Match Preview: Johnstone Burgh vs Dundee Downfield

Club News

Match Preview: Johnstone Burgh vs Dundee Downfield

All the info ahead of Saturday's Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round tie against Dundee Downfield.

The Match:
Our first "home" match of 2024 takes place at New Western Park in Renfrew with kick off at 13:30. Saturday will be the fourth attempt at playing this last 16 fixture, after December saw the tie postponed twice; once for a frozen pitch and once for a waterlogged pitch, and then postponed earlier this month again for a frozen pitch. The winners of this match will host St Cadocs in the quarter finals on 10 February at 14:00.

Saturday will be our third time this season playing at New Western Park, having beaten Renfrew away 4-0 in the first game of the season, then our final match of 2023 was a home game that was also switched to Renfrew where we beat St Roch's 2-1.  

Weather:
At the time of writing, the forecast looks wet so bring your brollies. With the heavy rain this week and with this being the fourth attempt to play this match, Burgh have made the decision to switch the game to the artificial pitch at Renfrew to ensure the game is played.

Form:
Burgh go into the game in fine form, having won our last four and winning 10 of our last 11 in all competitions. We remain in two of the three cup competitions that we have played in this season; as well as being in the last 16 of the Scottish Junior Cup, we are also in the last 16 of the South Challenge Cup.

Our Opponents:
Dundee Downfield come into this game sitting fifth in the SJFA Midlands League but, like The Burgh, have games in hand on the teams above them. The SJFA Midlands League is one of six regional divisions serving as the sixth tier of Scottish football. Despite being fifth in the league, their recent form has been a bit up and down, although their struggle for consistency could be partly down to the struggle to get matches on; since 07 October, they have only played five matches, and have seen seven games postponed, including the three against us. Their last five games have seen two wins and three defeats for the Dundee side; their most recent game was a 4-1 home win against Arbroath Victoria on 16 December 2023.  

How We Got To Round 4:
Our three previous matches in this competition have all been against sixth tier teams, from two different regions. Rounds 1 & 2 saw 3-0 home victories over Dundee East Craigie and Dundee North End, who are both in the same division as this weekend's opponents. Then in Round 3, we beat West Of Scotland Premier Division Side Irvine Meadow 3-1 at Keanie Park.

How They Got To Round 4:
R1: Ellon United 1-3 Dundee Downfield
R2: Ardrossan Winton Rovers 2-3 Dundee Downfield
R3: Dundee Downfield 1-0 Dalry Thistle

Getting There:
By Train: The stadium is not accessible by train.
By Car: There is limited parking in the car park at the stadium. However, the ground is next to Blythswood Retail Park, which provides ample parking. Post Code for the retail park is PA4 9EN.
Supporters Coach: There will be supporter's coach running for this match. For more details, contact Robert Kerrigan on 07833934025. Keanie Park's Burgh Bar will be open from 11:00 for supporters to enjoy pre-match hospitality before the bus departs for Renfrew at 12:45. .

Officials:
Our referee this weekend is Euan Birch. He will be assisted by Mark Catterson and Jonathan Rose. Euan Birch oversaw our 4-0 victory over Kilbirnie Ladeside in the South Challenge Cup in October. Mark Catterson was assistant referee in our 2-1 victory over St Roch's, also at New Western Park, whilst Saturday's tie will be the first time this season that Jonathan Rose is involved in a Burgh game.

Admission:
Adults £8. Concessions £4. Under 16's free. Season tickets not valid. Tickets purchased for any of the postponed matches between Johnstone Burgh vs Dundee Downfield will be honoured.

No items found.
No items found.