Burgh Salvage A Point With Late Fight Back

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A late brace from super sub Dale Simeon earned Burgh a point from 3-1 down, after Dorrans had put Burgh ahead in the first half.

Before kick off, both sets of players, coaches and fans impeccably observed a minute's silence in memory of Girvan U20's player Robbie Meiklem, who sadly passed away this week. The thoughts of everyone at Johnstone Burgh are with Robbie's family and friends. And on that note, we'd also like to take this opportunity to remind fans that we have partnered with charity RAMH this season, who are there to support anyone suffering with their mental health.

Both sides came into the match today with confidence, having both won their previous outing. That showed as the game was played end to end at a high tempo.

Burgh broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when Dorrans curled a stunning effort from the edge of the box into the far top corner for his first goal of the season.

On 39 minutes Ashfield were level, after a ball in the box was only half cleared by the Burgh defence and the Field attacker thumped it into the net.

On the stroke of half time, Burgh put the ball in the net again after Gary McCann's cross was knocked down by Hamish McKinlay and Stuart McCann fired it low past the keeper, but the referee had already blown his whistle for a foul by McKinlay.

Half time: 1-1

The second half continued in the same fashion as the first; end to end with a high tempo. But as the half wore on, the Field started to control the game.

With McGowan making a good save after the ball had pinballed around the goalmouth area, then Field hitting the bar, and then having a goal disallowed the warning signs were there that they were eager to get the next goal.

14 minutes into the second half, Ashfield got the goal they'd been craving as their attacker turned in a cross from the right wing with a well taken volley.

Although Ashfield were taking control of the game, Burgh still looked dangerous in attack and created chances. However the Field defended brilliantly to keep Burgh from finding a way back into the game.

Time ticked on, both teams searching for a crucial goal that could either kill the game off, or rescue a point. And with nine minutes remaining, Ashfield were given an excellent chance to wrap things up when they were awarded a penalty after the ball hit the arm of the Burgh defender. The Ashfield number 19 stepped up, and McGowan came so close to saving the penalty diving to his right, beyond the ball and the ball hit the Burgh keeper on its way into the net.

In the 90th minute, Esplin drilled a low, powerful shot from long range. The Field keeper made the save, but spilled it into the path of Dale Simeon who put the ball into an empty net.

In the third minute of added time, Jojo Gillespie's deep cross found its way through to Dale Simeon who let it bounce, chested it under control then rifled his low volley into the net.

There was still time for Burgh to try and snatch a win but unfortunately, Gillespie's effort only found the side netting.

Full time: 3-3

Goals: Dorrans, Simeon x2

Starting XI: McGowan, Crooks, Wallace, Menzies, Naismith, Esplin (C), McKinlay, Dorrans, S McCann, McKenzie, G McCann.

Man of the Match: Craig Menzies

We now take a long break from league action with our next three fixtures being cup games, all of them at home. Next week it's the visit of Dundee North End in the Scottish Junior Cup. Admission is £8 for adults, £4 for concessions and free for under 16's. Please note that season tickets are not valid for cup games.

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