We're still

in there fighting, weather wise that is, a few light showers in Berwick today the worrying thing is that as I write we have sub zero temperatures with heavy snow forecast tomorrow. There is a school of thought that it might just be better postponed and played "properly" when things clear up. I can understand that but would rather it was on, a few pints some good banter and three points, what better way to start the year......

There appears

to be a chance at least now for Saturday. There's been a huge change in Berwick today and all the snow and ice has gone. There's an inspection on Saturday morning at half nine. That in itself is an improvement but I'd have preferred it to be a bit latter. If there is any frost on Friday that may very well be too early for it to have moved. Still it's better than we had a couple of days ago. Fingers well and truly crossed eh.

Temperatures above

freezing today in Berwick. By all accounts things still look impossible for Saturdays game however. I did notice that Shires game tomorrow night has been cancelled, but remember they are presently playing on an artificial surface! What chance do the rest of us have? Nothing else has come my way from Shielfield by way of news I'm afraid.

Well, what

we all knew was confirmed mid morning and now the game will be put back to where it should be, into March, I presume with the Annan game. Big question now off course is Saturday. Is there any chance. Got to say it looks hopeless. I was out and about this morning and the temperature in the town at that stage was -4. As I write this at 1724 the temperature is exactly the same at minus 4. Not seen the forecast for the rest of the week but it will take a change of biblical proportions to see the game having any chance. We've now had 3 postponements in a row due to the weather, can't remember the last time that happened, can you?

Now that

all the present opening and such like is over I'm looking to the week ahead and first up is Forfar on Tuesday night. On the face of it it must be doubtful, I know they had another fresh fall today but so far I've heard nothing about any inspection or anything similar. Given that they were so speedy with the situation re the Annan game lets hope we hear something fairly sharp. Next Saturday, any chance at all. Call me optimistic but I could swear things are loosening in Berwick today. As I write the temperature in the town is 4, yes 4 compared to last night at this time when it was something like minus 2. Is there time for the situation to change pitch wise?

Some cracking

crowds today around the leagues, unfortunately neither ourselves or our league as a whole were unable to benefit from the effect. As I write this it's -5 and I'm beginning to wonder when our next game will be. It'll be a right bugger to loose the Livi game but I wonder how far beyond that this situation will last. Only one SPL game was lost today, not because of the state of the pitch, but because the area surrounding the stadium was deemed unsafe. Unsafe, can you adam and eve it? When's the last time you heard of a shopping centre or town centre being closed for a similar reason? Why pick on bloody football??

A very

merry Christmas to my loyal reader. As we, ye both of us, contemplate another footballless weekend, in black & gold terms anyway. There will be some games tomorrow but it's not the same is it? Tuesday night at Forfar is next on the agenda, although hardly ideal unless there's a dramatic change weather wise anyway. Mind you, I drove down from there on Wednesday and the road was fine. No matter what ever happens the two suspensions will carry into the Livingston game, if it's on. Ah well, time to look forward to the Christmas special of the Royal Family, joy of joys!

Our game

on Saturday is off then. Never in doubt was it? Infact the next worry is the Livingston game. There's apparently 3/4 inches of snow on the Shielfield surface and depending when that goes water may then be an issue. There's time for that however but that's one the club does not want to loose, nor do the fans off course. It's certainly one I've been looking forward to for a while. Remember how it felt the last time, bloody marvelous wasn't it?

I'm back

after being away for a few days and I forgot to take the sign in information for this here blog! No matter I'm back now and catching up on all things footie. It was extra frustrating on Saturday morning as I was in Angus and poised to make my short journey to Station Park. I did get an early morning text from John Bell confirming what those of us on the ground, so to speak, already knew and the game was off. And now we have an inspection for this Saturdays game, tomorrow morning! I kid you not, infact looking at it again a fair number of this Saturdays SFL games have the same tomorrow. Now, if the Annan game is called of then the necessity to have the Forfar game next week, reference the suspensions, will no longer matter as regards the Livingston game, I think anyway. And given what we have I can't see it being on, can you?
Finally for now as well we've apparently got a lad from Dunfermline on loan for a month. The question, will he get a game in that time?

Almost all

of a sudden Saturdays game looms large. The managers selection looks like it will be minus a few regulars. Jamie Ewart apparently was having a minor operation this week so it's fingers crossed for him I suppose. Looks like Alan Brazil could be out after his "assault" against the Shire last Saturday and his strike partner Damon Gray may not be available either. And if that wasn't bad enough Smith and Callaghan both start two game suspensions this weekend. Well, I suppose if means some of the others can come up to the plate and show us what they are made of. If things go really bad we can always ask Dick Campbell for a song eh!

As usual

we're heading into the midweek "calm" as far as all things Black & Gold are concerned. Still a wee bit too early for me to give much serious thought to Saturdays game but rest assured I'll be there. This will be a tough one mind, The Loons seem to be coming onto a game at the wrong time for us anyway. Right now I'll take a point, I know, famous last words. If we're 3nil up at any time during the game I certainly won't settle for anything like a point!

A couple

of games on the box tonight that I intend to watch. A not to inspiring English Premier League encounter between Birmingham and Blackburn and the one from Tannadice. Got to mention Livvies win last night. They certainly seen Clyde of didn't they, will they be changing divisions come the seasons end? Was talking to my daughter today and she told me she's down in London this week and is thinking of going to the City game at Spurs. Tickets for that one.....£45. She then said that tickets prices for next months semi final against United are going to be something like £47 a shot. Now I ask you are they taking the............

Poor old

Dick Campbell, caught with his pants down, so to speak, in Spain giving his very own rendition of one of these little ditties more often heard on the other side of the country. I'm just waiting on the raft of denials from all concerned in and around Station Park, no doubt a few Berwick wags will have an opinion to air this coming Saturday. Funny how when anybody rather well know gets caught belting out one of these little numbers they can't wait to tell us all how much they hate the whole idea and would never be involved in anything like it. Well old Dickie boy you have......

Just sitting

watching Liverpool v Arsenal and there's players rolling around all over the shop, why do they do it? And what's this with players wearing gloves......can you imagine Billiy Bremner or Dave MacKay weraing gloves, no neither can I! What about yesterdays game now that the dust has settled? They deserved to win, or did they. Should a draw have been a fair result. They scored and we didn't is really all that matters. Next weeks shaping up to be a real tough one as well. The Campbell clan, three of them at Station Park are making the Loons a real handful. What I'm wondering is will Gray still be out and how will Brazil recover this week.

Well it

had to happen didn't it. I've been droning on for ages now about someone else taking some points from Livingston. Today our friends from Forfar done just that, and what did we do, yep we blew it. To be fair, same as last week our build up/passing play was good but we couldn't put one away. Mind you I'm convinced that they had done their homework and identified Brazil as our main threat. So what did they do, ye, they put someone into him hard early on and put him out the game, without even as much as a booking. With suspensions due soon and Gray and Brazil crocked it was obvious that Radzinski, that how you spell it? was short of the mark I'm afraid. Bottom line is we lost and it's another toughie next week to boot.
Game 28
Overall Totals 2526.3 miles £546.06
BR Totals 1674.6 miles £391.l1

If you

believe the BBC site our only casualty tomorrow is Damon Gray. That being the case we should have a more than fighting chance to seeing of, by all accounts, a fairly useful Shire side. Could tomorrow be the day that Livingson drop something after a fairly busy week for themselves. It'll be nice to have some away fans in the Ducket tomorrow, after last week, when away fans at Shielfield were as conspicuous as tis on a bull. We also need as many home fans as possible as well. Last weeks sub 400 gate was quite depressing given what the team are serving. So come on all you Black & Gold get along to Shielfield tomorrow your team needs you.

Told you

so, and thank god they are gone, been an embarrassment to Scotland all season in Europe. They need to go away rebuild and only come back when they can hack it. Europe doesn't judge them on how many times they beat St Mirren or Hamilton. And how about the other game, it's never meant to finish is it? Mind you full times should thrive on all these games shouldn't they. Just starting to give some thought to our game on Saturday. Keep reading about how the Shire are improving with a number of guys will higher league experience. It's another big one for us and I'm probably hoping beyond hope that the Loons might do something for us as well!

That time

again to get the bairns away to bed early, unplug the tele, and clutch a good book......your right, Rangers are back on in the Champions League! Last time mind, they should have been put out their misery long ago. And off course the Clyde/Livi game gets its fourth run out, what chance a winner tonight then? Apart from that there's not a great deal going on that's caught my eye, so I won't bore you further tonight!

Another postponement

at Cumbernauld last night, these two teams will be getting a complex! Heard a funny wee story last week from someone who was around when the first game was postponed. Apparently the Livingston contingent in the boardroom were so incensed they virtually blamed the Clyde board for the weather. Great or what! However, that's twice the elements have won with a third game pending. Just thinking about the fans, will they have paid each time and have to do so again? Like to know how that one pans out, wouldn't you?

Club director

and off course Trust Chairman John Bell has come out early in asking everyone to bring someone extra along to our game on the 2nd of January against Livingston. John goes on to say
"2010 for 2010!

Berwick Rangers kick off the New Year with the visit of high-flying Livingston to Shielfield Park on Saturday 2nd January with a 3pm kick-off.

