge of the box. It came to Goodwillie, but he dummied and Cuddihy ran onto it before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the net. The lead was doubled four minutes after the interval when Rumsby got on the end of a Rankin corner and stooped to head past Goodfellow from close range. Rankin got on the scoresheet himself on 55 minutes when he curled in a low free kick right on the edge of the box past the wall and into the bottom corner. Goodfellow then made a good reflex save to keep out a McStay header, and at the other end Lamont did well to clear a Berwick effort from a corner off the line. Goodwillie was next to hit the back of the net on 71 minutes, when he shrugged off the attention of both Berwick centre-backs before unleashing a powerful 25-yard shot which found the top corner of the net. Goodwillie came close again shortly after when his low shot from a similar distance whistled past the post, then Goodfellow denied Grant after Goodwillie had set him up. McStay put the icing on the cake in the final minute when he scored Clyde's fifth goal of the afternoon. Lyon played the ball up to Goodwillie, who nodded the ball into the path of McStay who drove towards goal and slotted the ball beyond the advancing Goodfellow.

It now appeared that the only way to save their League 2 status was if Berwick Rangers could win the dreaded end-of-season relegation play-offs against either East Kilbride of the Lowland League or Cove Rangers of the Highland League. The 5-0 defeat at Clyde, coupled with Albion Rovers' 3-2 comeback victory over Edinburgh City meant that Rangers went into their final two games five points adrift of Albion Rovers, who they met next.

Albion had seen a dramatic upturn in fortunes recently and only needed a point to guarantee their league status. Berwick, on the other hand, had a dismal record of only one win in 20 league games and simply had to beat Albion Rovers and then win their final game at Elgin City, while hoping Albion lose theirs at Annan Athletic.

Daryl Healy heads on goal versus Albion Rovers at Shielfield Park on 27th April 2019.

27. Berwick Rangers were consigned to the end-of-season relegation play-offs when they were beaten 3-0 by Albion Rovers at Shielfield Park. Two goals from Fotheringham – one in each half – and a penalty from Phillips at the very end of the first half secured victory in a must-win match for Berwick. The game was played in front of a crowd of 975, the biggest of the season. With just over a minute gone, Rangers had a great chance when See slipped the ball into the path of Adamson; he fed Barr in the box, but Barr's close-range effort was smothered by Morrison. A few minutes later, Adamson went close when he latched onto the end of a cross from the right, but this time Morrison put the ball behind for a corner. On 16 minutes, Phillips hit a volley from the left side of the box after a pass from Osadolor, but Goodfellow pulled off a fine one-handed save. The deadlock was broken on 24 minutes when Albion broke down the right and a cross into the box from Bryne was met with a powerful header from Fotheringham, who found the net from 12 yards out. Berwick tried to respond and substitute Healy, on for the injured See, headed narrowly wide following a neat cross from Blues. Moments later, Blues had a powerful drive pushed away by Morrison. At the other end, Newall went close when a ball was played to his feet by Phillips. As half-time approached, Healy was again denied by Morrison, who got down quickly to push away his header from an Ogilvie cross. Almost immediately, Albion broke upfield and Goodfellow had to make a timely save to deny Osadolor. However, in first-half stoppage time, Rovers were awarded a penalty when Forbes brought down Newall in the box and Phillips slotted confidently into the bottom corner to double the visitors' lead with the last kick of the half. Just five minutes into the second half it was game over when Osadolor shrugged of a challenge on the left of the box and crossed for Fotheringham to volley in his second of the match. Midway through the half, Orru hit a shot straight at Morrison, but by then Berwick were beaten and knew there was no way back. Near the end, Albion broke down the left again and Osadolor crossed to the back post, but Ross pulled his shot wide with only Goodfellow to beat.

May

In a bid to boost their survival hopes, Berwick Rangers sacked manager Johnny Harvey and appointed former players John Brownlie and Ian Little as manager and assistant, respectively, for the remaining three games.

