Battling Braves Open Season With Three Points!

The excitement was tangible at Alliance Park for out opening day game, however the first nine minutes proved to be rather cagey, with most of the ball being played in the middle of the park, but the game quickly sprung to life as left-wing-back for the Cammy Breadner, delivered a dangerous cross that just missed Aiden Clocherty at the back post.

The game started opening up a bit more with Berwick getting their first chance just a couple of minutes later, with captain Michael Travis just glancing his header wide off a deep free-kick.

Berwick started to assert themselves more into the game. As the 20th minute came, Berwick had a huge opportunity to take the lead as number nine Buchanan struck a half volley which was wonderfully saved by the Braves number one, Bernie White.

Braves were under a bit of pressure as Berwick missed another opportunity to go in front as
Buchanan’s effort off Barr’s cross went just wide of the post.

With 10 minutes to go until half time, the Braves a had great spell with Breadner delivering another wonderful cross which just went past his man. With a few minutes to go the Braves had a corner which was well defended by the Berwick defender. Berwick immediately counter with Grant Nelson’s long ball to Buchanan who misses another chance to take the lead.

Goalless at half time. Not much separated the two sides, but Berwick may have felt that they should be in the lead, with the number of chances they’d created.

The first 15 minutes of the second half was rather neutral, with neither side having any clear-cut opportunities. Braves manager Ricky Waddell was the first to make changes as he would make a double substitution bringing off Ross McNeil and Blair Hall for Jamie Watson and new signing Luke Biggart. Breadner showed his versatility by moving further up the pitch to right-wing, with Biggart slotting in at left-wing-back.

With 25 minutes to go, Berwick’s best chance of the game fell to Buchanan, after goalkeeper White was unable to get a solid punch on the ball, leaving the goal completely wide open to Buchanan, who sent his volley over the bar.

The Braves began to up the ante and became more prominent in attack. As the clock hit 75 minutes the deadlock, was finally broken. Off a Berwick corner, the Braves countered. Daniel Martins to Louis Thompson, who carried the ball wonderfully up the pitch, Thompson at the edge of the box timed a beautiful pass to Jamie Watson, who placed the ball low into the back of the net, for the first goal of the season - 1-0 to the Braves!

As the match entered its final phase, Berwick played with more urgency and came close once again and with seven minutes to go, a McKay header was glanced narrowly wide.

Despite Berwick’s onslaught of attacks, the Braves defended valiantly and saw the game out to win their first game of the season!

Next for the Braves is a trip to Airdrie as they take on Celtic B at Excelsior Stadium on Tuesday night.