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All the info ahead of Saturday's South Challenge Cup Fifth Round tie against Threave Rovers.

The Match:
This Saturday is our first time in 2024 playing at Keanie Park with kick off at 13:30. We welcome WOSFL Third Division side Threave Rovers.

Weather:
Although there is rain forecast between now and Saturday, we're not expecting the game to be in doubt. The club will, however, monitor the playing surface and will update fans via the website, social media, and our brand new WhatsApp channel should this change. Unless otherwise stated, the game is ON.

Form:
Burgh go into the game in great form, having won our last five and winning 11 of our last 12 in all competitions, although we did need a penalty shootout to beat Dundee Downfield on Saturday. We remain in two of the three cup competitions that we have played in this season; we progressed to the quarter finals of the Scottish Junior Cup at the weekend and will be hoping to do the same this weekend in the South Challenge Cup.

Our Opponents:
After the redevelopment of the West Of Scotland Football League prior to the 2022-23 season, Threave Rovers, who were part of the South of Scotland Football League, switched to the WOSFL and started in the fourth division. Their first season saw them finish third, which was enough to earn promotion to the ninth tier of Scottish football.

The Rovers, based in Castle Douglas, will be visiting Johnstone for the second time this season, having beaten Thorn Athletic 3-0 in the third round of this competition. Threave have lost their last two games. Prior to this, they'd won four in a row, including dismantling sixth-tier Leith Athletic in the third round with an impressive 5-1 victory at Meadow Park before Christmas. In the league, they currently sit 7th but, like The Burgh, do have games in hand on most teams in their division.

How We Got To Round 5:
Burgh are yet to concede a goal in this competition. Like this weekend's opponents, we were given a bye in the first round, so we didn't enter the cup until the second round, where we were drawn against Kilbirnie Ladeside. The game was abandoned after 13 minutes when Ladeside defender Jack Wilson suffered a severe ankle injury. The tie was played out four weeks later; goals from midfielders Kieran Brophy and Jojo Gillespie saw Burgh 2-0 up at half time and a second half brace from striker Ally Small gave us a convincing 4-0 win. Two goals in the first 15 minutes from Kieran Brophy was enough to stun Lowland League side University of Stirling 2-0 in the third round. We then travelled to the East Coast in Round 5 to play Musselburgh Athletic where Ross McKenzie and Dom Boland were the scorers in another 2-0 victory.

How They Got To Round 5:
R1: Bye
R2: Bonnyton Thistle 1-2 Threave Rovers
R3: Thorn Athletic 0-3 Threave Rovers
R4: Threave Rovers 5-1 Leith Athletic

Getting Here:
By Train: The nearest train station is Johnstone, which is served by trains from Glasgow Central and is approximately 10 minutes walk to Keanie Park.
By Car: We have a car park next to the stadium, as well as plenty of street parking nearby. Post Code is PA5 9PE. If parking on the street, please be mindful of local residents and take care not to obstruct any driveways or access to properties.

Officials:
The referee for Saturday's match is Paul Timmons, and will be assisted by Mark Catterson and Jordan Brownlee. Paul Timmons has officiated two Burgh games already this season; the abandoned second round tie against Kilbirnie, and he was also in charge for our only defeat in our last 12 matches, the 2-0 loss at Largs in the Indigo Comms West of Scotland Cup in November. Mark Catterson was assistant referee in last month's 2-1 victory over St Roch's, whilst Jordan Brownlee has not been involved with The Burgh this season.

Admission:
Adults £8. Concessions £4. Under 16's free. Season tickets not valid.