With Berwick going well near the top of the 3rd Division, the game is sure to attract a big crowd.

We need your help to make it bigger!

We’d love a huge home crowd to cheer on the Black and Gold, and we’d like as many people as possible to make a great crowd of 2010 or more to see in the New Year. So don’t get stuck in front of the telly – grab those nephews, nieces, cousins and granddads, wrap up warm and come along!

Come on you Gers’!!!

Admission prices: Adults £10, Concessions £5, under-13’s FREE
For more information: www.berwickrangers.net"

Great idea John, anything that we can do to "welcome" them to our place must be applauded. The gap is still 4 points, it may have changed by then of course, but how good would it be if the situation changed to the extent that courtesy of a win that day we could go above them! I can hear the combined cheers from every other third division club already.

Another win

yesterday is the only stat that'll matter come the seasons end. Mind you it was tough, not the manner of play, we bossed the game from start to finish but what we really need in the last third is someone who will take the responsibility to run at defences and shoot at the goal. Hey, I'm complaining, lets say it's a constructive observation. Because off course as long as we keep winning what more can you ask, to win by more? Their number two took some stick yesterday, owls face you might have heard if you were there, and their number 6 spat the dummy out as well and started reacting to the Ducket, never a good move for a visiting player on that side of the park! Next week should be a cracker, Shire won this afternoon, bring on Mad Bill and his chums!
Game 25
Overall Totals
2059.2 miles £484.73
BR Totals
1211.5 £329.78

Good news

about the SFL making an early payout,as apparently they did last season. The amount they are saying is £450,000 although there's no intimation of how it will be divied up. I presume it won't be 30 equal shares, or it might be, but I certainly doubt it. No matter I'd imagine whatever we get at Shielfield will be very welcome. Although I do believe things are being run on a much better fiscal basis this season. Almost time for our next game, at home this time. How about this, we win, handsomely, and that lot loose, one point difference!

The lads

done us all proud last night. Apparently the weather was absolutely terrible which made it all the more creditable. Last night was never going to easy and could be the first of what could be a momentous double this week. When I seen Montrose had equalised early in the second half I had a wee flutter but off course should have had more faith. We now sit 4 points behind you know who so we're still on for the position on the 2nd when we could overtake them. I know that this still depends on someone else in our league stepping up to the plate and taking some points from them. No matter lets enjoy last night for a couple of days and then get it all done again on Saturday. That one I'll certainly be there for.

All my

thoughts, well almost all of them, are at Links Park tonight as I nervously wait for the game to get under way then await information on how it unfolds. I can't stress enough how important a result is tonight and by result I mean a win, nothing less. I'm fully aware of their result on Saturday and I'm sure Jimmy Crease is equally aware. It's time for us to get back on track and get up the ass of our friends from Livingston. I'd love to see us in a situation where a win on the second would put us above them. Tough ask I know but lets give it as good a go as we can.
COME ON YE GERS.......

Big one

tomorrow night at Links Park. Unfortunately due to work commitments I'm unable to make it but rest assured I'll be in touch with events via various media. Wee bit worrying that Montrose had a moral boosting win on Saturday against higher league opposition. I really hesitate to even think it, but, they've not won in the league all season, we're of the back of......
Just had a look at the draw. Good one for Edinburgh City and I think Irvine Meadow at Hibs, and good one for Forfar at home to the Saints. Ah well, cups are boring aren't they, they are aren't they!

Was thinking

of going to the Alex Jack Cup Final at Prestonpans today but the weather got the better of me and I stayed indoors watching footie on the tele instead, I know, the lazy option. However speaking to Davie Watkins tonight he reckoned I made the right decision as the weather was terrible. Oh by the way in case your interested Leith beat Eyemouth. We have a midweeker this week albeit one nobody particularly wanted. No matter we must look for full points at Montrose and the same next Saturday. I've watched two and a bit games on the tele today and am just about to watch Barca v Real. Suits me fine before you ask especially if you have an old lady nipping your ear to go and see her mother! Not you is it?

Looks like

our game went as you might have expected today at Dingwall. You'll be aware I couldn't be there so I'm thus far just going on the result. On the face of it it appears fairly conclusive and whatever the meat on the bones of the result we exit the cup. Mind you I said the other day that Tuesdays result at Montrose is what really matters and I stand by that. I just hope that today's result won't cause too much damage in the team and they can recover in time for Tuesday.

Interesting news

from up Ochilview way with the Warriers changing club status. Their statement went like this "Stenhousemuir have changed the legal status of the company behind the football team with the decision announced at their Annual General Meeting on Monday. The Ochilview club have moved become the first football league club in Scotland and they reckon they are the first in Britain to move from a Private Limited Company to a Community Interest Company (CIC).

The move is designed to safeguard the future of the club with a club statement advising that the move was being done to stop ‘the club being taken over by people who did not have the best interests of the club at heart and could cause problems of the type well know in modern football in the UK."

What strikes me is the bit about it being done to stop the club being taken over by people who etc. Good job that wasn't the case at Livingston! Oops, that was naughty.
Huge game for us tomorrow. The club could be doing no more preparation wise and I really hope it pays dividends. Come on the Rangers.......

Almost time

for our cup tie. I think I've said before that I'm unable to go as I'm launching my book in Duns on Saturday, yes my book, copies still available, that's enough I know. My thoughts off course will be at Victoria Park and I'm certainly hoping. A result would be excellent for club coffers and moral in general. Although if I'm being honest the most important for me is Tuesday at Montrose and the following Saturday at home to Elgin. Six points is a must and I certainly think the team are capable. Mind you I'm presuming that Montrose can actually get their team to Montrose for this one. Lets put a couple extra in just for having to go back lads. I think Montrose have been a bit cheeky about this one.

We knew

it would happen didn't we, no not the 13th euro defeat by Rangers, although if you watched it it was no surprise. Just another low in the recent euro life of the Glasgow team. No, it was off course Livingston's victory against what the Daily Record described as "rotten Rovers" We are getting no help what so ever from anyone else in our league and my worry is that Livingston are improving week on week. Our next test against them for us is only a few weeks away and already has this writers mouth salivating!

Big game

tonight. No, not some Champion's League nonsense but Livingston v Albion. A win for Livi will put them 5 points clear and a win for Rovers puts them equal with us, I think. Personally a draw will do for me or at a push a win for Albion. Oh and going back to the Champions League it's another night for the faint hearted to avoid a certain game again. How many will that mob ship tonight then? Is it too much to hope that a couple of other SPL clubs can step up to the plate and put some pressure on the old firm. The time is right certainly as we're witnessing two of the poorest sides they have put out for many a year. And how about that little Algerian ned at Ibrox. Rangers managers of old would have had him down the road long ago, bring back Scott Symon.

I see

on the SFL site that the Montrose match will now be played next Tuesday. Apparently the Berwick fans that made the journey on Saturday will get in for nowt. Not sure who knows who was there, not too hard I'd imagine, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who made the trip on Saturday who will be unable to make the return trip. No matter good luck to those that do. Also apparently Montrose were not exactly broken hearted to have the game postponed. Me thinks if our lot has been of the disposition to make an issue of the affair a case might have been feasible, but hey, we're not that kind of club (now) are we!!

Having stayed

in Angus for the weekend I learned a bit more about the events which led to our game being off. Apparently a woman had been dropped off from a taxi on the A90 at Longforgan, just south of Dundee. As she was walking along the A90 she was struck by a lorry. A complete tragedy off course. We now go forward to Dingwall this Saturday, a game I had originally intended to be at, however my book will be sent from the printer this week and will go on sale this Saturday morning at Duns News in, off course Duns. The shop have asked me to be there from 10-12 to. would you believe it, sign any copies that people buying may want signed. I kid you not, you can now call me Mr Pike! Joking really......

Made it

to Montrose today despite the weather and was enjoying lunch in the "Picture House" when I got a call saying the game was to be held up due to a fatal accident on the A90. A short while later another call told me the game was postponed due to travel difficulties faced by those traveling north. Further investigation revealed that an accident on the A90 yesterday was the underlying cause. Mind you by the time all this became apparent the rain was falling in biblical proportions and I for one was quite happy to stay in the pub. Apparently the game will now take place a week on Tuesday. Football IS only a game and we should all take a minute to think about the unfortunate individual who lost their life yesterday.

All thoughts

turn to Montrose at this stage of the week. I've just had a look at the BBC site and this is what they are saying "Rangers miss injured Steven Radzynski and David Greenhill, while Jamie Ewart has flu and Steven Notman is doubtful". Now we all know that this mob are more than prone to making the odd gaff where we are concerned so I'm left wondering if any, or all, of this might be true. We'll all see come tomorrow no doubt. I for one am looking for a return to form and a win at Links Park tomorrow. Given their record anything else will be a disaster. No matter, I'm going for a 3-0 win.

Notman back

apparently. He may be in contention for Saturday which will be great news but maybe we better just wait and see. I'd much rather he is 100% ready which of course the manager will ensure. Are you going to Links Park then? I'll be there myself hoping to see our second away win and I really hesitate to say that they ain't won this season! Gotta mention last nights game, you know which one. Another blatant hand ball goal and Henry said he wasn't the ref....eh?? It was a hand ball, no goal he cheated simple as that no goal. Replay the game and ban him from playing. If a stand is not taken at some stage just throw away all the rules and make it up as you go along.

