Berwick Rangers snatch last gasp KDM Evolution Trophy win over Stranraer

Berwick Rangers interim boss Calum Antell has praised his team for their character following a 3-2 KDM Evolution Trophy victory over Stranraer on Tuesday evening.

The Borderers goalkeeper has assumed joint-charge of the first team alongside teammate Jamie Pyper in the wake of Kevin Haynes’ departure from the dugout over the weekend, and oversaw a thrilling contest at Shielfield Park in his first match at the helm, with Liam Gregory’s 94th-minute winner ultimately deciding the contest in Rangers’ favour.

Berwick had raced into an early lead courtesy of a Caelan McCrone strike within 22 seconds, but Stranraer soon battled back to restore parity inside four minutes. Rangers would re-establish their advantage shortly after the interval through Kyle Somers before the visitors looked to have snatched a point with a leveller in the 88th minute.

But Gregory would have the final word with a pivotal intervention at the death, and speaking after the final whistle, Antell expressed his delight at a timely triumph following a tumultuous spell at Shielfield Park.

When asked what his pre-match message had been to his teammates, the Berwick stopper responded: “To be honest, just for everyone to be together as a unit.

“It's been a tough 48 hours with the manager losing his job, and I think as players you take some of that responsibility. Sometimes the results have not really been good enough this season, so sometimes the onus actually falls on the players.

“But honestly, tonight, it was a crazy game. The start of the game was, I think, 22 seconds, which was unbelievable. Normally it's been the other way around the last couple of weeks, so it was good to be on the other side of it today. But no, every man was incredible to be honest. A real team effort.”

Turning his attention to Gregory’s match-winning turn, Antell added: “He's been out injured quite a lot, and he's been back doing rehab. He's a proper professional, the way he does stuff, and it was great for him to get winning goal.

“I think even if we come away with a draw tonight - I feel weird because I'm still a player - but I was so proud of the performance. Honestly, every man was incredible, and I think enjoy tonight and bring on Saturday, which will be a tougher time.”

Berwick’s next outing comes away at Airdrieonians on Saturday afternoon, with the Borderers continuing their KDM Evolution Trophy campaign.