Home
FM Discord
YouTube Channel
FM24 Data Update
FM26 Data Update
FM26 OOP Player Roles
Downloads
Graphics
Challenges
Blog
Forums
Videos
Tactics
FM26
FM26 Real Name Fix
FM26 Shortlists
FM26 DB
FM26 Men's Wonderkids
FM26 Women's Wonderkids
FM26 Men's Club Finances
FM26 Women's Club Finances
FM24 Update
FM24
FM23
FM Saves
FM Database
FM Guides
Installation Guides
Records
Search
#235073 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
With three teams all desperately scrambling to try and avoid the relegation play-off spot we needed to pull a result out of the bag to save ourselves from the dreaded playoffs.
Scottish Championship
Well that's it then. In fitting style for the season we end it without putting up any resistance what so ever. Cowdenbeath are set for the playoffs at the other end of the table and having taken a quick two goal lead within the first half they made sure that the final game of the season would send them off in morale boosting fashion. A convincing loss and only three shots on target. Worrying times.
Scottish Championship
In the end our result proved to have no baring on how the league would pan out, as both Raith and Dunfermline pick up a victory to leave us high and dry in the relegation playoff spot. A disappointing way to end the season and we've still got a whole series of playoff games to get through as we look to cling on to our place in the Championship.
#234543 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish Championship
Crucial month, terrible start. Livingston have already secured the automatic relegation spot leaving ourselves, Raith and today's opponents Dunfermline to try and avoid the play-off spot. With a small lead over them all we needed to do was avoid defeat today but a scrappy game saw them run out one goal winners and put our season straight into danger. Three games remaining we're up against it now.
Scottish Championship
Alloa are sitting pretty watching the dog fight below pan out but they certainly weren't going to do us any favours this time around holding on to a point in a game which did little to advertise the quality of the Scottish Championship. We've struggled to get the ball forward of late and combined with our still worryingly leaky defence its not making for comfortable viewing at this stage of the season.
Scottish Championship
Aberdeen are all but back in the Premiership but saw fit to push us further away from those dizzying heights with a cruel victory in front of our despondent fans. A fortunate Lee Currie penalty had seemed to secure us a much needed point against the run of play but we couldn't hold out for the final twelve minutes throwing it away by conceding a poor goal with only five of them remaining.
Scottish Championship
With just one solitary game remaining in May we look the favourites to be thrown into a fight for survival in the relegation play-offs. With Raith and Dunfermline now sitting two points ahead of us we can by all means still manage to fight out of this but with our current poor form and a string of errors blighting morale its going to be a big ask to salvage some form of safety.
#234246 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish Championship
Kilmarnock have pretty much dominated us since we arrived in the league but with both teams fighting for different reasons at either end of the table we finally managed to salvage a point against the form book. Despite not technically having found the net we will take a point now matter how it comes to us. Every point counts right now.
Scottish Championship
Well that was pretty much a disastrous result. Livingston sit bottom of the table and have so far this season looked pretty much down and out however they quickly injected some hope back into their season, scoring two late goals snatching all three points and making the relegation dog fight a hell of a lot more dangerous.
Scottish Championship
We're not completely lifeless. Queen of the South know that they are set for a safe midtable finish and we quickly moved to try and join them pulling off a sensational performance in the second half scoring three well worked goals and picking up some much needed points in the process. Now why cant we perform like this every game?
Scottish Championship
We are back into our safe spot. Seventh place. Things however have certainly got alot tighter at the foot of the table. Raith have now joined the fray whilst Dunfermline and Livingston have quickly closed the gap with just four games remaining. Any slight slip up is certain to give any team a much needed advantage with all four teams looking for any signs of weakness.
#234241 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish Championship
That is more like it. Cowdenbeath are by no means small fry in this league and have a strong claim on a playoff spot already but they where dealt a huge blow when they were quickly destroyed by The Borderers at Shielfield Park. A strong showing from our strike force saw our three contenders for a starting spot all find a way on to the score-sheet with even new left-back O'Hanlon getting in on the action in front of goal.
Scottish Championship
The hype of a five goal victory didn't carry very far as we are back to losing ways against fellow strugglers Raith. Captain Lee Currie ensured we atleast put up somewhat of a fight but a red card for defender Dunkley left us with little hope of holding on to the victory and we duly watched all three points disappear from reach in the cruellest of fashions with the last kick of the game.
Scottish Championship
We are most definitely back to our worst. Falkirk like Cowdenbeath are well into the playoff race but unlike their league rivals they actually seem intent on winning it. Dominating the game from start to finish our defence without the suspended Dunkley where taken to pieces in ruthless fashion. We need to desperately rethink our strategy in the league but with a set group of players and roles its too late to do anything now.
Scottish Championship
We held seventh position for two months but as predicted we slip yet further sitting just one place above the relegation spots. Fortunately for us the shocking form of Dunfermline and Livingston has certainly given us a fitting head start with six points between us and the playoff spot but based on current form and our lack of ability we cant rely on it too long.
#234239 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
We need a turn around could 2018 be our year?
Scottish Championship
New players, same result. Kilmarnock are just so much more clinical then us. Having been a professional team only since the start of this season its hardly surprising but non the less we earned our spot in the Championship but it seems that with performances like these we are steadily about to end our rise up the league structure in cruel fashion.
