McKim tips Malky to be a maestro for Burgh
Johnstone Burgh manager Jamie McKim says he’s bagged his side a “fantastic talent” in new signing Malky McDonald.
The creative midfielder has signed on at Keanie Park to help fill the void left by David Collins who is off on his travels to Australia.
While McKim hopes Collins will return to the side on his return from Down Under, he feels McDonald will kick on at Burgh like former teammates Stuart Collins and William Lennox have.
He said: “We watched Malky at the same time as Collins and Lennox when they were all playing at Barrhead YFC last season.
“We targeted all three this summer but we just couldn’t get Malky over the line in time.
“He was training with Benburb and Yoker were interested too, so I’m delighted to get him signed up here.
“He’s a very talented player. He’s probably a few weeks away from full fitness at the moment but he’ll definitely make an impact when he’s fit and ready to go.
“David Collins is moving to Australia short term and I’m hoping to get him back next season. It depends on his situation but he’s a very good player as well who I’d like to work with again.”
Johnstone Burgh’s game against Lugar Boswell Thistle was called off last Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch.
While McKim took in the East Renfrewshire derby between Arthurlie and Neilston Juniors, he insists the club’s work off the pitch will never stop as he aims to see Burgh move up to League One next season.
He said: “The referee did the inspection on Saturday morning and he said it was too soft so it would have been too dangerous for the players.
“We were very disappointed. It’s really frustrating because we just want the games to keep on coming and that’s two in a row called off now.
“It is what it is, though. All the coaches were busy on Saturday and we just don’t sit on our hands. We’re always trying to improve, even when the games are called off.”
Thorn Athletic sealed a comprehensive 5-0 victory over King’s Park Rangers to book a place in the third round of the West of Scotland Cup.
Dylan Blair’s double along with strikes from Jordan Devine, Connar McGregor and David Edwards, ensured there would be no upset from the Glasgow side.
It was a first Thorn goal for striker Edwards since joining the club recently and also a goal for McGregor on his second debut for the club since returning from Shettleston Juniors.
Boss Johnny McEwan also brought Alan Deans and Mickey Wilson into the starting side to freshen things up.
Devine headed home the opener after 25 minutes before Blair hooked home his first of the match just ten minutes later.
McGregor then tapped in the third before the break to give the Johnstone side a commanding half-time lead.
Edwards drove home from 22 yards and Blair’s low strike rounded off a great afternoon’s work.
Boss McEwan said: “It was good to get a clean sheet and the goals our play deserved.
“We freshened things up a wee bit after what had been a low key win in the Scottish Cup.
“The squad is looking very strong and we have a number of options in all positions. We just need everyone to continue to work hard in training as we head into the winter and we will have good competition all over the park.
“Historically, this period has always been a key one in the season and we have lots of big games coming up.”
Thorn have a huge Scottish Cup clash away to the muchfancied SAFL side Goldenhill at the beginning of next month.
But first they travel to face newly-promoted side East Kilbride YM at Kirktonholme in the Caledonian Premier League.
EKYM have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign but, with the league increasing to 14 teams in the top division this season, it’s going to be a marathon rather than a sprint.
Boss McEwan added: “It’s a really competitive league this season and the four promoted sides are all keen to do well.
“It makes for an interesting campaign.”