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Darren Lavery rescued Berwick Rangers with an equaliser as the first leg of their Second Division play-off semi-final with East Fife ended in a draw.

Billy Brown's Fifers arrived after finishing second bottom in Division Two after a run of only one win in 17 games.

But they were in charge from the off at Shielfield Park and Scott McBride, Paul McManus and Collin Samuel were all denied.

They were eventually rewarded for their dominance in the 44th minute when David Muir headed home Craig Johnstone's cross from the right by-line.

The Borderers had staggered into the play-offs on goal difference despite two straight defeats after Elgin City could only beat East Stirlingshire 3-2.

However, Ian Little's side were much improved in the second half as they chased a leveller and Steven Notman headed over a good chance from a corner.

Lavery also shot wide before he made the vital breakthrough, converting Scott Dalziel's centre from close range with 18 minutes remaining.

Neither side could force a winner, meaning it goes into Saturday's second leg all to play for.

Berwick: McCallum, Jacobs, McLean, Townsley, Gielty, Notman, Janczyk, Lee Currie (Lavery 62), McDonald (Easton 70), McLaren, Dalziel (Morris 84). Subs Not Used: McCaldon, Brydon.

Booked: McDonald, Lee Currie, Jacobs, Notman.

Goals: Lavery 72.

East Fife: Antell, Durie, Campbell, White, Johnstone, Robert Barr, Muir, Willis, McBride, Samuel (Wardlaw 88), Paul McManus. Subs Not Used: Michael Brown, Darren Smith, Gormley, Sloan.

Booked: Muir, Paul McManus.

Goals: Muir 44.

Att: 732

Ref: George Salmond