Striker Liam Buchanan scores at double within hours of return to Berwick Rangers

Striker Liam Buchanan celebrating scoring on his comeback for Berwick Rangers after being loaned out to Bonnyrigg Rose last September (Photo: Ian Runciman)

Former Livingston and Raith Rovers striker Liam Buchanan is back at Berwick Rangers after four months away and last season’s Scottish Lowland Football League top-scorer is carrying on where he left off, netting twice in the space of seven minutes.

Saturday’s 4-0 win at home to Broomhill came only five hours after the 38-year-old’s release from loan at Scottish League Two side Bonnyrigg Rose but that was enough time to get his name on the teamsheet, and less than an hour on the Shielfield Park pitch after being brought on as a 27th-minute substitute for Cammy Graham was ample for him to remind team-mates and fans of what they’ve been missing.

Buchanan’s goals – on 60 minutes and 67 – followed defender Callum Mackay’s opener just after the hour mark and a follow-up by Saint Johnstone loan striker Jackson Mylchreest seven minutes later.

Mackay’s headed goal, his first for the club, came from a free-kick into the box by Jamie Stevenson helped on by captain Jamie McCormack to Callum Mackay.

Mylchreest’s was a one-on-one shot poked over visiting goalkeeper Luke Scullion following a Buchanan assist.

Comeback kid Buchanan’s goals were both set up by long balls over the visitors’ defence, the first from Stevenson and the second from Mackay.

Saturday’s win, Berwick’s third on the bounce, lifts them up to 11th place in the table, with 30 points from 25 fixtures, ahead of a trip to ninth-placed Stirling University on Saturday, February 10, with kick-off at 3pm.

Prior to that, though, they’re away to Motherwell’s Caledonian Braves next Tuesday, with kick-off at 7.45pm, for a Scottish Lowland Football League Cup first-round tie.

Welcoming Buchanan’s return, Rangers manager Thomas Scobbie told the club’s Facebook page: “I’m delighted. It was great to get him back.

“The boys were obviously on a big high seeing Liam walk through the door.

“His record since he’s been here has been incredible the goals he’s contributed.”

Edinburgh-born Buchanan, previously with Rangers from July 2022 until the end of last September, has signed a deal keeping him at the Northumbrian club until the end of next season.

He was last season’s top goal-scorer in their fifth-tier league with 22 in 34 appearances.