Johnstone Burgh 2-0 University of Stirling

Match Blogs

Johnstone Burgh 2-0 University of Stirling

Sensational Burgh Stun University of Stirling

A Kieran Brophy brace in the first 15 minutes sent Johnstone Burgh into the fourth round of the South Challenge Cup.

Lowland League side University of Stirling were the visitors to Keanie Park today, and being two divisions above the Burgh, this would be Burgh's toughest test yet this season.

Burgh started brilliantly and had the game's first chance after three minutes with Ryan Wallace's cross being volleyed over the bar by Brophy. After nine minutes, Brophy had another chance as he ran onto a cross-field pass but hit his effort over.

A minute later, Dale Simeon fired in a cross and Brophy met it with a bullet header which flew into the net, giving Uni keeper Yan Gromov Godik no chance.

And just five minutes later, Brophy made it 2-0 when he ran onto Simeon's long through ball over the top and, with a cushioned, side-footed volley, lifted his first-time shot over Gromov Godik and into the net.

Midway through the first half, Jamie McGowan made his first save of the match. A tame effort resulted in a comfortable save.

The visitors' next chance came after 29 minutes when they were awarded a free kick but they failed to test McGowan as the free kick flew over the bar. Three minutes later, McGowan was tested for the first time as Cammy McKinley struck a fierce effort but McGowan made a great save to parry it away.

And a minute later, they were awarded another free kick, this time on the right. But again, it was hit over the bar and failed to test McGowan.

After 35 minutes, Uni had another free kick. McKinley took it and tried to bend it low around the wall, but scuffed his shot and the ball trickled through for McGowan to gather easily.

Half time: 2-0

Burgh came out firing after the break and looked eager to kill the game off. After two minutes, Brophy had a chance to complete his hat trick but his left-footed shot was saved by Gromov Godik. A minute later, Dale Simeon shot hit a left-footed shot from the corner of the 6 yard box but dragged his shot wide.

Burgh were pushing hard but Uni defended well to keep the home side from adding to their lead.

20 minutes into the second half, Burgh should've made it three when Ally Small squared it to Brophy but Gromov Godik pulled off an excellent save to deny Brophy his hat trick.

Half way through the second half, Uni came close to coming back into the game when a stunning volley thundered off the post.

With 12 minutes to play, there was a goalmouth scramble in the Burgh box but the ball was eventually collected by McGowan.

Three minutes from time, Hamish McKinlay's shot ricocheted off the defender and fell to Jojo Gillespie who was denied by a good save by Gromov Godik.

Full time: 2-0

Starting XI: McGowan, Crooks, Wallace, Menzies, Naismith, Esplin (C), Brophy, McDonald, Small, Simeon, S McCann

Goals: Brophy x2

Man of the Match: Ryan Wallace

It was a superb performance from the Burgh today, and fully deserved their victory. In round four, we will play Musselburgh Athletic away on 18 November with kick off at 14:30.

Next week, we welcome Dundee North End to Keanie Park in the Scottish Junior Cup second round. Admission is £8 for adults and £4 for concessions, with under 16s admitted free of charge. Season tickets are not valid for this tie. The winners will play Irvine Meadow XI in round three.

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