Burgh get that winning feeling back in Dundee
Johnstone Burgh picked up their first win in five games in cup
DUNDEE ST JAMES .................................... 1 JOHNSTONE BURGH ................................. 4
Johnstone Burgh returned to winning ways with an emphatic Scottish Junior Cup win against Dundee St James.
The Keanie Park side had been on a difficult run in recent weeks, in part due to an injury crisis described by boss Jamie McKim as the “worst” he’s ever experienced.
That made their comfortable cup win on the road against Dundee St James even sweeter, with debutant Calum Findlay opening the scoring before the hosts levelled against the run of play with the last kick of the first half.
Burgh quickly reasserted their dominance in the second half, with JoJo Gillespie netting from the spot shortly after the restart.
Youngster Jay Keenan cooly slotted home a third, before Sam Esplin produced the pick of the bunch with a superb long range effort which soared into the top corner late on.
McKim was delighted to see his depleted side taste victory once again and paid tribute to his walking wounded for playing through the pain barrier for the good of the team.
He told Express Sport: “It was great to get a win again because four weeks can feel like a lifetime in football.
“We were excellent up there and it was actually very unfair on the players to go into half-time at 1-1. They equalised with the last kick of the first half against the run of play.
“When we scored the second, there was no chance of anything other than a win for us because we were so dominant.
“We were a lot more composed and solid than we have been recently and we need to try and carry over that confidence into the league.
“I’ve honestly never known anything like it, the amount of key players we’ve been missing over the last six weeks. It’s the worst I’ve ever experienced as a boss.
“We had three back in Stuart Fyfe, Kieran Brady and Malky McDonald, but they’re nowhere near 100 per cent fit.
“They’re putting their bodies on the line for the club and it’s unbelievable commitment from the boys.
“The attitude they’re showing is so impressive, to do all they can for the club despite their injuries.”
After a mixed start to their West of Scotland Conference A campaign, Burgh take on bottom of the table side Saltcoats Victoria at Keanie Park next as they look to take their winning form back into the league.
McKim added: “Everyone associated with this club now expects success. They expect us to win. When we came in we were losing every week, so it’s good we’ve raised the expectations so much higher.
“We’re still missing eight players, and I don’t think people realised the extent of the numbers we’ve had unavailable.
“Some will think the Saltcoats Vics game will be so easy, but they’re fighting for their lives down there. It’ll be tough.
“There’s no walkovers in this division, but we’re certainly looking to now put a run of wins together.”