Burgh bite back to cost Wishaw a win
Johnstone Burgh ..... 2 Wishaw Juniors ....... 2
Michael Temlett
However, the hosts came back out fighting and strikes from Paul Hewitt and Chris Docherty, in the dying seconds, ensured them of a draw.
The point leaves Wishaw eight off second-place Larkhall Thistle – having played the same amount of games.
This Saturday’s trip to Thistle becomes even more important as McGroarty believes it can be make or break for the season.
The Wishaw boss said: “We’re eight points behind second right now but if we get awarded the points from the St Roch’s game, we’ve managed to cut that down to five.
“We’ll still have to play them again but there’s plenty of games left and chances to pick up points. At the end of the day we want to go for promotion but a couple of defeats and you could find yourself at the wrong end of the table.
“There’s not a big gap between top and bottom but we want to push on.”
Smillie opened the scoring for the visitors after 15 minutes after Kelly punched clear a free-kick from the left.
The keeper’s efforts were left in vain as the Wishaw striker drilled home a deserved opener for the hosts.
Things went from bad to worse for Burgh when a fast counter attack was converted by McCafferty to send his side in 2-0 to the good at the interval.
A half- time talking- to and some tinkering from the Burgh coaching staff saw a rejuvenated Johnstone come out looking to take the game to their opponents.
New striker Hewitt handed his side a lifeline as he robbed the Wishaw centreback before coolly chipping the keeper from 18 yards, with a Burgh onslaught forthcoming.
The comeback was complete as Docherty swept home an equaliser following good work from Jon McStay down the right flank, with the winger playing an inviting ball across the face of goal for the midfielder to convert.
Late pressure saw Johnstone having to defend to the hilt but goalkeeper Kelly kept Wishaw at bay.