Burgh Suffer Heaviest Defeat Of The Season

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Johnstone Burgh were beaten 1-4 at Keanie Park, with Ally Small netting Burgh's consolation goal.

It was the worst possible start for the Burgh, as they fell behind with less than 90 seconds on the clock. A corner found its way through plenty of bodies in the box and fell to Robertson who drilled it low into the net.

Midway through the first half, Maybole should've doubled their lead as a ball across the box found Mick McCann unmarked with an open goal but he skied his effort over the bar.

Throughout the first half, Burgh had their fair share of possession and attacks but could not break down a stubborn visiting defence and failed to create any chances until late on in the first half. Two minutes before half time, Ally Small was played through one on one and looked certain to bend the ball round the keeper into the bottom corner at the far post but unfortunately failed to wrap his foot around the ball and his effort went wide of the post.

On the stroke of half time, Dale Simeon cut the ball back to Graham Dorrans on the edge of the box and forced goalkeeper Scott Johnstone into a good save with his feet.

Half time 0-1

Burgh came out for the second half a lot better than the first half, playing with a higher tempo and more energy. However, the Maybole defence remained stubborn and defended brilliantly. Brophy had an effort deflected over for a corner, with the ball grazing the top of the bar on its way out. Burgh continued to put balls into the box, winning plenty of corners. But as determined as Burgh were in attack. Maybole were equally determined in their defending and were able to clear everything Burgh threw at them. Dale Simeon had a great opportunity to pull Burgh level, but Scott Johnstone made another excellent save with his feet to deny the Burgh forward.

But 13 minutes into the second half, against the run of play, Maybole doubled their lead after a free kick was awarded out wide. Miller swung it into the box with his right foot and Steve Wilson was there to find the net.

Burgh responded brightly, and still piled on the pressure working the ball into the box. Hamish McKinlay came close to pulling one back when his cross-cum-shot gave the keeper a real scare as it looked as though it might drop in at the far post but the ball missed the target by inches.

However, it looked to be game over on 68 minutes when Mick McCann added his name to the score sheet to make it 0-3.

Burgh still didn't give up and had efforts through Brophy, Small and McKenzie. Then with 11 minutes to go, Burgh found a way back into the game. Gary McCann cut in from the right wing, laid it back to McKenzie who clipped the ball to the far post where McKinlay's powerful header was superbly saved by Scott Johnstone. The rebound fell to Ally Small who scored from close range and gave Burgh hope of a late fightback.

That hope wouldn't last long though, as less than a minute later the visitors regained their three goal advantage. Graham fired a low shot across the goal and found the bottom corner.

Overall, Burgh certainly had more chances than the away side and on another day could have easily seen the scoreline reversed if it were not for the Maybole defence and keeper who all had an excellent game.  

Next week, it's cup action at Keanie Park as we host Kilburnie Ladeside in the second round of the West of Scotland South Challenge Cup. Tickets will be priced at £8 for adults, £4 for concessions and under 16's go free. Please note, season tickets are not valid for this fixture.

Full time: 1-4

Goal: Small

Starting XI: Smyth, Crooks, Wallace, McDonald, Naismith, Esplin (C), Brophy, Dorrans, Small, Gillespie, Simeon.

Man of the Match: Cammy Crooks

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