Nothing fresh

tonight at all I'm afraid. One thing I did notice a couple of days ago was the fact that Mark Peat has only conceded three goals at Shielfield this season and two of them have been a penalty and an own goal, not bad eh? Apart from that the media are getting into their usual excited state about the ROI playing in France. Sorry but I don't really care what they get up to. France v ROI two foreign sides playing each other. How do you baffle a Republic of Ireland international? Ask him which part of the Emerald Isle he comes from!

Burley has

gone, hardly surprising as far as I can see. Only pity is that the team didn't go with him. Yes, Burley was short of the mark but the raw material he had to work with is rotten. What has happened to our young players coming through and going on to become proud talented members of our national team. Christ we're even accepting those that have been in Scottish education for five years. The whole thing is a shambles and lets not forget the problems start at the top. There are far too many "suits" in Scottish Football and far too many there for their own edification. I can remember, not that long ago, when we qualified for FIVE consecutive World Cups. Now we're below Gambia and Gabon......

On a

day of no Black & Gold news I thought I'd share a wee story with you. I've mentioned my book about Duns FC before, it's almost ready by the way, but I got an email request for two copies. As I've been doing I asked the lad how he heard about it and here's a wee bit of his reply "Thank you for the email,I help to run the programme shop at York City and a supporter from Alloa brought some Alloa programmes in for exchange and the advert was in the Alloa v Clyde programme" I had actually sent an email to every club Duns played against and Duns had played Alloa in the Scottish Cup in the 50's. No one from Alloa had told me they intended to put an ad in their programme, but thanks to then for doing it. In a very round about way it's got me a couple more sales. Ain't things strange sometimes......

Been going

over yesterday in my head and the only useful conclusion I can come to is thank christ it's over. I'm not being ungracious but it was awful. Looking away for a split second I noticed a Brighton player diving, cheating B******. Sorry about that but yes it was bloody terrible. We have an ideal chance to get back on track next week, before our cup break, at Links Park where Montrose have still to record their first win this season. Mind you, before yesterday Queens Park hadn't drawn away from home this season......
Forgot to update my seasonal figures after yesterday's game, so here they are
GAME 24
BERWICK 1-1 QUEENS PARK
Overall totals 2058.0 miles £468.73
BR Totals 1210.3 £313.78

Today's game

at Shielfield must be the worst I've seen this season. Nothing went right with most of the players unable to do anything but boot the ball as high as possible. I accept everyone has an off day and that was certainly the case with our lot today. The exception must be Andy McLean who was rock solid, the rest, onto next week. We did improve a wee bit at the end and some will say we had our fair share of bad luck. But I'm afraid it was a stinker.

Looking forward

to tomorrows game but as usual it will not be easy. The Spiders away record gives no real indication as to how they may perform. If you believe the weather boffins, I know neither do I, the weather could be the deciding factor. No matter a win tomorrow is what's required as we press to keep the pressure on everyone else. According to the BBC site Steven Notman is the only absentee, which if correct could be worse as apparently more than him left the pitch at Stair Park last week less than 100% fit.

Really struggling

to come up with something tonight so I'll tell you about my book (again) I received the printed proof today, it looks like a real book, wow! Kind of funny mind you thumbing through it thinking of all the work that's gone into getting it to this stage, and it's still not ready. Really pleased that we kept the cover black and white gives a good feel to it. Its been suggested that we have a special event to launch, not my idea either! I'll let you know the details nearer the time, not long now......

Mid week

again and not much on the football front. Watched Leeds Grimbsy last night and intend to watch Southampton Charlton tonight. I know, sad etc but hey, I pay Sky over 40 quid a month, mind you that may change soon we'll see. Too early for me to give too much thought to Saturdays game but I had a quick squint at the Spiders away record and its exactly equal so there's not much indication there. Not much movement from any clubs on a change of kick off times for Saturdays games either given there's more of these pointless friendlies. Think you'll find the vast majority of fans watching club football. Except off course those given no choice by having games canceled, pointless or what?

Did you

get a chance to see the incident that led to Liverpool's equaliser last night against Birmingham. To say it was a dive does not do dives any justice at all. The lad, him with that strange name was so blatant he should be banned for a long time. I don't blame the ref, it must be hard keeping an eye on twenty two grown men who will do anything to gain their side an advantage at any expense. But lets be quite clear here what they do is CHEATING and nothing else. The way all the commentators seem to laugh it off as "simulating" What the hell is that supposed to mean I ask you. Come on you lot call it for what it is CHEATING. And you lot that are doing it, hang you heads in shame.

I see

that Stirling Albion have squared away their life threatening bill. I for one am quite happy about that. I don't like to see any team in bother especially a team not a million miles away from ourselves in terms of size etc. Sadly I don't think it will be a case of if this will happen again but when. In these times of fiscal constraint it's doubly important that every club keeps their house in order. Which makes good reading for Black & Gold fans this season as the board are being particularly careful and actually reducing debts. And remember the accrued debt which arrived as part of the takeover. On a final note of caution let's never as a club be complacent again, we've all been there before haven't we!

Couldn't remember

just who has got what goals for us so far this season so I had a look at the BBC site. Now I know they are sometimes a wee bit of the mark in terms of accuracy, just have a look at what they said about our match yesterday, but never the less according to them our goals have been shared between eight players. Hence I suppose why our top scorer only has four. That raises a question would you rather have one prolific guy way out in front or as we have with them shared around?

A great

win today at Stranraer, our first on the road in the league this season. Unfortunately Elgin couldn't do us any favours so the position at the top remains unchanged. Not being there I'm thus far just looking at the sketchy information available but we apparently were 2-0 up at the break then 2-2 and ultimately a win. Great to see Gray get a couple I think we could see more goals from him this term. No matter it keeps us right there but I'm afraid I'm getting this feeling it could come down to us and "them" this season, what do you think?

Stranraer tomorrow

in another important game, aren't they all, for the black & gold. They always seem to mean more to me when we're near the top. We're sitting very nicely in second place which is all the more unusual when you consider that that a win tomorrow would be our first away from home this season. Our home form is second to none and all we need do now is get thing's sorted away from home. Another point I thought was interesting is that we are the only team to have taken anything from Almondvale this season. I said It yesterday but reiterate it now we need some of the other teams to start pressing Livingston. So come on Elgin geese a hand tomorrow......

Bad boys

as we all know seem to flourish in football like no other industry. Latest in the long sorry list is the lad Barr at Albion Rovers. Apparently he had a barney with his manager last Saturday at Shielfield, some of you may have witnessed it apparently. This seems to have been the fourth such incident if you believe what you read, and his punishment, yes punishment, is to go on loan to a club in a higher division. Obviously the manager at the Somerset Park club must reckon he's made of sterner stuff and can handle young Barr, good luck my friend.
Are you making the trip to Stranraer on Saturday then? Definitely winnable I'd say and it's about time someone else relieved Livingston of some points as well as us! Come on the rest of you eh......

A warning

to all of you of a nervous or squeamish disposition, or indeed, parents of young, impressionable and vulnerable minors. I do not make this warning lightly and would heed you all to beware. After all you can have Waterloo Road, Natural World, Ruth Watson or indeed Britain's Best Brain on Channel 4. What am I whittering on about I hear you ask. Well don't say I didn't warn you.......RANGERS ARE ON THE TELE TONIGHT in the Champions League.........

You may

remember a few days ago I highlighted a stat I had found on the BBC site and posed the question whether it may be right. Well DucketBlog regular Kevin McCormack done some digging and I thought I'd share Kevin's findings with you. He goes on to say......

Hi Colin

Great find that statistic... took me a while to find that section on the BBC, I certainly never check there.

I've had a look back though,

The last 0-0 - I was there - I remember Kevin Haynes being sent off. It was home v Elgin City, 7th April 2007, as things got nervy ahead of winning the title 2 games later.

I think the Stat only concerns league games

So if you take the 3 games after 7th April and 36 games in 07/08, 36 games in 08/09, in neither season did we have a defence good enough to hold out for 0-0 most of the time (!), and then 11 league games this season... you get 86. Amazing. In truth it is a few more - 5 cup games in 07/08, 3 last year and 3 this year so far gets up to 97 games - nearly 100! Got to be worth some press coverage.

Great stuff Kevin that certainly puts some meat on that particular bone.

I read

that Stirling Albion are the latest team looking into the financial abyss. Can't remember all the details but I think they have a small number of days to sort the situation. In football terms the amount is the equivalent of a few days wages to a premiership player but is enough to threaten the existence of the Stirling Club. No doubt the debate will raise it's head about clubs responsibility to run a tight fiscal ship but I await to hear the latest on the Trusts situation re raising cash to take over the club only for the owner, I hate that word in relation to football clubs, turning down their last bid as insufficient. I certainly wish them all the best.

A very

satisfying weekend for all things black & gold. Puts us nicely into second place behind our "friends" from you know where. Just had a glance at the BBC site and our particular bit. According to them it's 86 games since we were involved in a 0-0 draw. I've not checked but do you reckon that's right? Apparently that was Albion's first away defeat of the season as well. Next weeks game is looming already and for once we're not playing a team from the top half.

