Berwick earned a vital 1-0 victory over Cumbernauld Colts in a gusty Lowland League affair at Shielfield Park, writes Ben Langley.
Jamie Watson’s header was enough for Berwick’s first home league victory on 29 March since November 2024, but one that was fully deserved based on the reflection of the game.
The Dream Team began the game on top, despite the challenging conditions of playing against the wind in the first half. Ben Scarborough had a long throw on the right that was cleared to Jonny Devers on the edge of the box. His dinked cross found Liam Buchanan, but he could only guide his header straight at Yan Godik.
Scarborough was involved in the Berwick offensive once again as his cross found Kyle Somers. His shot looked to be sneaking in at the back post, but it went just wide of the post.
The gusty conditions made it very tricky for both teams to control the ball and get into a good flow. Cumbernauld Colts created their first real chance midway through the first half as a long ball was helped on by the wind to find Aiden Malcolm. His early cross was begging to be met, and it was by Ashton Pellow a yard from goal, but he could only head wide.
Berwick responded well as Buchanan beat the offside trap before laying the ball off to Devers. He managed to get a shot off that looped over the reach of Godik, but the ball crashed off the bar before Cumbernauld managed to clear.
Into the second half, and like the first it was the Gers who were looking the more likely to take the lead. It was once again through the long throw of Scarborough that created the chance. Watson received the throw in space inside the box, who touched and volleyed the ball, but the crossbar denied Berwick once again. Devers received the rebound, but his volleyed attempt sailed over.
As the game approached the hour mark, the Dream Team were dominating proceedings at Shielfield Park. Scarborough showed his flare as his quick feet created space inside the Colts box. He laid the ball off to Devers, but his sliced effort went wide.
A few minutes later and Berwick had a corner. Devers’ inswinger was a terrific delivery as Watson headed the ball into the ground which then nestled into the top right corner to give Berwick the lead. Watson who was brought back into the team, ran off to celebrate a vital Gers goal as the league season enters its climax.
Berwick may have looked to hold what they had but they continued to push forward as they looked to calm the nerves around Shielfield Park. Alfie Robinson climbed to win a header in the midfield that was received by Buchanan. The veteran striker twisted and turned before unleashing a thunderous strike that stinged the palms of Godik, but he managed to gather.
Cumbernauld’s attack was blunt to say the least in the second half, as the visitors struggled to cope playing into the wind. They did create a half-chance through a counter-attack led by Malcolm. He managed to pick out Euan Ross on the right, but his shot was well blocked by Jamie Pyper.
Berwick’s strong defence of late was proving vital, with Cumbernauld never looking like they were going to grab an equaliser. The Dream Team closed out a crucial win as they climb above Cumbernauld into 15th place on 29 points and remain one point clear of Broomhill in 17th place, with Gala Fairydean a further six points adrift. Berwick return to action on Tuesday night as they face Dunbar United in the semi-finals of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup at Shielfield Park.