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Scottish Football

Bleak times at Berwick Rangers likely to continue

Border Reiver talks us through the best bets north of the border

Last week, despite the presence of a new manager, Berwick were beaten 4-0 away to Airdrie. Missing several first team regulars, the result was as expected. But for our goalkeeper, Gary O'Connor, it could easily have been double figures. The manager really has an uphill task and until the defensive issues are solved we will continue to ship goals. This week we face Ayr United at home. Ayr are beginning to click and in Ryan Stevenson have one of the best players in the division. I am fully expecting another defeat this time around.

Motherwell v St Mirren.

After last week's surprising win at Hibernian, the Saints make the short trip to Fir Park to face Motherwell. St Mirren did remarkably well against Hibs last time but it has to be said Hibs never performed at all. They can outplay anybody on their day but they seem to struggle when they face teams they should easily beat. The bare result flatters the Saints and I expect them to return to form on Saturday. Motherwell are a very difficult side to beat these days but they are still infuriatingly inconsistent. Last week they lost at Celtic and midweek they lost to Rangers in the CIS Cup quarter final. Mark McGhee will surely have them back to form for this one, and with St Mirren's lack of away goals this season, they should manage to outscore them at home.

Queen of the South v Hamilton Accies.

Top visit bottom here. Hamilton are currently available at 1.8 to win. This seems big to me. Although I don't like odds on away bets, this is good value. Hamilton are running away with the league at present and should gain a further 3 points at Queens' expense. The Accies are playing very attractive football this season and have some much coveted players. They are watched every week by scouts from North and South of the border. They have scored 13 times away from home in the league and should continue this on saturday. QoS are bottom but they aren't doing too badly at home. They have drawn 3 of their 5 games but they have quite a few injuries and have loaned a defender from Motherwell to bolster their numbers. Hamilton should easily outscore Queens on Saturday.

Hibernian v Hearts.

Sunday's Edinburgh derby should be a cracker. Hearts will be buoyant after their much deserved midweek CIS Cup quarter final win at Celtic Park. They went with a plan and executed it to perfection. Although they are having a mixed season in the league, I'm sure every player will be busting a gut on Sunday. Hibs need to bounce back after last week's awful performance against St Mirren and what better way to do it than by beating your local rivals? Hibs are playing very well this season and last Saturday's result should be seen as a one-off. I am dipping my toe into the unders/overs market for this one. The over 2.5 goals looks a cracking bet at around 1.85. Hibs 6 league home games have produced 24 goals whilst Hearts 6 away games have produced 20 goals. This game should be end to end and I wouldn't be surprised if the overs aren't in by half time.

This weeks bets are: back Motherwell around 1.9, back Hamilton around 1.8 and back the overs in Hibs v Hearts around 1.85.

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http://www.berwickrangers.net/?page_id=18