4. John Brownlie and Ian Little took control of team affairs for the first time when Rangers played their final league game at Elgin City with their last place finish already confirmed. After a goal-less first half, Rangers lost 2-0 with Cameron scoring in the 69th minutes and Hester wrapping things up with an 88th minute header. Rangers started brightest and forced Elgin into conceding a series of corners; however, the home side went close on seven minutes when Hester saw his shot from the right side of the box saved by Goodfellow. Rangers replied with Ogilvie shooting narrowly wide and Gourlay saving Healy's effort in the bottom right-hand corner. Midway through the half, Goodfellow did well to deal with shots from Wilson and Hester, both from just outside the box. Following a corner conceded by Adamson on 35 minutes, MacIver saw his header from a difficult angle neatly saved by Goodfellow. Two minutes later, Hester's left footed shot from the centre of the box went just wide. Adamson and Healy went close for Berwick at the start of the second half as did Hester for the home side. Elgin then began to press and on 69 minutes they took the lead when Cameron hit a shot from the centre of the box high into the net from Hester's well-placed cross. MacIver and Morrison saw shots go just wide while Goodfellow saved another MacIver effort and a close-range shot from Cameron. Elgin made sure of the points with just two minutes remaining when Hester headed into the top left-hand corner of the net after Lowdon had paved the way.

11. Berwick Rangers were left on the brink of exiting the SPFL after a 4-0 drubbing at Cove Rangers in the first leg of the play-off final. Barring a miraculous recovery in the second leg, it looked like Berwick would be plying their trade in the Lowland League next season. No goals in their previous seven games did little to boost Berwick's morale, and it showed as they were overrun by Cove. Two goals in each half from Burnett, Megginson, Masson and Brown gave Cove a comfortable victory, which might have been more had they not hit the crossbar and squandered a hatful of chances throughout the match. Berwick, meanwhile, were painfully second best throughout and only registered three attempts at goal, one in the first half from Healy and two in the second from O'Kane and Barr. Cove, after four early chances, took the lead on 23 minutes when Burnett netted following a corner. Megginson the doubled the advantage after 38 minutes when he headed in a Kelly cross. Early in the second half, Megginson shot wide and then saw a header bounce back into play off the crossbar. The home side were in rampant form and three chances in three minutes saw them close to extending their lead before four more efforts were either wide or saved. It was virtually one-way traffic, and it came as no surprise when they went three up on 79 minutes with a close-range effort from Brown took a wicked deflection off McIlduff. Masson made it four without return on 83 minutes when he netted from a tight angle. The defeat was a bitter pill for the supporters who travelled, with some now calling for wholesale changes within the club before the start of next season.

Ousy See attacks up the right wing versus Cove Rangers at Shielfield Park on 12th May 2019.

18. Trailing 4-0 from the first leg, Berwick Rangers had a mountain to climb in the second against Cove Rangers at Shielfield Park; however, for the second week running they were made to look second best as the Highland League champions won 3-0 and entered League 2 at Berwick's expense with a 7-0 aggregate win. If Berwick were to have had any hope, an early goal was required, but just nine minutes in they conceded a fifth in the tie when a Masson effort was judged to have crossed the line. More misery followed when Berwick were reduced to ten men with the dismissal of Ross Brown who was shown a straight red for a foul just seconds before the half-time whistle. Just two minutes after the restart, Cove struck again when Jordan Brown scored from close range after being set up by Masson. The final nail in Berwick's coffin came when McManus added a third on 75 minutes. That guaranteed Cove a well-earned place in the history books as the first Highland League side to be promoted to the SPFL through the play-offs since they were introduced. The only other side to be promoted this way was Edinburgh City at the expense of East Stirlingshire, now the name of Berwick Rangers had been added to this ignominious list and at the final whistle there was total silence from the Berwick fans as they left Shielfield Park in disbelief.

In a statement released immediately after the match, the Supporters' Club, who were the majority shareholders, said: "As the football club's majority shareholder, in light of the current situation and as a consequence of decisions made over the course of the season, Berwick Rangers Supporters' Club expects the directors to consider their positions. A failure to act and actively seek new people to take the club forward in a positive direction could force the Supporters' Club into leveraging its position as a major shareholder in Berwick Rangers Football Club and calling for an EGM to ensure that the club sees the change required. Berwick Rangers have been in existence since 1881 (sic) and have a proud history. We could and should have a bright future ahead of us. We believe that this vision can only be achieved with new people driving the football club forward."

A failed boardroom coup at the beginning of the season had done little to boost morale within the club and it was obvious for long spells that the team were playing without any confidence. Having escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth on several occasions in the past, it was thought by many that the club needed to take a step back to move forward; however, for now Berwick Rangers were down and out.