Scottish Championship
Another defeat ensures the year gets off to a miserable start as fellow mid-table side, Queen of the South push us further away from their safe hold on the edge of the playoff spots and ever closer to the relegation zone with a demoralising three goal defeat. On the back of that result its hard to see how we can even hope to avoid a relegation dog-fight.
Scottish Championship
Atleast we can beat one team. Dunfermline currently occupy the relegation playoff spot and we ensured that they would hold on to it for a good deal longer with a morale boosting victory. Summer additions, Varney and Gainford started the scoring but it was the ever reliable Scot, Darren Lavery that once again sealed the points with a trademark brace.
Scottish Championship
Alloa are just on the edge of the current battle at the bottom of the table and a hard earned point meant that we would atleast spend one month of the year in the same relative safety. Once again Darren Lavery helped himself to the plaudits with a well converted penalty that salvaged the point following a frantic spell either side of the half time whistle.
Scottish Championship
Aberdeen are in their own personal battle with Kilmarnock at the head of the table and despite giving as good as we got in the early stages of the game, we eventually fell of the pace of the former Premier League side losing our grip on the points and ending our recent mini revival. A disappointing way to end the month but atleast some signs of improvement.
Scottish Championship
Well the January transfer window and the turn of the year didn't really change anything at all. We maintain our perilous place just above the fight below us but with just four points separating us from the playoff spot at the wrong end of the table, it seems that we are by no means out of this. The season is heading towards the business end and we are certain to be tested.
#234225 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Before we add to the ranks we address our sizeable reserve team, selling two former first team players to the lower Leagues. Andy Russell contribute his fair share of goals to our promotion efforts and winger Ross Gray proved to be a valuable asset to the team, even if it was only from the bench. Both players reduce our number of Scots even further as the English players now have a firm hold across the team sheet.
From: Out of Contract.
Just look at him. He screams bruiser. Not afraid to get stuck into the ball, former Halifax midfielder Matty Pearson jumps straight into the centre of the pitch. A solid midfielder who has strong defensive stats, he is here to win the ball back before it even has a chance to trouble our shaky defence. A strong addition to the team and a potential fix for some sloppy mistakes.
From: Out of Contract.
I know him from a brief spell with the Rams, Tom Naylor is certainly a good defender for this level. Having experience throughout the levels of the football league in our native country, Naylor knows just how physical lower league football can be and should prove to be a steady head for our thus far failing defence. As a partner for Summer signing, Dunkley it is hoped the duo could make a strong partnership for the foreseeable future.
#233528 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish Cup - Fourth Round
Still holding on to some slim hopes of finally making some progress in a cup competition we go toe to toe with fellow Championship Cowdenbeath in the fourth round. Having beaten them once already this season we knew we had a good shot of making it through but neither side could muster a goal as we played out a lifeless draw resulting in an unwanted replay back at Shielfield Park.
Scottish Cup - Fourth Round - Replay
From a bore draw to a five goal thriller, the replay was certainly quick to make up for the lack of action in the previous tie. We shot into a seemingly commanding lead as new signing Luke Varney marked his long awaited debut following a lengthy injury with a goal but we couldn't capitalise on our rapid start, watching our shot at a place in the next round slip out of our hands within just thirty minutes.
Scottish Championship
Back to the league and we're again dropping important points. Alloa are another side happy to settle for a mid table position but despite once again taking the lead we couldn't match their intensity as we dropped all the points to have us resuming our slide down the table. With results like this our place in the relegation dog fight is almost guaranteed.
Scottish Championship
We gave them a close run in the Scottish Cup but we certainly didn't come close to repeating the feat in the league. Luke Varney atleast shows that he can find the back of the net at this level but with five goals finding their way in to the back of the net it doesn't matter how many goals we can pick up at the other. This defence needs some urgent work, with the January transfer window approaching we could be set for some quick changes at the back.
Scottish Championship
A hard earned point. Aberdeen are leading the charge for the top spot at the moment but couldn't keep us at bay. Having taken a two goal lead we looked like we were going to be on the end of another convincing defeat, however a late comeback salvage some pride and a point. Luke Varney picked up another goal for his early tally and the point was secured by the ever reliable Darren Lavery.
Scottish Championship
No time to build on our impressive point as Falkirk quickly restore our place as relegation favourites. A total collapse in the first half left us with absolutely no chance on leaving the game with anything other then a run around. This defence is really struggling to match the increased levels in the Championship. Time to look at tweaking the formation.
Scottish Championship
With a quick change in tactics we no longer attempted our usual counter-attacking style in favour of a more defensive formation as we look to try and stop the rot at the back of our defence and it seemed to have at least some affect as we claimed a draw against Raith however its fair to say the referee played more of a role of it then we did awarding us a penalty and dishing out a helpful red card.
Scottish Championship
Well thats more like it. We certainly didn't stop the goals finding the back of the net but we atleast managed to pick up a victory. A gritty game looked set to end in a draw but with time ticking down, right winger Bonnett-Johnson again impressed putting us back into the lead, with defender Alex Kitchen putting a gloss on the finish with a late headed goal.
Scottish Championship
Month by month we are steadily slipping down the table now sitting in the bottom half of the table and within reach of the relegation spots. With half the season still remaining, we cannot afford to keep this slide going. With the January transfer looming we need to add to our ranks and hold what we've got.
#233484 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish Cup - Third Round
We just cant get things together in the cup competitions, however our final shot at a cup run this season atleast gave us some small reward as we eventually overcame Dumbarton with Darren Lavery leading us to victory in what proved to be a frantic first half. We've long awaited some silverware could our final throw of the dice this season reward us?
