Burgh's Unbeaten Run Comes To An End In Largs

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Johnstone Burgh tasted defeat for the first time in two months as they were beaten 2-0 in today's Indigo Comms West of Scotland Cup tie at Barrfields Stadium.

The first chance of the game resulted in the first goal of the game and it went the way of the home side. A free kick just inside the Burgh half was launched forward to William Sewell, who clipped the ball across the box from the right and Craig Forbes beat Dom Boland in the air to head past McGowan and put Largs ahead in the 5th minute.

In the 10th minute, the hosts should've doubled their lead. A ball in from Sewell, this time from the left, saw both Malky McDonald and Ryan Wallace take a swipe at the ball to clear it and missed their kicks. The ball found its way to David Ramsay at the back post and somehow, when it seemed easier to score than miss, he managed to hit the bar.

Four minutes later, a Thistle corner was eventually worked to Sewell on the edge of the box who went for goal, but his effort flew well over the bar.

It took 24 minutes for Burgh to create even a half chance. A ball over the top was chased down by McKenzie, who beat his defender but Largs keeper Eliasz Zalewski was quick off his line and gathered the ball just before McKenzie got could get on the end of it.

In the 33rd minute, Burgh had their best chance of the game with a long ball over to Cammy Crooks, playing left wing today. He won the aerial duel against Sean McLeod, and knocked the ball on. He ran onto it and, with the outside of his boot, struck a powerful effort across the goal which looked destined for the bottom corner but Zalewski stuck out his left foot to deflect it over the bar for a Burgh corner.

Half time 1-0

Largs had the first chance of the second half. It took two minutes when Sewell's strike from the edge of the box took a deflection and went out for a corner.

Burgh's first chance of the second half came two minutes later as Hamish McKinlay danced his way down the left wing, and as he cut inside, passed to McKenzie who shot but his effort didn't challenge Zalewski, who made a comfortable save.

Although Burgh showed more intent in the second half than they did in the first, they really struggled to break down a stubborn, well-organised Largs defence and were unable to test Zalewski.

Things got heated in the 57th minute when Malky McDonald lunged into a tackle on a home player. Largs didn't appreciate that challenge and resulted in a number of players coming together, pushing and shoving. McDonald was booked for his part and a Largs man was also booked for his retaliation.

The hosts doubled their lead after 64 minutes. Sewell ran onto a throughball and hit his shot first time. McGowan did well to make the save but the rebound fell to the unmarked Lewis Davidson who volleyed into the net.

After this, Largs seemed content to sit back and let Burgh have the ball. Despite the possession, Burgh struggled to break through the home defence and create any real chances.

Starting XI: McGowan, Boland, Wallace, Brady, Naismith (C), McDonald, McKinlay, McKenzie, S McCann, Simeon, Crooks.

Man of the Match: Jason Naismith

This result sees us exit the Indigo Comms West of Scotland Cup, and we can have no complaints about the scoreline. We must mention the Burgh fans, who showed up in large numbers. Thank you for your support today.  

Burgh will be hoping to bounce back next week when we welcome Dundee Downfield to Keanie Park in the fourth round of the Scottish Junior Cup. Admission is £8 for adults and £4 for concessions, with under 16s admitted free of charge. Season tickets are not valid for this tie.