Burgh Progress To Scottish Junior Cup Last 16

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An own goal, a Dale Simeon strike and a Graham Dorrans penalty secured Burgh's place in the last 16 of the Scottish Junior Cup in front of a bumper crowd at Keanie Park.  

Burgh came into this game with confidence sky high, on a six game unbeaten run, whilst sixth-tier Irvine Meadow XI, sitting bottom of the Premier Division, would've been hoping a cup win against an in-form Burgh could kick-start their season.

Burgh had the game's first chance after five minutes when Brophy fizzed a ball across the box. Stuart McCann only needed a touch to steer the ball into the net but failed to get anything on it. Three minutes later, Malky McDonald fired an effort wide of the target. On 17 minutes, Stuart McCann blazed over from around 25 yards out.

Midway through the first half, the deadlock was broken. A long ball over the top was met by the Irvine Meadow defender who attempted to head it back to his own keeper, but inadvertently, his header looped over the Medda keeper, Alistair McInnes and into his own net.

Less than 90 seconds later, things went from bad to worse for The Medda, as they were reduced to 10 men. A late tackle from Kieran Brady on Cameron Ross saw the visitors awarded a free kick. However, Ross retaliated to the challenge by kicking out at Brady and left the referee no option but to produce a red card for violent conduct.

27 minutes on the clock again saw Brophy fizz a ball across the box for Stuart McCann, and again the ball eluded him. Five minutes later, Burgh came close to doubling their lead. Dale Simeon put a low cross in for Kieran Brophy, who looked certain to tap it into the empty net but Rhys Wallace did brilliantly to slide in and block Brophy from getting his shot away.

In the 40th minute, Burgh did double their lead through Dale Simeon. A superb move ended with Brophy playing it across to McDonald who, unselfishly, played it back across the goal and Simeon side footed it home for his sixth of the season.

Half time: 2-0

In the first minute of the second half, Burgh had a shout for a penalty. Cammy Crooks put a low cross into the box for McCann but he failed to get anything on it after having his shirt pulled by Isaac Kerr, however neither the referee nor the linesman gave the decision. Two minutes later, Simeon came agonisingly close to doubling his tally for the day when he was through one on one with McInnes, he shot across the keeper, and just inches past the post.

In the 51st minute The Medda pulled themselves back into the game as Euan Baird slotted into the net beyond the advancing Jamie McGowan.

Burgh pressed to restore their two-goal advantage. They had a great chance through Ally Small, who got on the end of a lovely cross but unfortunately failed to find the target. McCann was next to come close as his header was tipped over the bar.

18 minutes into the second half, The Medda received their second red card of the match as a member of the coaching staff was sent to the stands.

Despite being a man down, The Medda had plenty of possession in the second half, but chances were few and far between and they failed to test McGowan.

With five minutes to play, Hamish McKinlay looked to get his third of the season, but his shot flew wide of the post. In the 88th minute Crooks struck from about 20 yards and his shot was parried away for a corner. In the first minute of added time, Simeon was one on one, but Kerr's sliding tackle did just enough to put him off and his shot whistled just wide of the post.

In the 5th minute of added time, Dorrans squared the ball to McKinlay, and Jack McDowall brought him down inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Dorrans stepped up to take it and although McInnes went the right way, Dorrans put too much power on the penalty and it flew by the keeper into the net.

Full time: 3-1

Goals: OG, Simeon, Dorrans

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

Man of the Match: Del Esplin

Burgh have yet again beaten higher league opposition to extend our unbeaten run to seven matches. Whilst it wasn't the prettiest of games, we certainly deserved the win. The Scottish Cup draw was made last night, and the winner of today's tie had been drawn to play at home against Dundee Downfield or Dalry Thistle. The Dundee side won 1-0, meaning that, for the third time this season, we welcome a team from Dundee in the Scottish Junior Cup. This tie is to be played on 02 December at 13:30.

Next week, we travel to Musselburgh in the South Challenge Cup, This brings to an end a crazy run of Burgh home games; this will be our first away game since our 3-3 draw at Ashfield on 30 September.

We'd also like to thank fans of both sides for their support today, who all observed the Armistice Day minute's silence impeccably. We saw a huge crowd today, and a large away support. We appreciate the support, and we look forward to seeing you next week on the East Coast.