Great victory

today at Shielfield. Due to other things on the go I couldn't be there but have since heard it was a thoroughly deserved victory and apparently should have been more. Andy McLean apparently had a great game which is superb and I for one certainly hope he can go from strength to strength. Along with other results, apart from one off course, it's been a bloody good day for the black & gold. Couple that with the great night we had last night at the Trust race night and because of the money raised have been able to give the football club £600 today, it means its been a great weekend for all at the black & gold family. Great stuff...long may it continue.

Race night

tonight at the Pilot in Berwick. It's the latest in an ever growing line of race nights we in the Trust have organised and they have all proven to be successful in the past. They are genuinely good fun so if you can make it come along tonight. Manager Jimmy Crease has kindly agreed to join us so you might even get a chance to bend his ear! Then we have the small matter of a rather important league game tomorrow so if your coming from out of town why not kill two birds with the same stane. Must say as well a big well done to Alan Bell on his new book. I'm fully aware of the work involved and look forward to buying a copy. You can then reciprocate Alan as my own one is due out soon!

I'm back

Oh no I can hear you wail, but for the last three days, after loading all my worldly goods onto a procession of camels, I'm now trying to get settled into my new ti pi. I'm just now starting to be able to give some thinking time to fitba again. Firstly the cup draw. What do you think? I did say I wanted someone not in our division I know but I also hoped to get someone beatable as well! First thing that struck me was the distance, its a long way to go. But we should still have made a wee bit of dosh. I know it was budgeted on the basis that we would go out at the first hurdle and that didn't happen, so due to that sensible approach there should be an entry in the plus column. Also something else I didn't know was that the SFA picked up all the teams transport costs to games in the first and second rounds. Phew... need to go now and get some more stuff shifted!

Missed my

wee report yesterday due to a combination of attending our cup tie and preparing to move house tomorrow.
GAME 24
CIVIL SERVICE STROLLERS 1-2 BERWICK
Went up to Muirhouse yesterday for our second round tie with the Strollers. Bit of a jaunt back for me this given that I used to spend time at the Civil Service Sports Club during my time in the service I also renewed an acquaintance from that time when I caught up, or rather he did with me, with an old colleague from my Leith days who now holds the lofty position of Vice-president at the Strollers, great talking to you again Russ. The game itself was a struggle with a win much celebrated with us all feeling thank god for that, whose next in the draw then? Apparently it's to be this Wednesday. Good to see Paul McMullan back he certainly made a difference when he came on. Hoping now for a beatable team in the next round. One thing I don't want if another of the survivors from our division.
Overall totals 2185.8 miles £477.43
BR Totals 1338.1 miles £322.56

Cup tomorrow

you going then? Hopefully we'll see a fair number of Black & Gold gracing the wide open spaces at Muirhouse. As a wee pointer to you remember it is an open space we will be in tomorrow. The club if memory serves is good but if the weathers against us there is no shelter at all from the wind coming straight of the Forth. Hopefully we won't have to worry about that or indeed the result. I always like waiting on a cup draw and sincerely hope we'll be involved in another. Oh,and I can't go without mentioning that staggering Glasgow double in Europe this week, great aren't they.....................

Starting to

thinks towards this Saturdays game at the Strollers in Edinburgh. Glad to read on the SFL site, not always renowned for their accuracy mind, that the team are preparing in the normal way, though you wouldn't expect the manager to do any different would you? There's a great opportunity here to get into the next round, something we've failed to do in the cups this season so far. So it would be great to progress and maybe put a few quid into club coffers. I'm hoping to renew an acquaintance of many years as I've just had an email from a lad I worked with in the Civil Service in Edinburgh in the 80's and he's now the vice-president of Civil Service Strollers, so I'm looking forward to seeing him. Remember this is the CUP, and the excitement builds from here.

Just sitting

down to watch tonight's early ko in Moscow wondering if tonights teams can show any better than last nights woeful performances. Liverpool lost again, 4th on the trot I think, Arsenal let in a last minute equaliser but still got an away point but Rangers...oh Rangers, what can you say. Did you watch it? I've been critical of the old firm in Europe for some time but last night took the biscuit. Shamed by a team of Romanian peasants. And I do mean shamed. Every one of them should hang their heads in collective shame. Give up Europe lads, your only any good at beating your Hamilton's and St Johnstone's, and that is no disrespect to either of them. You are bloody hopeless and only embarrass Scottish football abroad, which really isn't necessary is it. I'm old enough to remember good Rangers teams made up of first class Scotsmen, enough said.

Champions League

again tonight. You either love it or loath it. What side are you on then? I certainly watch it but never been sure what side of the fence I actually come down on though. I certainly agree its made the rich clubs richer etc but tonight there's a team I've barely heard of and know precious little about. Romanians apparently. I've got this theory that clubs from this country shouldn't play clubs from countries we give aid to.
If they have money available through football it should go to the causes they can't as a country finance. After all Romania certainly come into that category.

Into another

footy week feeling much better about our prospects than this time last week. Looking forward already to the cup game on Saturday. In many ways I'm going back to a place I spent some time at in the late 70's and early 80's. That was when I lived and worked in Edinburgh when I was in the Civil Service. We had many a CS sports day on the ground where this Saturday's game will be and many a pint in the CS club which I hope will be open on Saturday. I used to also work in the area around the ground but that's one place I won't be rushing back to. Did you ever see Train Spotter? Well it was based on that area, enough said......

After confirming

yesterday's going's on's with Cook that's confirmed my thinking that we are a serious player in this league this season. That draw has steadied the ship and got us right back on track. We can now have our cup break in Edinburgh next Saturday them get on with league business. Apparently the manager got things spot on and the men on the park almost put the cream on the cake but great result which leaves everybody in black & Gold in much better fettle, roll on next Saturday at sunny Muirhouse......
On a different note the book I've briefly mentioned previously and have been working on for the last three and a half years on Duns Football club will be available in the 1st/2nd week in November, just in time for Christmas! Come on don't be shy, get in touch if you'd like a copy.

How wrong

could I be. Was not confident today at all, sorry to the team for that. Couldn't be present today so at this stage can't comment on the goings on but a draw is a good result. I do realise they equalised with 2 minutes to go so our fans probably left thinking it was two points lost, I certainly did up at Elgin. If you'd said to me before the game you can have a draw, guess what I'd have said!! I'll need to get a report from someone who was there however but what with Albion getting beat, for the first time this season, and Forfar loosing a 2 goal lead today has turned out to be much much better than I ever imagined

All thoughts

on tomorrows game. Big one this as the second quarter commences and a game where a result for us would be huge. Apparently Paul McMullan is available for selection which is like having a new player again. Right now I'd take a point but we'll see. Nothing else really to say right now, might be a whole lot more tomorrow mind, tongue, holding!

Livingston this

Saturday for a game with a wee bit of edge certainly. They appear to be coming onto a game just at a time when we are not unfortunately. However any Berwick fans making the trip by car and park at the stadium can expect to swell their coffers to the tune of £17, yes, that is seventeen pounds. And a fiver of that is to park your car. Compare that to the 50p at Shielfield and you get a draw ticket thrown in. As far as I'm concerned they're taking the piss, but you wouldn't expect anything less would you given their "fluid" fiscal situation.

We're down

to fourth now after last nights result, which kind of makes the last fortnight or so pretty crappy for us. What I want to see us doing now is to get this bottomed out and start to get back on track. Will that happen on Saturday, I'm not sure, I certainly hope so. Don't think I'm any different from and other Berwick fan but how much did we all enjoy beating them the last time. Apparently the word up West Lothian way is that they think they'll be back in the First Division by the start of next year, and the good old SFL don't have the balls to even think about taking any points from them.

Two games

in our division tonight to keep an eye on. Livingston v Annan and QP v Montrose, is that right, not 100% sure. All bias aside as far as our current position is concerned I know what scores I'm looking for. And with us going to West Lothian on Saturday this week could have some bearing on where we sit league wise in the table. I'd rather not go into our cup tie on the back of a hat trick, four if you count Dunbar, defeats, but we'll need to see on that one. I see we have a new director on board. Jeff Burnless who also happens to be the shirt sponsor this season. Well done to him for coming on board. It's great to see local businessmen wanting to be involved with the club again, changed days isn't it.

Start of

another week, in football terms, decimated by international stuff, don't you just hate it. I appreciate I'm talking to both sides of Hadrians divide here but the principle's the same. Our lot went to Japan to get cuffed this time. Must have been for money mustn't it? Can't for the life of me think of another reason. And the other lot had to go to the football hell that is Eastern Europe. When will the authorities do something about that mob. If flares were thrown in this country there would be hell to pay. What'll happen to the Ruskies, or Ukranians or whoever they are? I for one am sick of teams from this country having to play teams from countries you couldn't even find on a map. Ok, I'll stop now.......but you get my point.

Reflecting on

yesterdays game I've tried to come up with something positive. Got to be honest and say I've struggled. Ok, we didn't get much luck, or is that being biased, not sure. One thing that stuck out for me was the players inability to adapt and change when it was clear it wasn't working. Got to say as well, even at this early stage, that I'm a wee bit concerned for next Saturday. Nice to see a reasonable number of Black & Gold in the away end yesterday mind. Done a quick head count and came up with 73. I've said it before mind but how are Shire getting on with finding their own ground? When we arrived at about 2 you wouldn't know a game was on, absolutely nowt open. Great soup at half time mind, really tasty!

