Back To Football - Berwick Rangers vs. Newcastle United XI

Behind the goal Shielfield Park

Despite enjoying the cricket I've watched over the summer, I was eager to start watching football again. I was visiting Northumbria this weekend and fortunately Berwick were hosting a Newcastle United XI while I was in the area. It was the first time I'd seen a game at a ground where the team play in a foreign league. However, as Berwick is actually in England, I'm still to see a game outside of England. This was Berwick's last pre season game before their season begins against Clyde in the league cup on Saturday. 

Shortly after kick off. The stand opposite hosts the more vocal fans.

The Newcastle side look to be mainly youth team players and so have played together a bit and this shows in the early stages. They hold a lot of ball and manage to get themselves in to some good positions. As the half wears on Berwick begin to hit the visitors on the break and the front players show some decent touches. It is a defensive error that provides the opening for the first goal. A Berwick player gives away the ball just out side the box and the striker beats a few players and slams the ball home. Berwick hit the bar with an effort from just outside the box but they fail to find the equaliser before half time.

The main stand.

At the start of the second half Berwick seem a little tired after pressing at the end of the first and Newcastle take advantage of this. They manage to break through a couple of times but their finishing is a little wayward to say the least. They do eventually double their lead when the player fires through a crowded penalty area with the keeper blinded. Berwick get the goal they deserve from the penalty spot but despite their efforts they fail to find the equaliser.

The Berwick penalty hits the back of the net.

Berwick is a town which has a lot of history and there is plenty to see before the game. As it was pretty miserable before the game we went straight to the bar at the ground. I am reliably informed that The Barrells Alehouse is defiantly worth a visit. The bar at the ground is also worth a visit. It's very friendly and has a good selection of drinks. As I was with my Dad we drove to the ground but I estimate the work to the ground from the station would take around forty minutes to an hour.

Berwick push for the equaliser.