Scottish Championship
Back to the league and a return to the stark reality of our losing streak as we make it four in a row courtesy of Kilmarnock. In reality it was another unlucky day out for the Borderers, captain Lee Currie had given us a shot at potentially claiming a point when he tucked home a penalty with ten minutes remaining. A valiant effort but a goal for Kilmarnock with effectively the last kick of the game compiled our misery.
Scottish Championship
Once again we showed some fight and genuine desire to try and pick up some points to end our recent collapse in form but that can only get you so far, as the apparent difference in class and fitness levels again proved to be too much for us against Queen of the South. We continue to find the back of the net but with us seemingly unable to hold a clean sheet we simply cant take any of the spoils.
Scottish Championship
We finally do just about enough to claim our first point in six league games as our wingers score at the start and end of the game to hold on to a very important point. Livingston sit rooted to the bottom of the table and on the back of this display its not hard to see why. Things might not exactly be rosy for us at the minute but at least we know it could be a hell of a lot worse.
Scottish Championship
We're back to our best. Dunfermline like Livingston also sit worryingly close to the foot of the table and where comfortably pushed further into trouble when our strike force quickly got up to speed. The combination of Andy Vaughan and Darren Lavery both continue to show signs of a strong partnership, picking up a goal each with winger Leahy smashing home a goal to seal a convincing scoreline.
Scottish Championship
Having seemingly turned the corner on our poor run of form we slip just one place down the rankings, still holding a very respectable mid table position. With the midway point of the season already nearly upon us, we are keen to show that we can hold on to this relative safety come the end of the season. There's a long way to go yet.
#233365 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish Championship
A big wake up call. Aberdeen are not going to mess around this season and are looking for a quick return to the Premier League following their rapid fall from grace and having upset a few teams already in the league they made sure not to under estimate the little team from south of the border, helping themselves to three goals and the points to go with them.
Scottish Championship
Our honeymoon period is well and truly over as Falkirk make it six goals in two games with three of their own. Up until now Shielfield had been a relatively strong place for us but a complete collapse from our defence left us completley open to some fluid football from Falkirk. We're quickly sliding our way down the table, stopping the rot has already become paramount.
Scottish Championship
A terrible start to the game saw Raith take a two goal lead within just ten minutes and it was to prove to be the head start that would keep us locked into our recent losing streak. Despite the teams best efforts they couldn't make up for their slow start to the game eventually missing out on a point by just one solitary goal. Non the less it was a big improvement on the previous games and a sign that the fight hasn't faded from this team already.
Scottish Championship
Three defeats in a row has morale and our league standing spiralling downwards. We've slipped from the top and have even been thrown straight out of the playoff spots as our brief moment of glory comes to an abrupt end. The season is quickly taking shape, we're still holding a very encouraging mid table position but time will tell if we can hold on till the end of the season.
#233360 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish Championship
Livingston like us are judge to be one of the teams set to struggle this season and with a second half demolition from the leagues new boys, it certainly isn't looking good for them. Having struggled through the first half we jumped back into action with a ruthless showing after the whistle that saw us hit home four goals including another for our young sensation, Andy Vaughan.
Scottish Championship
Having already picked up three victories in four games we nearly continued our impressive form but for a last minute goal from Queen of the South that saw them snatch back a point. Darren Lavery continues to lead from the front and apart from the growing reputation of Andy Vaughan he is still our most reliable finisher in the team, proving his worth with his fourth goal of the season.
Scottish Championship
Dunfermline are another side set for trouble this season and quickly made sure we didn't take our mind off the potential threat of relegation as they secured a one goal victory in a tight and nervy game. Our unbeaten streak might be at an end but non the less four games without defeat has certainly allowed us to start this season with a degree of confidence.
Scottish Championship
Alloa like most here have lingered on the edge of the Premier League for some time now and following a mixed start to their season it looks like they are set for another season in the Championship. The game itself was quick to burst into life, with Bonnett-Johnson scoring neatly from the right wing but a quick reply was to be the last of a relatively dull game as both teams settled for a point.
Scottish Championship
Cowdenbeath are another team that on paper stand head and shoulders above us however we continued our recent run of upsets as we picked up another victory to add to the tally. An own goal helped us on our way but it was a first goal for our afro-haired striker Allassani that proved to make the difference as he neatly tucked away a crucial goal with a cool head that defied his young ago.
Scottish Championship
Two months into the season and we've made ourselves at home as we top the table joint on points with some of the biggest names in the division. Realistically we know that this is only a temporary position as king of the hill but non the less we're going to enjoy our impressive start to the season whilst it lasts.
#233304 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Ramsdens Challenge Cup - First Round
Before the season starts the cup compeitions come back into focus. Having never troubled them before we are keen to see how our new found status as Scottish League big-dogs would favour us in the knock-out stages and a comfortable three goal victory over Stenhousemuir certainly suggest we might just be able to finally get into the latter stages of a competition.
Scottish League Cup - First Round
Maybe not. The League Cup slaps us down to reality again as lowly Ayr United snatch a victory courtesy of extra-time to return our focus back on the league. The demoralising defeat, twinned with an exhausting one hundred and twenty minutes of football wasn't exactly the best way to gear us up for our long awaited debut in the second tier.