GAME 23
EAST STIRLING 1-0 BERWICK

Mini crisis, no, you make up your mind. We didn't deserve to loose today no more in actual fact than we did to win. You surely expect that when the ball goes out and the fact is indicated to the referee he will take the correct action NOT bloody well ignore it and then we all know what happened. What were you doing you dick head, another tosser of a referee. That having been said the records show we lost for the second week in a row by one goal. I hoped to see us back on the rails today but they couldn't do it. There were times today we looked very ordinary, just a wee bit worrying after another week where it just didn't work I'm afraid
Running totals
Overall 2056.8 £456.23
BR Total 1209.1 £301.28

Shire tomorrow

in a hugely important game for the club's ambitions this season. After a record breaking start we slipped last week and all concerned are looking to see what the team can do to get back on the rails at Ochilview tomorrow. The Shire themselves have started well and won't be in a mood to lie down. We're leaving at about 1230 tomorrow and hopefully will be amongst many Black & Gold in the away end. The team, after Mondays game at Dunbar the manager may have decided to make some changes, McMullan back, he certainly got put through his paces, when he does it'll be like having a new signing. Either way we'll know soon enough tomorrow, see you there

That time

of the week again to think about Saturday's game. Are you going to the Shire on Saturday? Or I should say Stenny, which makes me wonder how long they are going to be "dossing down" on Stennys couch. Not criticising mind but surely it can't be open ended. It's surely incumbent on the Shire to get their own ground organised, although they may off course be doing that, but if they are I've not seen anything about it. Important we get back on track and get a result at Ochilview. This will shown the caliber of our team, so come on lets get as many Black & Gold in the away end as we can and help the lads.

Mid week

again and footy is thin on the ground and the telly. No news from Shielfield either, take note lads, gotta keep the site fresh haven't you? I won't prattle on about nothing in particular tonight as I'm busy working on the finishing touches of my book. Book I hear you ask, ye book indeed I'll tell you a bit more about that soon.

GAME 22
DUNBAR UNITED 2-1 BERWICK

Went up to Dunbar last night to watch what ostensibly was a bounce game with Jimmy giving the lads who haven't figured recently on the pitch a run out. In reality there were actually few who didn't get some time in the game. Paul McMullan played and put in a hard shift, being kept a close watch eye on by some fairly enthusiastic Dunbar defenders. As far as I could tell he came off unscathed which is good news. A keeper from East Stirling kept goal but I'm afraid he was too small, sorry son. Robbie had a run as well, good to see. Dunbar won but we had plenty of the play and more importantly no injuries. Nice set up at Countess Park with some decent people putting in a lot of hard graft. Not sure what Jimmy took from the night, hopefully something!
Running totals
Overall totals
1878 miles £433.73
BR Totals
1030.3 £278.78

Start of

another week on the footy front and nowt really happening as far as the Black & Gold are concerned. After Saturday's "awful" game, not my words, wasn't there remember, I'm sure I'm not the only one hoping for a good job to be done this week sorting out what was wrong on Saturday. Make no mistake Saturday coming will be tough. For the first time in a while the Shire seem to have got a team together, and even they don't have a place to call home, how is that going by the way? they appear to be adapting to their nomadic existence. We need to hear something this week to give us a boost ahead of the game.

The day

after our first home defeat of the season, and now that I've managed to put some meat on yesterdays bones It was quite a good one to miss wasn't it? Three other games called of because of the wind as well. One of them by young Broon who apparently was less than respectful to the managers concerned, What...... never, not him. I am right in saying this is the same one that was at Shielfield a few weeks ago? If so not surprised then. And the same one whose old man was as popular as a fart in a spacesuit at East Fife? Maybe not and I'm totally wrong but hey ho.

Another home

game tomorrow, can you remember such a run at the start of a season? No matter, we couldn't have taken a better advantage of them all coming back to back, not in this life anyway! After tomorrow it's three on the trot away from home with the two in the league potential toughies. First of all of course there's the small matter of the Loons tomorrow. Like us, but not quite as good of course, they have made a solid start, as against our brilliant one, ok, that's enough trumpet playing. It will be a tough game but I sincerely hope we can break our week long record, not that that's anywhere near as important as the three points. Hopefully we got our bad performance out the way last week, all we need to do tomorrow is what we've been doing. Lets go for it and stay on top of the rest, what do you say?

What did

you think of last nights game from Ochilview then? The general opinion from everybody outside Livingston seems to be in support of the Shire's win. Got to admit to a wry smile myself as I viewed the final score. Although what it does do is put Shire right up our backside, but as I've said before as long as we keep winning who care what the others do.
Got to say thanks as well to Kevin McCormack for setting me right on the last time we played an East of Scotland side. As I said to Kevin it shows my attempts to scrub that game from my memory are obviously working! Apparently as well there's no trains to Edinburgh on the 24th. That's a nuisance to say the least, other modes of alcohol friendly transport are now required, what do you think?

What a

great draw today. We managed to avoid the others in our division and any bizarre trip to somewhere stupid. Civil Service Strollers in Edinburgh, at my old stomping ground down at Muirhouse. To explain, when I worked in the Civil Service in Edinburgh we used to use it for sporting activities, sports days etc. Mind you I don't think I've seen a game there or Berwick playing there for that matter. I think I'm right in saying, although open to correction, that this will be the first time we have played the Strollers in a competitive game. Looking forward to it already. Oh, and I think as well it will be the first time since 1966 we have faced East of Scotland opposition in the cup.

Midweek again

and nothing really going on black & gold wise. Champions League on the telly tonight and I'll be keeping an eye on the big game......at Hampden. I hadn't realised but apparently Albion are the only unbeaten team in our league. Having said that as long as we keep winning it doesn't matter a jot what anybody else does. It's only where your not that you start looking at what the rest are up to. Mind you tonight is their catch up game isn't it?

New record

set on Saturday, how good is that then? How many fans go through their whole existence without ever seeing such a phenomenon. Those of us present witnessed just that on Saturday, breaking a record that had existed for 40 years. Thanks to Alan Bell for clarifying that for me by the way. I'm not sure if I can take all that type of thing in really. Looking at our club records I had the privilege of watching Eric Tait create his records that still stand, and probably will for a long time. I was also present at at Douglas Park to see another unwanted record created, and then on Saturday another one. What a great platform to attack the rest of the season from......can't wait.

GAME 21
Duns Amateurs 1-10 Hibs
Popped out to Gavington this afternoon to watch what was billed as an exhibition match against ostensibly the Hibs under 19's watched over by Yogi Hughes himself. Everyone concerned had obviously made a big effort in organising the whole thing. They didn't get their reward on the pitch, although the Duns lads kept plugging away against what you'd expect were far superior opposition, but hopefully they did off it as the turn out was very healthy. Impressed by the advertising hoardings, all 39 of them, at apparently about £150 each. An enjoyable afternoon and I think, as far as I can remember, the biggest score I've ever witnessed.
Running totals 1811.6 miles £432.74
BR Totals 963.9 miles £277.78
Crowd, head count, 375, although in truth it was probably in excess of 400.

Another win

but I thought it was tougher than I expected. You can't knock a win, especially when we didn't play as well as we have this season. But you know what they say about winning when your not at your best. Five home wins on the trot, hell, it can't get any better. Whens the last season we bettered that? Alan can you help? Three of the other results ending in draws helped as well, now we're four points clear at the top and times at Shielfield are as bright as the sun that was today shining down on us all at the old ground. David Greenhill stood out for me today, as did Damon Gray and Brazil and.........
Don't know if your aware the Cup second round draw takes place this Wednesday but after today's first round games not including replays and the others yet to come in there are 3 Juniors, 6 Highland Leaguer's and 3 from the East of Scotland League. Who do you want then?

Our first

game as league leaders tomorrow, against, yes, you've guessed it, bottom club Montrose. A coupon buster, certainly hope not, the visiting clubs record is less than impressive but lets make sure there's no slip up's and for a change bang the goals in. We're overdue showing the league just how good we are getting and our play thus far certainly merits more in the goals for column. How about 5 nil tomorrow, ok, I'll calm down. Have to mention the latest stramash involving Livingston. There originally posponed game at the Shire has been rescheduled for next mid week but Shire are saying they won't play unless they get compensation for the original postponement. Don't know about you but I know whose side I come down on this one.

Did you

watch the games on the telly last night? No shocks at all I'm afraid and that's what I'm always looking for but it was not to be. It seems to me that with the balance of power, and finance, ever moving towards the big boys that shocks of any kind are fewer and fewer in coming along. Would you say us being top of the league is any kind of shock? Well, if you base it on last season it certainly is, but it just goes to prove what the power of positive thought and action can achieve. Base it on that and it's no surprise what so ever. And when you think of it in these terms the club can achieve almost anything this season. Top of the league top of.......

