BURGH EXIT SOUTH CHALLENGE CUP WITH NINE MEN

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Johnstone Burgh battled bravely in yesterday's South Challenge Cup Second Round match at Drumchapel but, ultimately, being forced to play 39 minutes with nine men proved to be too much as we were knocked out in extra time.

The first half was a cagey affair, with few chances. The Burgh had the better of the chances, both falling to Max Kerr. The first, he was played in but the Drum keeper was extremely quick off his line to close Kerr down. Then, midway through the first half, a cross from the right wing was headed just wide by Kerr. At the opposite end, Drum's best chance came in the 40th minute when their number 45 chipped Luke Scullion, who had raced out off his line, but Danny O'Neill was able to get back to make the goal-line clearance.

Half Time: 0-0

With both teams cancelling each other out, the game took a bizarre turn around the hour mark. As Burgh were preparing to make a triple substitution, Kyle Lafferty was sent off, seemingly for responding to remarks that Ryan Kennedy had made to him. There was some confusion whether it was a second yellow or a straight red, as the referee produced a red card then a yellow then a red. In the exchange that followed, Burgh manager Murdo MacKinnon was sent to the stands.

Despite having an extra man, Drumchapel struggled to take advantage with Burgh refusing to sit back, and chances were still few and far between. However, with nine minutes to play, Drumchapel's one man advantage became a two man advantage when, much to the surprise of both teams and sets of supporters, captain Del Esplin was given a straight red for a tackle, despite making little-to-no contact with his opponent.

The remaining nine minutes petered out and the match went to extra time.

Full Time: 0-0

Burgh had the first chance to open the scoring in extra time when Craig Menzies' cross-cum-shot was clawed away by the home goalkeeper as it looked destined for the top corner.

Unsurprisingly, with the numerical disadvantage, Burgh keeper Luke Scullion did have more to do in extra time as he produced a superb save to tip a long range effort over the bar. As extra time went on, Scullion made another couple of saves.

Then came the hammer blow. A Drumchapel corner led to a goalmouth scramble and, eventually, Gregor Stewart bundled it over the line to give the home side the lead in the 104th minute.

Even with nine men, Burgh refused to go down without a fight and refused to sit back. However, it was always going to be a mammoth task, especially after conceding and, unfortunately, we couldn't find an equaliser to take the game to penalties.

Full Time (AET): 1-0

Red Cards: Lafferty (61), Esplin (81)

Starting XI: Scullion, Eadie, Gilday, Naismith, O'Neill, Esplin (C), Mason, Dorrans, Lafferty, Lyon, Kerr

Man Of The Match: Luke Scullion

As always, thank you to all those who came to support The Burgh.

Next week, it's back to Keanie Park, where we'll take on Inverurie side Colony Park in the second round of the Scottish Junior Cup. Please note, the match will kick off at the later time of 14:30.