Scottish Championship
Championship stalwarts, Falkirk greeted us to the division and duly showed us just how cruel it can be as an encouraging display from the Wee Rangers resulted in nothing but defeat. Goals either side of the half time whistle helped to keep us within touching distance of the points but we couldn't muster a third goal as our cup exploits caught up with us in tiring fashion.
Ramsdens Challenge Cup - Second Round
Straight out of the cup competitions within the first month..again. Kilmarnock find themselves in the Championship this season but the former Premier League side certainly looked a level above us, destroying our newly crafted defence with ease as they strolled into the next round on the back of a three goal victory. Worrying signs.
Scottish Championship
With only the league now to concentrate on for the time being we returned to the fray in convincing style. Raith are another hard-nosed Championship team but, the boys certainly showed no fear as they racked up four goals infront of the Shielfield Park faithful to pick up our first points and victory of the season. All the goals however came from our long standing Scottish contingent. The old boys sure know how to make our English revolution look pathetic but atleast we're off the mark.
Scottish Championship
Having destroyed us in the Challenge Cup, hopes weren't exactly high when Kilmarnock rolled into Northumberland but in one three minute spell we destroted accumulators across the country as we picked up a surprise victory. Fifteen year old Andy Vaughan showed why he has made the step up from the youth ranks with his debut goal, with captain Lee Currie scoring a remarkable winner. Its easy this Championship lark.
Scottish Championship
Sitting pretty at the top of the table just behind fallen giants, Aberdeen. Thus far we have made light work of the Championship, pushing away the fears and nerves with some convincing displays against some of our adoptive countries toughest teams. Perhaps we are ready for this after-all.
#233295 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Friendly
Our first game to get us up to speed for the forth coming season, has up against League One's Arbroath. Having recently left them behind we were keen to show that our promotion was well earned however a gritty two goal draw certainly didnt fill us with confidence for the coming season in the championship.
Friendly
The traditional game against our parent club ends in a disappointing defeat as Premier League side, Hibernian ease past us with a three goal victory that did little to show off our newly acquired English talent. The defeat for the first time has also started to cast doubt over the usually reliable 4-2-2-2 formation but with the signings already made and our most challenging season to date about to start there is no time to experiment.
Friendly
Another traditional game in the shape of our feeder club, Ashington has us claim a welcome boost to morale. Despite giving us a good run around in the first half we eventually battle through to victory with last seasons stand out duo, Luke Leahy and Bonnett-Johnson both striking from out wide again to help us to a well earned victory.
Friendly
A good test for the team has us going up against recently relegated Ross County. Keen to avoid the exact same fate in the Championship this season, a two goal draw did little to rest any worries that we will be wrapped up into a bitter relegation dog-fight but a strong showing from Darren Lavery atleast assured us that our regular goal-scorer still has what it takes.
Friendly
Final game of the pre-season has us remain in England as we make the relatively short trip to Gainsborough. With them struggling in the Vanarama Confrence North a comfortable victory was expected, with two of our fringe Scottish players securing the goals to assure us we were at least on par with the football league teams in our home nation.
No where left to hide now. Its time to face the Championship.
#231545 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Following the disappointment of the last window we get the English revolution back on track as we bring in a wealth of English players to the team for our first shot at life in the Championship.
With just Eight players not heralding from our home country we've now got an entire first team available from England. The arrivals of Luke Varney and Cheyenne Dunkley finally mean that our Scottish players now no longer take complete control of the spotlight and its hoped their performances on the pitch might finally show that this entire career plan might be achievable after all.
#230552 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
With a relatively huge wage budget of over Thirty grand, we might not have a transfer kitty but with that kind of money we can essentially sign who we want for free.
Before I jump into action, we managed to show some restraint clearing some space in the squad as we release three players from their contracts. Left winger, Jack Boyle and striker Adarabioyo both leave the squad following a frustrating spell within the team, both players joined as part of the first intake of the English revolution but failed to make a real impact upon the team.
The duo are joined by backup goalkeeper Billy Bald. The Scot had just one season between the sticks under my time at Berwick but the signing of young James Atkinson quickly ended his time with the club
From: Out of Contract
Having made a name for himself at fellow Scottish team, Cowdenbeath, Thomas Flynn opted to try and take the next step with a move to English club, Middlesbrough. Having made no appearances for the Teesiders, a loan move to Luton followed before he was eventually released. Keen to get his
career back on track, he jumped at the opportunity with Berwick and will provide Atkinson with some stiff competition for a starting spot.
From: Kidderminster
A big capture for the team. Dunkley is a formidable centre back at this level and will make a fine addition to partner Alex Kitchen within the heart of our defence. Having come from the impressive youth setup at Crewe he hasn't quite lived up to their impressive standards but following a long spell at non-league side, Kidderminster he is ready to get things back on track as a key player for our coming season.
From: Out of Contract
We are yet to find a proven English goal scorer for the team but with the arrival of Allassani, we have a young player with an absolutely lethal finish. Having come up through the ranks of Crystal Palace we were quick to add him to our ranks and with a quick turn of speed and some real drive to get himself towards the goal he could develop into a real force North of the border.
From: Staylbridge
With wingers being key to our entire tactic we need some really strong players out wide to keep things ticking over and the addition of Sam Gainford gives us some real talent looking towards the future. A product from Liverpools ranks he is by no means a English Premier League quality player but with some solid stats across the entire board he could by all means one day make it into the Scottish equivalent.
