Donny saves Burgh

Steven McArthur - Steven McArthur • Published 11 Mar 2009 12:30

St Roch's 2 Johnstone Burgh 2 (4-5 on penalties)

JOHNSTONE Burgh thought they had nicked a win in normal time with a late goal against St Roch"s, but had to leave it to the last penalty for keeper Alan Donohoe to salvage victory.

A goal in the opening seconds from Craig Marr and a last-ditch equaliser from St Roch"s, with a Kevin Adam strike and another Roch"s goal in between, saw the sides locked together and heading for penalties.

Burgh assistant boss Eddie McKim was worried Roch"s would be in the ascendency after striking back, but that worry dispersed as he looked towards his No 1.

McKim said: 'At the last one, I had just turned to Raymond and said "I"ve not seen Alan not save one before". He is unbelievable - he must have some record in shootouts.

'We scored what we thought was the winner with three minutes to go. They got the equaliser right at the death - usually that team has the upper hand.

'Nine out of the ten penalties were superb, really well struck, but Alan did well to get to the last.'

Burgh got off to a dream start as Marr put the visitors up in the second minute, but the Candy Rock fought back and hit a deserved equaliser.

The Keanie Park men kept battling and looked to have stolen the game when, three minutes from time, Kevin Adam put them in front once more.

But a last-gasp wonder goal from Roch"s set up the tense spot-kick, and the scene was set for Donny to step up to the mark.

Of the performance, McKim said: 'We were one up after eighty seconds, and we came back at them after they equalised. The second equaliser really was a wonder goal. It"s come over from the corner and the guy has hit an amazing overhead kick.

'Results are the biggest thing for us, and we played well enough.'

Burgh now turn their focus to a league game on Saturday with Maryhill - who caused the shock of the round knocking out Premier Division side Arthurlie.

McKim said: 'George [Walker] and Raymond [Fallon] were at Arthurlie for the second half, and it just shows you what Maryhill are like. They are one of the teams that plays football more.

'It will be a test but we are capable of coming through it.'

We beat Ashfield, gave them a right going over up there, and we did the same to Yoker.

We just need that consistency, and to get a run of games together.

'I"d also like to mention the referee - he was one of the best we"ve had all season. It is a difficult job, but he reffed quite fairly, and even shook hands with each keeper before the shootout, which is good to see.

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This article appeared in The Gazette 11 Mar 09

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