JOHNSTONE BURGH co-manager Davie Brolly admits time is running out in Burgh’s battle to beat the drop – but he insists recent performances have given him cause for optimism.

The Keanie Park side lost 3-2 at promotion-chasing Rossvale on Saturday, following on from two draws.

Brolly’s men remain rooted to the bottom of the Central District First Division, five points from safety, but welcome fellow strugglers Forth Wanderers on Saturday (kick-off 2pm).

Brolly has seen enough in his side’s recent showings to be confident ahead of the basement clash. He said: “There has been an improvement in the team over the past three games. There was positives to take from Saturday, we came back from being behind twice and scored two very good team goals. We had a decent claim for a penalty in the last couple of minutes which might’ve got us a draw.

“We’re competing in games now which is encouraging, previously we were throwing the towel in when we went behind.

“We are running out of games and we can’t leave it much longer to pick up points. Saturday is a massive match for us but it will be a hard game. I think if we put in the type of performance we have in the last three games there is every chance we’ll win.”

Meanwhile Burgh have strengthened their ranks with St Mirren youth player Lee Fawkes, who has signed on loan until the end of the season. Brolly is looking forward to seeing what the 18-year-old has to offer.

“He’s a big athletic boy. He must have a bit of quality about him to be in with St Mirren, I think he’ll be able to hold his own and hopefully he’ll be a good addition,” Brolly said.

There is a big weekend ahead for Burgh’s under-21 side as they continue the defence of the Scottish Cup. They face Tower Hearts at Johnstone Hub on Saturday (3pm) in the quarter-final as they look to repeat their heroics from last year when they won the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.