From: Nuneaton
We have struggled through out my entire career to find a reliable right back, with South African Devon Jacobs filling the role for the last few seasons however the arrival of Alexander McQueen finally has us sign an English wing-back. I was close to being forced to take up a three at the back formation for our debut season in the second tier of Scottish football, time will tell if it was worth not taking the risk.
From: Out of Contract
The biggest signing of my career thus far has former Derby, Leeds and Blackpool player, Luke Varney join our growing ranks. With five goals picked up from a brief spell in the English Premier League the veteran striker has certainly touched the top of the professional game but in the twilight of his career has opted to try his luck in Scotland as he joins our English revolution for his swan-song. Joining us late in the window he is currently ruled out already with a dislocated jaw. Fragile.
From: Out of Contract
As Ben O'Hanlon signs just days before the deadline day he now ensures that for the first time in this career we have an English player available in each position on the pitch. The left back was courted by the club for the entire pre-season but kept us waiting as he stalled on his wage demands, fortunately for us we managed to eventually persuade the former Wolves man to join us.
From: Out of Contract
The final signing of an extremely busy window has another journeyman join the team. Lee Holmes started his career with the mighty Rams and a long career throughout English football followed with him eventually ending his time with Portsmouth. Luke Leahy has certainly made a strong impact on the left but is certainly going to be under pressure from our tricky veteran wide-man who could make a huge impact in Scotland.
#229653 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Sticking to same nationalistic principles that dictate how I sign players, I am strictly only taking on staff from England. With our new championship status the list of staff members has grown rapidly of late with a new look scouting team and some familiar faces within our ranks of coaches. With the likes of Jamie Carragher and my trusted right hand man, Owen Hargreaves already adding some star power to the team we added some more former England players to our team.
With no English striker yet able to rival Darren Lavery as the clubs leading front-man, I turn to two former England finishers to help produce a proven goalscorer from our home nation. One of England's most prolific strikers, Michael Owen took a break from horse racing to take up the role of coach to the first team, with former Spurs legend Les Ferdinand joining him as the pair look set to try and pass on some of their experience and natural ability to our fortunate squad.
#229106 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
With limited scouting and only players released by fellow Scottish sides willing to join our cause, adding players of any value to the team has been nearly impossible however some superb news greeted us before the transfer window opened ahead of our first season in the Championship
Almost as good as promotion itself.
To put this into perspective its a bit like being a kid unleashed in Toys'R'Us. The transfer market in one fair swoop has suddenly opened up like a treasure chest for the Borderers and no end of players are now flocking from across Europe looking at potentially joining the Borderers for the forth coming season.
A-side for obviously limiting ourselves to just English players, we've now got no excuses for failing to strengthen in the transfer windows.
#229103 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish League One
Three end of season awards in a row for the Borderers and finally our ever present lethal finisher, Darren Lavery takes the award and my word does he deserve it. The Scottish striker has been at the forefront of all our hard work, making the most of every opportunity that is thrown his way and dragging this team sometimes single handedly ever upwards. He has quickly become a club icon and in my eyes he is more then worthy. Another player we can only wish was born south of the border.
A sensational view for the fans of Berwick Rangers. A record high for the club as they win League One for the first time in the clubs history with a debut season in the Championship eagerly anticipated. In the end we cruised to the title as both Dumbarton and Morton only picked up three points in the all important final month of football giving us some welcome rest at the top of the table.
Its been fun in League One but we are once again moving on to pastures new and another new challenge for the Lone Rangers.
#229102 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish League One
That sure is one way to ease the pressure. Having never beaten Stirling all season this seemed to be the worst possible match up for an end of season run in, however we quickly destroyed any thoughts of an immediate collapse with a seven goal demolition job, as Captain Lee Currie led the way to an exceptional victory, smashing in a well earned hat-trick as we collected three points in style.
Scottish League One
Ayr are throwing everything they have into clinging on to a place in League One but an own goal within Thirty seconds sent them further into the mire, with our formidable wide-men coming to the forefront again picking up three goals between them to push both clubs in opposite directions. With both Morton and Dumbarton suffering surprise defeats the results now leaves us with a genuine shot of securing the top spot with two games still to play.
Scottish League One
With the pressure on us being sky high going into the final four games of the season, Dumbarton and Morton looked like odds on favourites to eventually claim the promotion spot but it seems they were the ones who would crumble when it matters, losing both their games this month to leave us simply needing to see off new-boys Arbroath. They certainly didn't make it easy however pushing us all the way to final whistle in a nine goal thriller that saw a fitting hat-trick for Darren Lavery seal the deal.
Scottish League One
With the title in the bag the boys took their foot off the gas and breathed a collective sigh of relief, with Brechin quick to take advantage of the relaxed mood of our Championship bound squad. Another goal for Laverys impressive tally at least made sure we bowed out of League One with a small taster of what got us to the top of the table but one in Northumbria was particularly too concerned with the lacklustre finish to the season.
Scottish League One
We've done it. A truly unexpected but deserved promotion as the squad, with no strengthening, the same tactics and a constant presence of self belief proved the doubters wrong picking up a sensational promotion, with an eventual eight point margin. We might not have shone against our nearest rivals but we won when it mattered.
#229098 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish League One
Stranraer are having an absolute nightmare of a season and are looking odds on to be relegated and based on the match its not hard to see why. Leahy just cant stop finding the back of the net of late and quickly added to his tally with a goal on the second minute and despite being reduced to ten men it proved to be all we needed, as Stranraer lacked any real fight or desire to reclaim the points.
