DAVID CAMPBELL

Gaffer reckons friendly is a huge game

Johnstone Burgh welcome junior footballing juggernauts Auchinleck Talbot to Keanie Park for the first time in more than a decade today.

Jamie McKim’s men face a stiff test a against the reigning West Region Pre Premiership champs but the upbeat boss insists the friendly clash is the perfect tune-up ahead of their July 17 season opener.

He told Express Sport: “This doesn’t really feel like a friendly, it feels like a really big game.

“Auchinleck are obviously one of the best sides in junior football and a good level above the opposition we will play week in and week out, so we are treating this as a real test.

“I don’t believe in playing teams below us so we get easy wins to boost our confidence.

“I believe confidence comes by playing top sides and performing well against them.

“That has been a recurring theme since we came through the door to play good sides in pre-season and this is a great example of that.

“I think this match in particular will help us prepare defensively for the season ahead, we will need to be really organised and play with a good structure - that will help us going into competitive football later in the summer.”

McKim hopes football fever will extend beyond the European Championships and encourage fans to check out their local team now restrictions have been eased.

“I think bringing teams like Auchinleck Talbot to Keanie Park is also a good way of getting people along, and hopefully we then get some repeat supporters who enjoy what they see and come back”, he added.

A 250 fan limit has been placed on the gate in line with current guidelines.

Kick-off is 2pm and entry will be first come, first served.

Meanwhile Neilston and Arthurlie are set to face- off in the Kenny Hay Trophy in the first match of a two-legged affair this afternoon.

The first game takes place at the Brig O’Lea at 2pm before the return leg at Dunterlie Park on June 19.

Tickets will be also be sold on a first come first served basis.