All not well that ends at Well for Rangers

MOTHERWELL BERWICK RANGERS 1 0

BERWICK’S Betfred League Cup programme ended with a defeat away to SPL side Motherwell, but not before they put up a spirited fight against their full-time opponents.

Rangers fought a rearguard action for most of the match, with goalkeeper Robby McCrorie forced into making several saves.

But at the end, the teams were separated by an 82ndminute winner from substitute Elliott Frear, which meant the second-division outfit ended their section winless, with only one point from four games.

Motherwell suffered a blow after only nine minutes when they were forced to make a change, with Frear replacing the injured Steven Hammell.

After Darren Lavery had a shot from outside the box blocked, Berwick were forced on the defensive with Louis Moult having two attempts before Andy Rose shot over.

Craig Tanner then had a shot saved by Berwick keeper McCrorie, whilst Richard Tait shot wide and Moult fired over before the half-time whistle.

McCrorie was called into action twice more early in the second half to deny Moult and Tanner before Berwick forced their way back into the game with Lavery, Kieran Stewart and Murrell all going close.

Frear headed over for Motherwell and then Rose had a shot saved by McCrorie before Chris Cadden had two attempts in quick succession, the first saved, the second blocked.

As the Well continued to press, McCrorie continued to be kept busy, saving from George Newell.

But in the 82nd minute, Rangers’ luck ran out. McCrorie saved again, this time from Carl McHugh, but the ball spilled to the feet of Frear, who shot high into the net from close range.

Andrew Irving went close at the other end, but Motherwell were always in the ascendency and Newell had another shot saved by McCrorie in injury time.