Scottish League One
We are stuttering our way towards the finish line as another defeat against a promotion contender highlights just how weak our claim to the automatic spot is. A hat-trick for McGrath humiliated our defenders as Morton ran out comfortable winners, adding another victory to their recent streak with the club eager to not waste any more time in League One.
Scottish League One
We hold on to the top spot but its a new face that is mounting the pressure on a nervous looking Berwick. Morton have rushed back up the table and following a shocking month for Dumbarton they become the new favourites to throw us out of the automatic spot. Having just demolished us, we are certainly looking at them with a degree of fear.
#229097 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Its no great shock to say that the transfer windows of late have been nothing short of uneventful. Having not made a single move in any January transfer window and with not a single signing made at the start of the season the fans are keen to finally hear some gossip around the club, however the latest name to be causing a stir amongst the Berwick faithful comes from an unlikely source.
The once yearly, trial day. With a weak youth setup and below average youth recruitment it was certainly a surprise but a very welcome one.
Head and shoulders above anything our youth setup has been able to produce so far, Andy Vaughan looks like he could become a legend at the club. Our coaches feel he has the ability to one day become a strong Premiership player and with his neat dribbling, eye for the spectacular and the ability to get his head on to the end of anything in the box he could even make a big impact in this League at the tender age of just fifteen.
#228797 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish League One
Our run of fantastic form keeps building momentum as we smash home four goals against a struggling Brechin. With that victory we make it ten games unbeaten and in some style as the familiar faces of Lavery and Leahy are joined on the scoresheet by Stephen Tulloch, the long standing Scot picking up a very rare goal from a well worked corner. Brilliant stuff from the Wee Rangers.
Scottish League One
We just keep on rolling as our seemingly unstoppable run of games charges straight over Airdrie, with five goals sending the five hundred fans in a freezing cold Shielfield Park into raptures. Alex Kitchen scored the opener as we showed off another impressive worked set piece routine but it was to be a red card that truly ended the game, with Lavery taking advantage to increase his impressive tally for the season. This is almost getting easy.
Scottish League One
Spoke to soon. Queens Park are impressing in their debut as they sit comfortably in a mid-table position as we get ever closer to the business end of the season but in what was to be an expected victory for the Borderers we finally slipped up with us eventually lucky to even come out with one point following a dramatic end to the match. Wake up call.
Scottish League One
Well if the Queens Park game didn't burst the bubble then this certainly did. Dumbarton have mounted a dramatic charge to reclaim the top of the table and have quickly overtaken Stirling as our nearest rivals for the title and they certainly showed us that we weren't going to be much of an obstacle in their quest to reclaim the automatic spot. We mounted a small comeback in the dieing minutes of the game but never once did we look like leaving the game with anything less then a wounded ego.
Scottish League One
A side from conceeding four goals in the final game of the month, Alex Kitchen has been an absolute rock at the heart of our defence and has been key in our twelve game unbeaten run, picking up a handful of goals alongside some solid performances at the back .
Our six point lead has quickly vanished as the rampant Dumbarton sit on our coat tails with the season drawing to a dramatic close. Despite the disappointment of losing our lead we can still take comfort from already securing a spot in the play-offs already. At least if this does explode in our faces we've still got that to hold on to.
#228794 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish League One
Leahy starts the new year exactly the same way he ends the last, finding the back of the net as he guides us towards a crucial victory over fellow high-flyers Dumbarton. Not quite a convincing victory but non the less the result certainly shows that we are not at the top end of the table based on just good fortune. We actually are beginning to look like serious contenders.
Scottish League One
Lavery has taken a back seat with our wingers taking the plaudits of late but he ensured he wasn't to be forgotten with a neat brace giving us a victory over the unpredictable Stranraer. We are unbeaten in five games right now and show no signs of slowing down as we quickly ramp up the points and keep up our pressure at the top of the table.
Scottish League One
We are yet to beat Stirling this season and once again are left frustrated as a late goal brings an end to our recent run of victories. Leahy and Russell combined to set us on the way to what looked like another win however Stirling's two Smiths, opened and closed the scoring to ensure we would share the spoils as second and first place remain locked in a fierce battle for the top.
Scottish League One
Morton are reeling from a shocking winter period but have started to regain ground on the chasing pack however an Alex Kitchen goal just before the break saw them drop more points as they are pushed back to square one in there attempts at salvaging what has been a disappointing season for the former Championship side.
Scottish League One
Arbroath ended the year sitting in a surprising play-off spot as the club looks for back to back promotions, however a challenging start to the year has seen them fall quickly from grace with our squads three in-form players all combining to add to their woes, with Kitchen, Leahy and of course Darren Lavery finding the back of the net to push our streak onwards.
Scottish League One
We round off a superb month with another victory this time over a struggling Ayr. Bonnett-Johnson made a return to the score-sheet and was joined by another overlooked player, Andy Russell as the two grabbed their opportunity well. A late goal was the only blemish on an other wise perfect game but non the less the over-whelmed Berwick faithful will not hold it against them.
Scottish League One
Much like buses we wait for one and two come along at once. December might have been impressive but January was easily our best month to date, running through another six games without defeat. Nine games without defeat sees me claim another trophy for the cabinet.
Top of the table with only ten games remaining. We are genuinely looking like we might be on for an actual shot of promotion right now. Six points clear of our nearest rivals and with goals flowing through the club, our start of season gamble looks to be paying off in style. Impressive stuff from the Borderers.
