Caledonian Braves vs Berwick Rangers

Battling Braves Open Season With Three Points!

New names, new faces but familiar foes for the Caledonian Braves as they played host to Berwick
Rangers to kick off their 2023-24 campaign.

The opening nine minutes was a cagey affair with most of the ball being played in the middle of the
park, but the game quickly sprung to life as Braves left-back, 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 20 th 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 separates the two sides but Berwick will feel that they should be in
the lead with the number of chances they’ve created.

The first 15 minutes of the second half was very neutral, 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 was moved further up the pitch with Biggart sloting in at left back.

With 25 minutes to go, Berwick’s best chance of the game fell to Buchanan as goalkeeper, White,
unable to get a solid punch on the ball, left the goal completely wide open to Buchanan who sent his
volley over the bar, a huge let off for the Braves.

Moments later, the first yellow card for Braves was given to John Gunthrie after a late challenge.
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 the Jamie Watson who places the ball low into the goal 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.
With seven minutes to go, McKay’s 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.