Top of

the league...top of the league, you know the rest. Were you there then? That was the only disappointing thing about the evening the turnout. I know this is an historic problem but I'm sure those of us that did make the effort thought it was money and time well spent. What a great performance with some amazing football. Someone said it was the biggest 1 nil shagging we've seen for a long time. Young McLean was sacrificed and I suppose the managers decision was vindicated by turning three goals on Saturday into a clean sheet. Four home wins on the trot to start the season, anyone know the last time that that happened? For me Brazil is getting better game on game, it's also good to see the goals getting shared around. Saturday top v bottom, bring on the Mo!

Tonight's game

is almost here. Looking forward to this one. When's the last time a win at Shielfield would mean us going top of the table? If things had gone to plan originally I'd have missed this one, being away that weekend. We, using the royal version, need to get the defense sorted for tonight. I'm sure Crease has a plan up his sleeve as apparently he was less than happy, and so he should have been, with the gaols that went in against us on Saturday. Jamie Ewart back? What do you think? Anyway lets hope the sometimes hesitant local support come out in force tonight then we can all do it together, and by half nine tonight, or later depending on how much extra time this one adds on, we'll be sitting top of the pile.

Stranraer tomorrow

night at Shielfield under the lights, great stuff as far as I'm concerned. There's no other games in our division so if we win we're top of the league. How good does that sound? We'll need to be on our guard though, they've beaten us this season already even if they're not that far up the table. Apparently we have a full squad to choose from whilst they have one or two injuries, the more the better as far as I'm concerned, no, I didn't mean that, did I? I'd certainly rather they came to us that the other way round on a Tuesday night, wouldn't you?

Game 18
Elgin City 3-3 Berwick

Just back from a weekend away, including the game at Elgin. I was one of about a dozen and a half Black & Gold at a very sunny Borough Briggs yesterday, with the home side only taking 8 of my hard earned pounds at the gate. We should have had the game closed down by the midway point of the first half, but didn't and you know the outcome. It's no exaggeration to say Elgin had three chances and scored them all, while we must have had in excess to a dozen, possibly more, and we failed to take enough. Normally I'd say an away point is good enough but yesterday given how the scoring went and the time of their equaliser I left the ground thinking it was two points lost. That was mitigated when I heard the Loons had also drawn, which now means a win over Stranraer this Tuesday will see us top. Finally if you go to Elgin the next time this season and your journey takes you through Keith avoid the chippy at the Elgin end of the town. There was as much organisation as a central African country, they serve the smallest haggis in the world and it's the first chippy I've ever been in where you have to buy brown sauce in sachets. You've been warned.
Running totals
Overall 1765.4 miles £403.73
BR Totals 956.1 miles £258.78

Have you

had a chance to look at the information on Livingston's actual debt situation yet? I certainly wasn't any where near aware to the extent or variation of what, and to whom, they owe money. I'm just an ordinary punter but how can any organisation be permitted to build up that sort of debt? How do they start to rebuild trust with local business's and organisations to the extent they'll do business with them again. And how about the bit that says the new "owners" have only put in 10k. Given that few of them are local guys and I'd hazard do not live in the town would you trust them?

Middle of

the week again and I'm living on a diet of televised football. Did you watch the Champions League stuff last night? Two perfect results for the English sides especially Man United in Turkey. It always strikes me that the Turks seem to get away with murder, not literally, where grounds and fan behaviour are concerned compared to what is accepted in this country. Why is that I wonder, don't expect we'll get a result on that one, do you?
On a different note, I see livi have appointed a new assistant manager and stated their intention to remain full time. Looks like it's time for their big wigs to dig deep if their crowds this season are anything to go by. You have to remember that Livingston is a town of nearly 100000 people so that shouldn't be beyond possibility, but more of them will need to turn out. No doubt those in charge won't be slow to show their appreciation......

The Stranraer

game has been re scheduled for next Tuesday under something called the !10 day rule". Always good to get a game under the lights at Shielfield. That'll give us three games in eight days with two at home, what a great chance to pick up a dose of points and maybe over take our friends from Station Park. How does top of the league sound to you? It sounds bloody good to me.
I also see that the good old SFL are supplying every club with an electronic scoreboard. Will that mean that we'll get what they do in the English Leagues at the end of each half, namely to be told how much time the ref has made up to add on, or is that being called cynical?

Last Saturday

was fairly kind to us, postponement aside obviously, but given that that happened the way the other results panned out was not too bad. I hoped that leaders Forfar would get beat, and they did. then we managed a draw from the other three, could have been more but I'll take one draw and finally we retained second spot. Even at this early stage our division has a bit of an upside down look reference games being missed. We all need to get the missing one's played to see exactly where we stand. So it's on to Elgin on Saturday, a ground I quite like, let's bring these three points home.

Just back

after being down in Manchester since Wednesday for a conference which only finished on Friday afternoon. So, I decided to stay with my daughter in Stockport and take in the City v Arsenal game yesterday, an added bonus of which was our game being cancelled which of course means I'll be able to go to the re arranged one, and, we retained second spot despite not playing, how good is that?
Game 17
Manchester City 4-2 Arsenal
Had made an arrangement to get a ticket from the lad who sits next to my daughter with him very kindly moving a bit further along into a seat that someone else was not using yesterday. The upshot being that I paid for an upgrade as they call it, how much, £33.50 no less! However, as it turned out it was money very well spent. What an absolute belter in front of a new stadium attendance record. Struggling to remember the last time I was inside a football ground with a better atmosphere. Despite City playing crap for a long period they passed a stern test. And how about "that" incident? MOTD only showed a few seconds of it, however, being in the tier above with a great view, it went on for about 15 minutes with police and stewards just managing to keep the enraged Gooners from invading the pitch and lynching your man. Even at the end, when the linesman lifted a board saying an extra 4 minutes had to be played, the City fans were still biting a collective nail. Only at City, but it was an excellent afternoon's entertainment away from Shielfield, even at that price!
Current totals
Overall 1200.2 miles £347.05
BRFC totals 434.4 miles £202.10

Game 16
Berwick 3-1 Whitehill

We retained the cup last night at a cold and windy Shielfield, not helped by the small turnout, where were you all? The team was slightly different, Robbie started and Gray and Rad******, can't remember the rest! started up front, with Gray getting a good first goal. Big Haynsey played the full 90 for Whitehill and got a couple of good cheers from the small band in the ducket, but he looked knackered by the end. Just in case your wondering that's the clubs third trophy in 12 months, Dennis has been told to order a new duster!
Running totals
BRFC 434.4 miles £202.10
Overall 1181.6 £283.55

Well well

has justice been done, you'll have decided already no doubt, but whatever all our opinions Livingston FC stay where they are which as far as our three points are concerned is great news. Will those who have taken over, whatever their combined reasons, stay put. I suppose until they come up with a way to get their money back they'll have to won't they. After all they're all huge Livi fans aren't they!!
Shielfield tonight and a cup final what more could you ask, bring on big Haynesy!

Still waiting

apparently for the decision on Livingston. Had a look in all the usual places but can't see anything at all at the moment. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't give a shite about our "friends" from West Lothian but it does concern me given that we beat them fair and square and I WANT TO KEEP MY 3 POINTS, sorry, but you get my meaning. Given the high handed way they decided not to turn up for a fixture surely a points deduction must be a possibility on top of whatever else is handed down. Not sure how much longer they will sit on this but I hope to hell they get a move on......

Next game

up for Berwick fans is the City Cup final this Tuesday against Whitehill at Shielfield. I make no apology when saying I always enjoy these games against our friends from East of Scotland football, an association our club has been a member of for more years than you care to remember. Mind you with having no game yesterday it seems like a long time to me since we've heard anything from Shielfield. No news good news eh?

Back again

after a wee break in the Western Isles I listened to our win this afternoon against the Macedonians as I drove down the road, which means Wednesday nights game still has meaning. Mind you the Dutch will be a different kettle of fish, but we still have a chance, don't we? On a slightly different note well done to Hawick on picking up their first point of the season on Friday. The Albert haven't found points too easy to get in recent times, but your of the mark lads, go for it......

I see

the Supporters Club have organised a Q&A session with the manager for later this month. Good idea as far as I'm concerned, can't be too much information dissemination and it's one of the things we hoped would change after the take over, so I'm looking forward to it, and it's back in the Black & Gold again, great stuff. Lets hope it all goes well and helps carry on creating a bond within all who have an interest in our club.
A wee clarification as well, our number 2 all time appearance holder is actually Roy McDowall and not Stuart Romaines as I said a couple of days ago. Roy amassed 296 appearances scoring 7 times during 2 spells at Shielfield.

Another week

looking at football on the tele, if I'm lucky. We are on the build up to another International weekend, and for those of us that look to George Burley's lot it's filled with trepidation as usual. We seen the best performance from a side at Hampden since Burley took over a couple of weeks ago......from U2. That pretty much says it all, god knows what we'll do this Saturday against the might of Macedonia! Could you put your finger on a blank map and pin point where they are, I couldn't......

Good feeling

I'm sure you'll agree, if you are Black & Gold that is, to see us where we are in the league at this early stage of the season. Things seem to have a different aura than in the last couple of seasons. If things aren't quite going our way on the park, the players on duty seem to have the ability and desire to pull out that extra wee bit and get a result. Certainly augers well, and before you say it, I know, it's very early days, but isn't it much better being where we are than where we have been?
You may recall me reminding you that Eric is our appearance record holder, and I said who was second. Well it's Stuart Romaines with 273 over two spells with 21 goals, but you knew that didn't you?

