The Blacks team included some of the younger players in the squad with Dan Law making his debut at open side flanker for the game. All of this meant that there was freshness to the occasion. The game kicked off like a true Border derby with both sides fully committed to the tackle and ruck situation. With experienced Border referee Normal Steel in charge things didn't get out of hand though and there was some excellent attacking play from both sides.

The home side's opening goal came from a free-kick Rangers believed should have been given the other way, and then they were denied a penalty claim when their trialist striker was brought down in the box.

Crease said: "It was a stonewall decision. We lost and maybe the title is beginning to slip away from us, but we played well against a good side."

In an all-Northern Alliance clash the Borderers, third from bottom in the First Division, knocked out third-top league colleagues Amble United, who had lifted this trophy in 2007.

In an earlier league meeting between these two sides, Amble United had romped to an easy 4-0 victory - but this time they were well below par and Berwick fully deserved their 4-2 success.

Teams from Berwick, Allendale, Alnwick and Prudhoe took part in the Key Stage Three and Four Northumberland Schools Badminton County Final organised by Badminton England and the School Sports Partnership..

Northumberland Schools Badminton County Final Key Stage Four winners (back) and the stage three victors (front) receive their trophies at Ashington Leisure Centre

For the first time, all six School Sports Partnerships in Northumberland - Ashington, Blyth and Bedlington, Cramlington and Seaton Valley, Morpeth and Ponteland, North Northumberland and Tynedale - were involved in the competition.

But he was adamant that despite his side's grim performance against bottom club Montrose, who had failed to register a single league win in their previous 19 outings, there will be no panic buying.

Crease revealed he has been told by chairman Brian Porteous that there is cash available to bring in one or two players before the deadline but stressed it would have to be the right players and at the right price.

The score was 3-0, with Berwick's strikes from Leigh Walker (2) and Mike Robinson. Pictured- Berwick United's goalkeeper takes charge of proceedings- photo by Steve Miller.

Meanwhile, in the North Northumberland League, a top-against-bottom clash in Division One saw no surprises as leaders Lowick United ran out comfortable winners against Berwick United Reserves.

Two goals apiece from Colin Young and Karl Chapman and single strikes by Andy Burgon, Anthony Murray and Jamie Punton made up the Lowick total.

Berwick Rangers closed the gap on joint leaders Livingston and East Stirling to two points as manager Jimmy Crease celebrated his side's Highland fling with a nap hand at Elgin.

Crease revealed the inclusion of Steve Radzynski who scored his first two goals for the club, had been "a last-minute decision".

It was Lowick who took advantage of slack play as Andy Burgon and Carl Avery gave them a half-time lead, a second goal from Burgon stretching the advantage. Rothbury hit back with two John Angus goals and a Stephen Rennison effort.

Manager Jimmy Crease was in no doubt as to where the problems lie. "We have to learn to be more ruthless when we are on top," he said after watching Rangers' six-match unbeaten run since they last lost to Shire come to an end at Shielfield Park.

Skipper Stuart Callaghan and Elliot Smith were both booked during the victory over lowly Elgin and now face suspension. Crease admitted: "There is no doubt we have looked a pretty settled team in recent weeks but these bookings mean that both players will be ruled out starting in a fortnight."

Alan Brazil missed an early opening to head Rangers in front and they were desperately unlucky not to go in at the break with a lead after Damon Gray beat the keeper only to see the ball bounce back off an upright.

Berwick's Simon Hargreaves nodded home Sandro De Oliveira's cross at the back post with only five minutes gone.

However, the Villagers were back on level terms at the interval after Callum Colbeck beat the offside trap before rounding United goalkeeper Thompson and rolling the ball in.

The win takes the Borderers back into second spot in the table behind the leaders Livingston with a home match against Elgin City this weekend followed by another at Shielfield, when East Stirling are the visitors.

Berwick boss Jimmy Crease said: "This really was an important result for us, particularly in view of the fact we thought it would be difficult after the Montrose cup win at the week-end.

Borderers boss Jimmy Crease - although disappointed with the result - stressed: "It has to be borne in mind that we were up against a good side two leagues above us and challenging for a place in the SPL.

In a game punctuated by controversial incidents, South Shields suffered a blow after only 15 minutes when they had Jonny Gage sent off for allegedly throwing a punch.

Mike Robinson opened the scoring for the Borderers amid strong claims for offside, and just after the break the same player nabbed his second.

They were less than 30 miles from their destination when an accident forced police to close off the roads leading to the north. The match will have to be re-arranged.