#228792 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish League One
We get an extremely busy month off to a start against favourites, Morton. Both of us fell from grace last month and we compiled the misery for Morton as we pill off an impressive victory. Wingers, Bennet Johnson and Luke Leahy both picked up a brace to overcome a fierce fight back from Morton and it proved to be the start of an incredible run of form for the duo.
Scottish League One
They both struck again to see us pick up another viceroy over a struggling Ayr. Having conceded early, it looked like we were set for some more inconsistent form but a goal either side of the half time break ensured of us of the points and pushed us back into the playoff spots. The never say die attitude we have now is certainly an improvement on last season.
Scottish League One
We suffer a narrow defeat tp Brechin as our run of good fortune comes to an end. A scrappy first half goal was all that it took to separate the teams as a rare mistake from goalkeeper, James Atkinson has us drop all the points. The Twenty One year old has been largely impressive in his short spell at the club and despite the loss he has more then earned a second chance.
Scottish League One
We don't waste any time on the minor mistake as we quickly leap back into winning ways with Bennett-Johnson and Leahy again helping us towards victory over Arbroath. The pairing are putting the pressure on Lavery as he finally has some welcome competition for the title of clubs highest scorer but that didn't stop him picking up one of his own to keep our rampant wingers in their place.
Scottish League One
In an almost identical showing of the last game, Bennett Johnson strikes within the opening minutes from the right with Leahy finishing off the match mid-way through the second half with a cutting run from the left. In this type of form the wing backs of League One are running scared and our small but loyal fan-base are relishing the sight of some good old fashioned wing play from the Borderers.
Scottish League One
No goal from our right side this time but our stand out player, Luke Leahy makes sure to continue his run of form to the end of the month as he scores the first of three goals that help us to a comfortable victory over Queens Park. Having started brightly in the league, it appears Queens Park might have hit a rather stubborn brick wall in the League spiralling down the table without much resistance.
Scottish League One
It was impossible for him not to scoop the award, With only squad mate Bennett-Johnson coming close to his form Leahy has absolutely stolen the show this Christmas, scoring an average of one goal per game. He has the potential to be the best player in this team by quite some distance and despite some consistent showings earlier in his career we are only really beginning to see just what he is capable of.
Having lost just one game all month, I scoop my first award from League One. Its been an outstanding display of force from our team, with an incredibly busy set of fixtures giving us a tough test but one we were more then capable of rising to with some dazzling displays from our wide-men and of course the ever present, Darren Lavery.
On the back of our best month in the league thus far, we shoot back into the Play-off spots and have joined Dumbarton and Stirling in a small break-away group at the top of the table. As we sneak past the half-way point of the season we are certainly looking like we might be on course for a record high for the club.
#228442 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish League One
Queens Park are really taking the step in League with ease, sitting just outside the play-offs and surprising many thus far however we managed to avoid becoming another surprise casualty thanks to the ever dependable, Darren Lavery. It was a rather dull game at Hampden Park but non the less another welcome victory.
Scottish League One
We never seem to be able to truly know how the match is going to pan out against Stranraer, with a mixed set of results last season. Having beaten then comfortably at the start of the season and scoring no fewer then six goals we were expecting to potentially repeat the feat, however we didn't come close, throwing away a one goal lead as we let slip two goals within the final quarter of an hour.
Scottish League One
Dumbarton have so far battered us around this season but we finally showed some back bone against the League One big boys as we held them at bay. A resilient effort from our central pairing of Fairbairns and Kitchen was a joy to behold and certainly showed that these two can cut it at this level.
Scottish League One
With some fairly bland games so far this month, we round off proceedings with a thriller against Stirling.It proved to be an interesting game of two halves as we dominated the first, with the increasingly impressive Fairbairn and the ever-present Lavery both putting us into a seemingly commanding lead but a collapse in the second nearly saw us throw away all the points with only a nerve shredding late goal from Alex Kitchen salvaging a point.
Scottish League One
Having rapidly shot up to second place we make an even quicker exit from the playoff spots entirely as ourselves and Morton both suffer a disappointing month, with our rivals quick to take advantage. Looks like our sneaky route into playoffs might not be quite so simple.
#228428 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish League One
New boys Arbroath greeted us having dominated League Two on their way to automatic promotion. League One however is so far proving to be a step too far for The Red Lichties as they already hold an unwanted spot in the relegation zone, however that didn't stop them from claiming a much needed point at our expense following a lacklustre match at Gayfield Park.
Scottish League One
Our final game of a very short month has us make amends for our poor start as we return the three goals back to Airdrie. Lee Currie opens his account for the season on the back of his second Player of the Year award but it was to be a red card half way through the second half that would the make the biggest impact of the game, killing off Airdries hopes and gifting us a comfortable win.
Scottish Cup - Third Round
Keeping our apparent tradition of crashing out of the cups at the first hurdle we slam into Stirling and are quickly shown the exit. A Lavery goal suggested we might be able to make some progression in the Scottish Cup but it wasn't to be as once again our league rivals cast some doubt on our seasons hopes with our third convincing cup loss of the season.
Scottish League One
Just two games but a huge impact as we again shoot up the table to claim a record high, second place. Recently relegated Morton top the table and it is incredibly close behind with five teams all locked on fifteen points eyeing each other for any sign of weakness as we head towards the mid way point of the season. We might just be about to find ourselves gate crashing the playoff party at this rate.
