Berwick 2-1 East Stirling

Aug 3 2008 Ian Smith Reports

JOHN DILLON was the hero as battling Berwick marked their return to the Third Division in a thrilling opening day clash.

The Borderers breezed into a two-goal lead with goals from Darren Gribben and Dillon inside the first half hour.

But dogged Shire hit back in an entertaining match that saw Colin Cramb sent off in the final minute as the home side were given a stern test.

Berwick applied early pressure with Dillon forcing a first minute corner with Steven Bonar was just off target as he slid in to meet a cross.

Shire replied with Derek Ure posing problems and David Nicholls saw a shot deflected past the post with Brian Graham also going close.

But it was the Borderers who drew first blood when Gribben pounced on a mistake by Stephen Oates to slip the ball past veteran shot-stopper John Hillcoat in 14 minutes.

Sean Anderson then denied Berwick a quickfire second when he blocked a fierce drive from Dillon as he closed in on goal.

But the home side did double their advantage in 28 minutes when Dillon unleashed a scorching 25-yard shot that whistled past the helpless Hillcoat.

East Stirling refused to let their heads drop and a minute before the break they pulled one back through Andy Rodgers.

Shielfield Park keeper Ryan McGurk raced out to block Graham with Rodgers tapping in the rebound to give the visitors hope. But less than a minute later, Fraser McLaren looked to have restored the two goal lead only to see his classy effort crash back off the bar.

Ex-Camelon Juniors striker Jim Lister nodded wide of the Shire goal early in the second spell with Jamie Ewart was also off target.

The lively Gribben was a constant threat and created a great chance for Lister to add the third after a great break but he skewed wide.

Shire continued to push for a later leveller but McGurk was in fine form to deny David Nicholls' fierce drive going in before tipping Rodgers' low effort round the post.

Frustrations mounted and a minute from time Cramb saw red after picking up a second yellow for handball after another save from McGurk.