Game 15
Berwick 1-0 Queens Park

A hard fought win this one, but unlike Berwick teams of the past the current lot didn't give up and kept playing right to the end, despite several disappointments and close things that just wouldn't go in. And couple that with an inconsistent set of officials and some Spiders players who had obviously been watching too much of Arsenal the reward came, albeit right at the death, and like last week it was greeted with a huge outpouring of emotion from the ducket. Just a wee bit of concern from this writer was the 87 odd people from last week who weren't there today, and that is taking account of possibly similar away supports, come on where are you, we have a winning team for a change. This continues a very good start to the season and was certainly a good way to go into a fortnights break. Mind you today's highlight wasn't on the pitch, but through the PA at half time, when MC Bell caressed our eardrums with some of his sounds of the 70's. I mean the Detroit Spinners and Gloria Gaynor, how cool is he!!!!
Running totals for Berwick games
430.2 miles £197.10

Queens Park

tomorrow then. Our third out of our first four games at home and so far we've made them count. Let's hope we can carry on tomorrow in this game that should have been at Hampden. Queens have only played two games so far, thanks to U2, but have yet to loose so let's take nothing for granted. They are normally a good football side who are very mobile so come on lads let's get the job done and maybe, go back to the top of the pile. In a quieter moment today I've spent time looking at our players attendance stats, and as you'll know our very own Eric Tait leads the race, amassing 435 appearances over 19 years, scoring 115 goals in the process. But who is second?......
Oh, and going back to what I said yesterday about our friend from Arsenal who dived against Celtic, just noticed that UEFA have charged him with cheating, well done to them, there told you so?

Champions League

draw has been made today, almost happened unnoticed as far as I was concerned. They used to happen on a Friday didn't they and the telly made a big thing about it. The new Europa thing will be happening as well, I presume after tonight's games. Oh and in case you didn't notice I was unfortunately right about the Celtic game last night, not the hardest prediction I admit, a shame never the less. It did take a cheated penalty by the Arsenal player, how annoying is that, what does he think after watching it on the telly, cheating basket. The most payers from any nation at the game wasn't English or Scottish either, who do you think? It was Arsenal remember......

Second part

of the Scottish teams euro nightmare takes place in London tonight when Celtic take on Arsenal, then tomorrow Hearts finish their own embarrassment against the Croat's in Edinburgh. Certainly hope they've reduced admission infact they should pay people to turn up. SPL teams in Europe RIP. Next weekend looks like City Cup final time again, great stuff, second silverware of the season, if we win that is, then for the first time in a long time I think we've actually caught up, well I never......

Nae fitba

on the box tonight, from these shores anyway, might dip into the Athletico match on Sky I'll see. Plenty of other games to look out for tonight anyway so that'll keep me going in the meantime. Apart from that nowt else really on the go, we're heading for that mid week calm I'm afraid.

A new

week is on us again, although if your anything like me you'll be basking a wee bit in the bright light of Saturday's win. I make no excuses for saying that, as football being what it is it only affords short lived glory, certainly for us anyway, but hey, isn't it worth it! By my calculation we're only one point short of a perfect start and I'm certainly aware that to rack up a fair number of points early on can go a hell of a way later on.

The day after

a tremendous victory there's time to reflect on the day and win that put us back to second top of this embryonic table. The thing that hits me most was the guts shown by our players, they really put a shift in against a team, who, on paper looked daunting.
All the stuff surrounding the goings on at their club can't be helping, no matter how much we hear managers and coaches saying it's nothing to do with them, ala Newcastle. No matter a wins a win as they say and it certainly changes the Shielfield atmosphere doesn't it. Good to have the Black & Gold open again, gives that extra option for a pre match pint without then having to travel miles to the ground. The referee dished out three yellows on the pitch to the visitors and apparently they also got one up stairs as well!
Bring on the spiders......

WOW

What a game and a superb performance at Shielfield this afternoon. An absolutely huge result for the Black & Gold against the title pretenders at a sunny Shielfield. The whole team were superb with Brazil Greenhill and young McLean standing out for me. I'll make no bones about it that is why I support MY team and choose to go to Shielfield. Those of you not there today really missed a trick. There were guts and skill on show in abundance today. Can't remember when I last enjoyed a Berwick performance, and win, as much. The away fans created an atmosphere, but they are young aren't they, and with much to learn, and the rest must learn to go where they should be.
What a great day at Shielfield and the "new" Black & Gold is excellent as well, will certainly use it in future.
COME ON YE GERS COME ON YE GERS
Game 14
Berwick 1-0 Livingston
Berwick totals 426.3 miles £187.10

Livingston tomorrow

so it seems anyway barring any last minute appeal, hope the Salvation army ain't around before the game, they're always appealing for something, then we could still be screwed! Will they be too strong, I don't know. Apparently they're still full time although how they intend to maintain that beats me. Wonder how they are coming on squaring of these punters they're due money to? I'm told the Black & Gold will reopen tomorrow, good stuff. long overdue. Will certainly go in for a pint before the game and maybe one after as well, depends, you know what I mean. Just noticed as well the QP v Albion game is off after a pitch inspection, what's going on there then, too much U2 on the pitch probably. And finally. I'm going to request that Scottish clubs no longer play in European competition, it'd far too bloody embarrassing, just how much worse can they get. Hearts started last night with one Scot, if they will insist on filling their teams with foreigners at least make them half decent please, if not just stay at home, please.......

Game 13
Kelso United 1-2 Vale of Leithen

Stood in the rain last night at Woodside Park and watched a fairly gutsy performance from both sides, and again, for the second time this season, was impressed with Vales passing game. Felt for the Kelso lad who took the ball full in the face, then with a vigorous rub just got on with it, and not another soul on the park paid him a blind bit of notice. There's no frills at this level is there, what would have the scenario been on the telly? Even got a free cup of coffee in their wee clubhouse at half time, as did anyone else in there mind. Reasonable game, despite the rotten weather which leaves Vale top of the pile on full points.
Running totals
1219 miles £263.55
Crowd 59
Also noticed that the Scottish Cup draw is due to take place on Thursday the 3rd of September, but if I'm right we don't come in till the second round, interesting none the less.

Watched the game

on tele last night. I'm afraid Celtic were taught a bit of a lesson as well. Mind they had no luck with the goals, bit like us on Saturday with the Rovers second. Again it demonstrates, if a demonstration is required, what the SPL is lacking. All you have to do is look at the clubs who have been thumped in the early euro ties by clubs unlikely to set much else alight. Thinking about popping over to Kelso tonight to take in their match against the Vale. On a final note this time, read in the Daily Record today that our ex chairman has joined the board at Livingston, no doubt you'll have an opinion on this, I'll reserve mine, although my opinion of what Livingston FC are about at the moment is rather troubled. The lower echelons of Scottish Football are fighting for their personal existence and what they are doing, and have done, isn't adding much on the positive side.

A ton

of football on the box tonight, so that's exactly where I'll be, in front of it anyway. We have the latest battle of Britain at Parkhead. Apparently these two have never met in a competitive fixture, the only time being a Coronation Cup tie in the 50's. This is one of the few times I want to see either of the old firm do well, so I pin my colours quite firmly to the Scottish mast tonight, as against the French......oops sorry, the English one. I'll be keeping more than an interested eye on all the other games at the same time, oh I'll need my radio on as well!

A footballless

night for me unfortunately,all that's on tonight is an SPL game on ESPN. A channel I've not subscribed to for this season, I think the 40 quid I'm giving Sky is quite enough that you very much. Off course given the choice, which we never will be, I'd ditch the BBC and spend that money on a channel that's serious about showing football. Bloody BBC. The official website is back to full speed after that little technical glitch as well.

Yesterdays

gone and hopefully those that can do something about it will try to get things organised for a better result this coming Saturday against the extremely reluctant Third Division late comers Livingston. I'm sure everyone in Scottish Football, maybe especially in our division, has an opinion on this, but apparently arrive they will at Shielfield next Saturday. Interesting eh?
Before then mind there appears to be an interesting mid week of euro ties two of which I see are on the telly. After yesterday what chance have Arsenal of hitting double figures against Celtic, only joking Celtic fans! And Hearts are on Thursday night against Dinamo Zagreb I think. Might take in a midweeker myself, I'll see.

Game 12
Albion 2-1 Berwick

A narrow if almost undeserved defeat at the San Cliftonhill yesterday. To be fair we hardly kicked a ball in the second half but the way the media described the winning goal anyone not present will get a distorted view. In reality a speculative shot heading goal wards took a deflection of an Albion players arse and ended up in the net! Brazil's goal had it been on MOTD would have the assembled pundits creaming themselves but ultimately it was not enough and its back to the drawing board for Crease and co. The ref needs to get his "refing" book out as he was well short of the mark. Interesting to view the assembled masses in Big Owen's watching the lunch time match on the small screen. Always nice to see loyal fans travelling (as far as the pub anyway) to watch their team, yawn.
Running totals watching Berwick
423.3 miles £177.10

Albion tomorrow

quite looking forward to it as well. My hope is that we can build on last week and get some sort of result. They've had two good cup results against our two but only managed a draw last week. The squad thus far gives me hope, I also hope we can maintain an early season puss which ultimately can make such a difference as the season pushes on. Need to try a pre match pint in Big Owen's as well, which has been a watering hole for travelling Berwick fans for as long as I can recall. A wee piece of technical info as well, the official site ain't working, the problem is being looked at by web guru Paul Smith so bear with us for what hopefully will only be a short time.

