Burgh beat Dundee Downfield 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw to book their place in the quarter finals of the Scottish Junior Cup.

Jamie McKim made five changes to the team that started our last match at Blantyre two weeks ago, with new loan signing Harry Broun making his debut, and Cammy Crooks, Jack Duncan, Kieran Brophy and Stuart McCann all coming into the starting XI.

The first chance of the game fell to the home side, with a ball over the top finding Stuart McCann. The Burgh forward, despite having to stretch, got his shot away and forced the Downfield keeper into a save, parrying the ball out for a corner.

In the 11th minute, Burgh took the lead through Dale Simeon. Gary McCann, down the right wing, played the pass inside to Simeon who, from the edge of the box, sublimely struck the ball with the outside of his right foot over the visitor's keeper and into the top corner at the far post.

Three minutes later, Downfield were level through an equally spectacular finish. They were awarded a free kick, on the edge of the 18-yard box. The Downfield number 10, Steven McPhee, whipped it across the goal and into the net at the far post.

With 33 minutes on the clock, Brophy played a lovely one-two with Stuart McCann but the Burgh winger's effort was saved by the Downfield keeper.

On 44 minutes, Downfield had a chance to take the lead from the edge of the box but the effort, to the near post, was saved comfortably by Broun.

Half time: 1-1

Downfield had a chance in the 49th minute, The visitor's number 9 beat Menzies to a ball over the top and struck it low on the half-volley but Broun read it well and made a comfortable save.

Seven minutes into the second half, Burgh should've re-taken the lead. Brophy's cross from the left found Stuart McCann unmarked about eight yards out, but his header was directed straight at the keeper. The rebound fell back in McCann's direction but, unfortunately, he lost his footing and was unable to steer the ball back towards the net. The ball was eventually cleared away for a Burgh corner, and it was from that corner that Burgh did re-take the lead. Simeon's inswinging corner found Ryan Wallace who glanced it into the net. Despite being unmarked and having a free header, Wallace still had work to do as he leapt in the air and directed it perfectly to the far post, beyond the reach of the Downfield keeper.

The visitors looked to equalise immediately, and a shot aimed towards the bottom corner was tipped round the post by Broun for a Downfield corner.

Broun was, again, called into action in the 67th minute. A ball in from the left wing was mis-controlled by the Downfield number 10, falling to their number 7, who struck it goalwards. Although the shot was pretty much straight at Broun, the Burgh keeper had to remain alert to make the save.

With 10 minutes to play, Burgh were inches away from extending their lead. Harry Broun's scuffed clearance turned into a good thing as Dale Simeon then flicked it on first time, with his right foot. Simeon's ball found Gary McCann, and he struck first time, across the goal, but his effort went inches wide of the far post.

A minute later and it was all square. A Downfield corner was met by their number 17, and his header bounced back off the bar, falling to Liam McCartney who knocked it into the net for 2-2.

In added time, Downfield had a chance to win the match with a free kick from around 25 yards out but, thankfully, the wall did its job and blocked the free kick.

Full time: 2-2

After a 2-2 draw, the match went to penalties.

Graham Dorrans was first up for The Burgh and he skied his spot-kick over the bar. Downfield scored theirs, sending Broun the wrong way. 0-1.
Next up for The Burgh was Ally Small, who was brought on specifically for his spot-kicks. He coolly converted his penalty, sending the Downfield keeper the wrong way. Downfield scored theirs again, putting it down the middle whilst Broun dived to his left. 1-2.
Kieran Brophy was selected for The Burgh's third spot-kick, and buried it in the bottom corner as the keeper, again, went the wrong way. Heroics from debutant Harry Broun saw him save Downfield's third attempt. 2-2.
It was Gary McCann to step up for Burgh's fourth. Although the Downfield keeper guessed correctly, McCann's penalty was too good and hit the net. Downfield converted their fourth. 3-3.
Dale Simeon stepped up next and duly converted, meaning Downfield must score to remain in the tie. Although Broun went the wrong way, the Downfield penalty thundered off the bar. 4-3.

Penalties: 4-3

Starting XI: Broun, Crooks, Wallace, Menzies (C), Duncan, McDonald, Brophy, McKenzie, S McCann, Simeon, G McCann

Goals: Simeon, Wallace

Man of the Match: Harry Broun

It wasn't pretty today but, in the end, we got the win and that's all that matters. Today's victory means we meet St Cadocs in the quarter finals. This match takes place at Keanie Park on 10 February. This tie also marks our return to 14:00 kick offs. It also means our home league fixture against Ashfield, originally scheduled for 10 February, will now be postponed and a revised date will communicated in due course.

Next week, we welcome Threave Rovers to Keanie Park in the last 16 of the South Challenge Cup. Kick off 13:30. Admission is priced at £8 adults, £4 concessions and free of charge for under 16's. Season tickets not valid.

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