Delight for Burgh’s new boss
Johnstone Burgh boss Jamie McKim described his first win as, “absolutely brilliant”, following his side’s victory away to Carluke.
Goals from Steven Fitzpatrick and Jordan Keenan sealed McKim’s first three points since taking the reins from Colin Smith and David Brolly.
And he revealed that he was delighted with the efforts of his side as they battled to a well-deserved victory.
McKim said: “The boys played really well and I think they more than deserved it.
“They were absolutely brilliant throughout the 90 minutes and even when we had to shuffle the pack a little, they still dealt with it well.
“The positive signs are already there and I am really happy with the progress that the side has been making over the past couple of weeks.
“We have a number of options across the side now but it remains an ongoing process and something that we will continue to work on between now and the end of the season.”
Johnstone Burgh started the game on the front foot and looked the more dominant of the two sides over the course of the opening exchanges.
However, an injury to Ross McWilliams forced the Burgh man off to be replaced by Martin Byrne after just 20 minutes.
This resulted in McKim having to move a number of players, but Carluke caught them cold as they raced into the lead shortly after.
But Burgh responded well and would be level before going in at half-time.
Fitzpatrick and Jack Herron linked up to devastating effect, with Fitzpatrick brought down inside the box after a neat one-two with his teammate.
The winger took on the spot- kick duties himself and coolly fired home in 37 minutes.
The remainder of the half was a balanced affair, but Burgh came back out after the interval on the frontfoot.
Fitzpatrick this time turned provider as Burgh took the lead, setting up Jordan Keenan to head home into the back of the net.
Late chances for trialist Euan East saw the youngster hit the post, while further opportunities fell to the visitors.
But it didn’t matter as Burgh secured a crucial three points.
Johnstone Burgh: Docherty, Robson, McWilliams, McIntyre, Williams, Cowan, McLay, McStay, Keenan, Herron, Fitzpatrick.
Subs: McGarrigle, East, Lynch, McSorley and Byrne.