Livingston

are to remain, for the time being at least, in our division, after member clubs voted 16-10 to uphold the original decision. Is this right, what do you think? I had a quick look at the English leagues today and I think I saw 4 clubs with minus points tally's. Livingston's record has certainly been colourful in their 14 year life and some may same this is their just reward. Certainly it was democracy at work. Don't know how our lot voted but it looks like they have further recourse to appeal. As you'll know they are due at Shielfield a week on Saturday so lets be selfish and hope they get it sorted by then. I suspect some are becoming a tad bored with the situation.

Game 11
Eyemouth United 1-2 Ormiston

Popped over to Warner Park last night to take in my first East of Scotland League match this season. The weather was great and it was a pleasant evening, unfortunately for the Fishermen that wasn't quite enough. The game itself was fairly close and for a time in the second half after Eyemouth equalised I though they may have shaded it, however one of their lads said one thing to many to the ref and he duly added a yellow to the one he already had and off he went, if not entirely willingly. That was it for the Berwickshire side and leaves them still looking for their first points. Things could have been worse mind, they might have been playing for Hawick!
You aren't charged anything to watch football at Eyemouth and they make no pretext of supplying anything for the fans. Maybe a thought lads?
Running totals
971.3 (BR224.1) miles £210.85 (BR £129.40)

Back again

after another lock out. Watched my first Sky game of the season last night after "being reconnected" as I usually do after the closed season. Start of another season of telly football and the price is going up, again, but unlike the Beeb you can choose to have it or not.Going to go to either Eyemouth or Coldstream tonight for a game depending on time, I'll see. Is it too early to start thinking about the Albion game this Saturday......too late started.

Nice to be

top of the pile. I know it's only day one and people say the league's don't matter till Christmas but that's normally those that are at the bottom. I'll take a top place any day, first, last or anywhere in between. Nice to get an opening day win anyway, lets just carry on from here and get a good solid start under our belts.
Wasn't at the game as I was away for the weekend, ok, I'm ducking to avoid the pelters, but I enjoyed the result as much as if I'd been there. Onward and upward from here......I certainly hope.

Oh dear

it's happened at Livingston. Maybe more surprising is the fact that the SFL have taken such decisive action. It off course has an implication on our division. We've lost Cowden and apparently gained Livi, who would you rather have? This off course is dependent on those who have recently taken over still carrying on in the 3rd division. Will they stick around or walk? It's fairly obvious to me, possibly with the exception of the guy from the Trust, that none of the others are Livingston fans, so what were/are their motives? Did they hope to step into dead mens shoes with a 1st division outfit? They will certainly have their motives tested now with the prospect of 3rd division footie. Will they pass the test, what do you think?

Nowt much

going on today I'm afraid. Saturday has come and gone and it's too early to be looking towards next weekend. The passing of Bobby Robson still dominates the footie pages and rightly so, everybody can't be wrong and it appears everybody had good things to say about him. I certainly think that modern day football lacks gentlemen and it makes his passing all the more poignant.

Game 10
Partick Thistle 5-1 Berwick

On the face of it a drubbing, and it will be hard to convince those amongst you that weren't there that there were a few positives to take from Firhill yesterday. One of the three strikers available, one at a wedding one going done with swine flu on the morning of the game. Then with three minutes gone we loose another player to injury. We actually played some reasonable football at times and at 3-1 it could have been reasonable, but in the end we ran out of steam. It's on to the league now and a win next Saturday is imperative isn't it......
Running totals
871.9 (BR 224.1)miles £205.85 (BR£124.40)

Game 9
Preston Athletic 1-2 Hibs X1

Went up the "the Pans" last night for what turned out to be a lively and mostly entertaining encounter between the East of Scotland side and a very youthful Hibs eleven. Despite the persisting rain a healthy turn out saw both sides serve up a good show, which remained competitive to the end. Good to see so many youngsters around taking part and as usual well done to those responsible for a good match programme. The Pennypit looked good and very tidy with several changes since my last visit.
Crowd 350/400
Running totals
655.9 miles £189.65

So Livi

are saved as are the Third Division for this season. Led by the two main protagonists much publicised, it appears they will compete in the first division this season. What I don't understand is the Italian, can't spell his name without looking it up, still apparently owns the shares but will play no part. I though that clubs had punishments imposed for going into administration? And how about the 300 oddk they are due the cooncil? There's more to this than so far said, it'll all be out soon no doubt.

Looking forward

to visiting Firhill on Saturday. Always a favourite away trip for me, I've said it before but, Firhill is a "real" football ground steeped in history. Always enjoy a pint in their bar in the main stand, there's going to be grub available, good stuff. Not quite looking forward to the potential result though. I am prepared to be pleasantly surprised and whatever the score the season starts in earnest a week on Saturday. That is when things will start to be judged but I do think that preparations are well underway and the squad looks good on paper, I know don't say it!

The club

today signed last nights number 10 trialist Damon Gray. This lad has an impressive CV and must be viewed as another very good signing. He certainly knows the way to goal and has proved it, lets hope he can do it again for us. He's not played a full ninety minutes in the last year so has a bit to make up in the fitness stakes, but that will come and then what, goals hopefully. If you take away Horn and Callaghan the average age of the squad must be in the early 20's. And we had a game last night as well......
Game 8
Berwick 2-1 Blyth Spartans
Was this a "meaty" encounter or what? More like a cup tie than pre-season friendly, eh sorry NCC shield or plate or whatever it was, never mind we won. Another useful session for everyone in the squad and some neat passing football to boot
Running totals
556.2 miles (8.1 BRFC) £183.15 (£113.20 BRFC)

Game at

Shielfield tonight, so off course it's really trying to rain, and has been already, do the two really go together? Possibly of a wee bit more importance is the very real possibility of playing in a 9 team league this season. Which off course means loosing 4 games, against Cowden, who arguably bring one of the bigger traveling supports and the resultant hole that will leave in this seasons projected income. I realise the SFL will take greater care of their flagship division but why make us pay? It's not as if this has come totally out the blue, after all, was it not them who allowed the Italian owner to get his hands on one of their member clubs? Another example why this should never be allowed to happen.

Tomorrows game

against Blyth is spookily exactly 2 years since the last time we played them, at their place then, can't remember the score maybe you can? I think we should foster better and more frequent relations with other county teams, there are opportunities. This game might give them an opportunity to sort some of Saturdays mistakes out before Partick this Saturday, a game which you'd think will be substantially harder than Stranraer. I've said before I enjoy going to Firhill, to me it's a "real" football ground, we might even pull off a shock......ok I know!!

Getting beat

is never pleasant but yesterday seems to have been one hell of a day. I wasn't there, like most of you probably, and a big well done to anyone to trailed the 374 miles there and back, but it all seems to have happened. Can't have helped when a drunk ran into the side of the bus in East Kilbride, main thing was no one was hurt, but it must have buggered up the pre-match arrangements. Trying to take any positives from the game may be hard, but it was the first game together for ostensibly a "new" team so lets hope they can take it forward from here. Onto the "cup" on Tuesday!!

Lad from Leith

signed on which I think is great news. Apparently some talking had to be done as Leith had him on an 18 month contract, so well done to those at the club for getting it sorted. He score 21 goals in total for the Edinburgh side last season so he knows the way to goal. And they've got a second goalie sorted as well. Got to admit I don't know a thing about him and I've not had time to google him or look in wikipedia. It all starts in earnest tomorrow however and wouldn't it be great if we could progress, keep everything crossed lads!

Game 7
Musselburgh Athletic 1-0 Raith Rovers

A new ground for me last night and I think the tightest I've been at. Reminded me a little of Shire's old ground but smaller. In actual fact although the opposition were billed as Raith Rovers it was actually the youngsters, under 19's, with the addition of first team defender Dougie Hill. Musselburgh just shaded it in a competitive encounter. No programme just a free information sheet, nice bovril though.
Running totals 551.1 miles £136.95

Two more

players have signed on since the game at Muirhouse last night. I'm glad that young McLean has been given a chance. He represents something different at the club, that of a borders player, something of a rarity and I hope he is able to make an impact. Not sure how close the manager is to his target squad of 19/20, kind of lost count recently. Just done a quick tot up, 16 maybe? Never the less things are happening so , thus far at least, there is reason for optimism.

Game 6
Gala Fairydean 0-8 Carlisle United

made my third visit of the pre-season to Netherdale last night to watch Gala taught a lesson by a young Carlisle team, under 19's? Their big number 9 was impressive and the guy next to me at the game thought they had a Chelsea youth player on loan, could well have been, there were quite few impressive. Fortunately for the home side they took their foot of the gas after the interval or god knows what the score might have been.
They had up'ed their normal admission charge to 5 quid and it was a bummer to find the programmes sold out when I arrived.
Running totals 446.5 miles £127.40