By Stuart Teather
BERWICK City has kept its head above the pack with a vital 1-0 win against Croydon City in its Division Three South East match on Saturday.
The win puts City in fourth place, but such is the closeness of the league that Sandringham City, way down in 11th place, is just four points behind.
City had the best of the chances in the first half, but some outstanding saves from the Croydon keeper kept the scoresheet clean at the break.
City eventually got the breakthrough in the second half, as Jason Rand struck from 25 metres out, and collected a deflection from Stuart MacKie to seal the win.
City coach Joe Carrol said while his side had more chances on goal, it was still a close game.
“They had an early chance, but then we had four or five good chances.
“In the second half, I can’t remember them having a clear-cut chance. In terms of chances, we clearly outplayed them.
“But when the scoreline is 1-0, it will always be a tight match.”
Carrol was quick to emphasise how important the win was in terms of both relegation and promotion.
“It was our most important game of the year,” he said. “We’re still a chance to be relegated but at the same time we’re still mathematically a chance for promotion.
“We’ve got three games against teams in the relegation zone, so they’re going to be battling like mad to stay in.”
Three teams will be relegated to the Provisional League Division One at the end of the season, which means Berwick is just one game clear of relegation, but at the same time is only seven points away from promotion.
In other games, Doveton had a hard-fought nil-all draw against Brandon Park, leaving the side in the relegation zone in 10th place.
Doves’ coach Michael Kupinic said his team was looking to bounce back after a 7-1 hiding the week before.
“Probably in the first 15 or 20 minutes it was pretty tight,” he said. “Then we sort of got on top a bit, but that means nothing if you don’t get the win.
“We probably had the better opportunities but we just couldn’t put it away.”
He said his side had worked hard to correct the defensive mistakes of the week before.
“We spoke about it before the game — not doing anything silly and giving the goals away.
“When it comes to defensive duties, we weren’t crash hot (earlier in the year).”
Kupinic echoed Carrol’s sentiments about how close the division is, saying his side had everything to play for in avoiding relegation.
“I’ve had a look at the draw and the remaining games and we don’t have to rely on anyone — we’re playing the sides around us, so if we win we stay in.”
In other games, Endeavour United had a 1-0 win against North Caufield thanks to a goal from Liam Ryan, but remains a game behind in last place.
In State League Division Two South East, the Casey Comets had a hard-fought win against the Waverley Wanderers away from home.
With scores locked at 1-1 at half-time, Chuol Bichok slotted through the match winner, giving the Comets a vital win against the bottom side.
