Berwick Rangers are a club that have endured tough times. However, this season has been particularly tough. Second bottom of the Scottish Second Division, there is a chance that Rangers could end Saturday having to take part in the relegation play-offs.
Berwick Rangers: Scottish League Status in Their own Hands
For fans and all connected with the club and the town, this is a scenario nightmares are made of as there is no guarantee once a team gets involved in a play-off scenario. Based in England but part of the Scottish league, Berwick will want to guarantee their league status and even their future this weekend. In Scotland, just as it is elsewhere, a slip into the non-league scene can prove disastrous.
In their own hands
Rangers know that safety is in their own hands. Avoid defeat and safety is definitely secured. However, it isn’t that easy. Berwick are not in the best of form going into this crucial game. Just two points were picked up in April and although they are at home this weekend, they have lost five of their last six in front of their home supporters.
This season
As the current table suggests, it has been a tough season for Rangers. A decent start to their league campaign had some wondering if they could mount a challenge for promotion. 11 points were collected from their first seven games; however, that’s as good as it got.
They failed to win in their next seven and a season of struggle was on the cards. The season continued with the odd win accompanied by draws and defeats, which kept them near the foot of the table. It is form like this that brings them into this game needing to avoid defeat.
A brief history
Formed in 1884, they played for many years in local league and cup competitions until around 1905 when their affiliation with the Scottish Football Association began. However, it was not until 1951 that they were admitted to the Scottish League.
They were originally placed in the Scottish League Division C (North and East). This format was changed in 1955 and Berwick were placed in the Scottish League as it is known today. In 1954 they settled at their current ground, Shielfield Park. Since they joined the league, although they have come close, they have never been relegated from the Scottish League.
A win or a draw this weekend would make sure they are playing league football next season.
The hope they have
There are three teams battling it out at the bottom of Scottish League Two. Berwick, Clyde and Cowdenbeath. Only Berwick are at home. They face Edinburgh City, who only have pride to play for. Clyde and Cowdenbeath travel to Montrose and Elgin City, respectively.
Both clubs are currently battling it out for the last remaining play-off place. Both therefore will be desperate for the victory with this being the case, and Rangers seem to be favourites to avoid the dreaded Scottish League Two play-offs.
However, it is days like these when football likes to keep supporters guessing right up to and sometimes after the final whistle.
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