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Border Reiver looks ahead to this weekends Scottish Football

Last Saturday Berwick lost at home to new league leaders Ross County. A 1-0 result indicates a close fought match but it has to be said that it wasn't as close as the scoreline suggests. Having conceded an early penalty, for a foul by the invisible man that only the referee saw, we were always going to be up against it. There was plenty of effort and commitment but apart from the longest goalmouth scramble in history, at least two minutes of penalty area ping pong, we offered no real threat to the County goal. County manager Dick Campbell said afterwards that he his side were very good at grinding out results and grind they certainly did. It was dreadful to watch and if that's what the team at the top of the league has to play like then I'm glad we are bottom and still trying to play football.

This week we travel to fellow promoted side Queens Park. Queens started brilliantly but have begun to flag in recent games. We have to get some sort of result here. Had it been last season I would have been very confident but we are getting no breaks at all on the pitch and the game will probably be decided by a mistake.

Albion Rovers v Forfar.

I am fully expecting the Rovers to return to winning form against the worst team in Scotland. Albion continue to amaze one week and dumbfound the next. Having tipped them to win two weeks ago at Elgin, they proceeded to throw away a comfortable two goal lead and finally lose a game they should have had wrapped up just after the interval. Forfar are shocking. There is no other way of describing their recent performances. I find it difficult to understand their demise this season. I think it must all come down to confidence. They have the losing habit and it is a hard habit to break.

Brechin City v Raith Rovers.

I shall be laying Raith in this one. I saw Brechin play two weeks ago at Berwick. They came from two goals down to lead three two. Although they ended up drawing I think they have enough of a goal scoring threat to hold Raith. Brechin play attractive, on the floor football where as Raith rely on set pieces for most of their chances. Brechin have had defensive problems so far with key players missing through injury but they should have enough goals in them to prevent Raith from winning.

Aberdeen v Gretna.

I am taking a chance here but I think it could pay off handsomely. Aberdeen are really in the doldrums. The fans are beginning to voice their displeasure at the way they are playing. It's not just the results but the actual performances that are causing concern. Gretna must be cock-a-hoop after last weeks surprise ''home'' win over the league's form side Dundee United. They are finally beginning to realise what's needed to be successful in the SPL. All the expectation will be on Aberdeen and Gretna can play with no pressure and at least hold Aberdeen, if not nick an away victory. I shall be laying Aberdeen and probably having a small bet on Gretna at around sevens.

This weeks bets are, back Albion Rovers around 2.1, laying Raith Rovers around 2.1 and laying Aberdeen around 1.55. A small interest on Gretna as well.