#228427 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish League One
Having crashed out of the Championship, Mortons return to League One hasn't quite gone to plan thus far, winning just one game but they made a solid statement against us as they claim a neat victory on the road. A single goal was all that separated us on paper but it was far from close as we struggled to match the pace Morton laid down amassing just two shots on goal.
Scottish League One
Our inconsistency blighted us last season and looks set to do the same this time around but a four goal victory is still more then welcome. Ayr might have been in impressive form against us in the Challenge Cup but we dominated the first half to help us coast to a comfortable victory. We need to build on these victories if we're going to stand any chance of improving on last season.
Scottish League One
That's the way to do it. Brechin fell at the last hurdle of the playoffs last year and are keen not to suffer the same fate as they press for the only automatic spot in the league however they suffer a huge upset as they too are subject to a four goal humiliation at Shielfield Park. Eight goals in just two games, forget inconsistency we are dominating right now.
Scottish League One
With a stunning end to the month, we quickly climb up the table and sit in the fourth spot occupying the play-off spot that comfortably eluded us last season. Could this year be different? Based on our result thus far we are certainly showing the potential that we could make an impact but we need to iron out some of these convincing defeats before we can truly think about any reward from the season.
#228423 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Scottish League One
With the cups resulting in nothing but disappointment we limped towards the first league fixture of the season against last seasons runner ups, Airdrie. The match got off to an appalling start as we conceded twice within the first quarter of an hour and spent the remainder of the match playing an impossible game of catch up. Not the best way to start a risky season.
Scottish League One
We have the perfect opportunity to bounce back, with a tie against recently promoted Queens Park. Despite having a full team available we could only muster a draw, with Andy Russells early goal proving to be the only highlight for the five hundred loyal Berwick fans at Shielfield Park. These results are certainly not looking promising. I might have made a rather large mistake.
Scottish League One
Having convincingly knocked us out of the League Cup, Dumbarton repeated the feat demolishing us without much resistance in the league. Four goals were hammered past our beleaguered defence as even Darren Lavery's first goal of the season could do little to stop Dumbarton from annihilating us as they cruise their way to the top of the table in rampant style.
Scottish League One
The start of the season has been bruising thus far as we struggle to get back up to the form that saw us claim a mid-table finish last season. Stirling like us are in for a testing season but took an early advantage with a goal within twenty minutes. It looked like we in for another disappointing afternoon but with time ticking down, Darren Lavery pulled off his usual trick of single handedly salvaging points with a net busting finish.
Scottish League One
On the back of his first two goals of the season, Lavery continued to roll towards making it another season to remember as he helps towards a turn around in form with a stunning hat-trick against Stranraer. The entire team showed some strong rallying spirit as we rack up six goals in style, four of them coming within just half an hour. With that one result the belief and morale is instantly restored throughout the squad.
Scottish League One
In familiar fashion the table is once again incredibly close. We sit in the bottom half of the table just one place above the relegation zone, tied on points but just two points away from bring able to have a play-off spot. Its going to be a touch and go season by the looks of it. We can only hope fortune favours us this time around.
#228420 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Ramsdens Challenge Cup - First Round
The season gets under way with the cup games and we are quickly knocked out of the first one with Ayr sending us packing following an exciting first half of action. Andy Russell opened his account for the season, with Jonathan Fairbairn also snatching a goal following a well worked corner but both were to be left disappointed as we tailed off in the second half and duly crashed out of the competition.
Scottish League Cup - First Round
More disappointment in our second attempt at jump starting a cup run as we are completely destroyed by Dumbarton. With both of us set for a season in League One, this is an ominous sign for the Borderers as our rivals coast to victory comfortably controlling the entire game from start to finish. Based on our cup exploits this is going to be one challenging season.
#228030 The Lone Rangers
Thederbyjack
Friendly
We get things under-way with a match up with non-league Fortamine United. We showed our prowess in a strong first half with our increasingly impressive wingers joining Andy Russell on the score-sheet to secure the victory. Despite a good showing from our attacking players some sloppy defending gave us some cause for concern.
Friendly
Having recently suffered relegation Peterhead were next to welcome us. Keen for an immediate return to League One they are rapidly trying to gain some momentum in the pre-season for an instant push for the top spot, however our loyal Scottish players proved to be enough to ensure that Peterhead fans still have some doubts about if they can make it back into our division.
Friendly
Our feeder club are next to try their luck and are dispatched with a flourish. Seven goals find the back of the Ashinton net with even an early red card not being enough to stop the rampant Borderers. Three braces for Luke Leahy, Darren Lavery and even defender Jonathon Fairbairn ensure we would have a superb morale booster in our home county of Northumbria.
Friendly
Another League Two side try their luck against us and are quickly shown just why we managed to escape the basement division two seasons ago, as Sean Bonnett-Johnson scores his third of an impressive pre-season, with the ever reliable, Darren Lavery picking up a brace to secure the victory. Our attacking play is certainly looking very efficient thus far.
Friendly
FInal game of the pre-season sees us face the only real test of the entire fixture list as we welcome our parent club Hibernian to Shieldfield Park. The Scottish Premier League outfit are a dependable force in the top flight but we certainly gave them a cause for concern as we picked up an unexpected but deserved draw, with Luke Leahy continuing to show signs of some promising early form.
Time to find out.
#227953 Dans Journey Around The World [FM15]
Thederbyjack