BURGH LOC'D AND LOADED FOR CUP

Published 30 Sep 2009 15:47

IT'S that time of year again.

It's a time when winning becomes that little bit sweeter and a time when losing becomes far, far too bitter. You can feel it, the excitement, the drama and the romance. You can feel it when you stroll through the turnstile and at the screech of the ref's first whistle. Every tackle, every scream and every shout the moans, the groans, the cheers and the jeers.

It's that time of year again - it's time for the Scottish Junior Cup.

Four weeks ago, Junior clubs around the country stood with baited breath as the draw for the first round was made and as fate would have it, Johnstone Burgh were first out of the hat.

Fans praying for a home tie were duly reward as the Burgh were thrown into the great unknown with a draw against East Region North Division side; Lochee Harp.

The visitors will make the two-hour journey through the heart of the country on the back of a 5-0 win but that certainly won't deter the Burgh manager George Walker who looks set to go for the jugular, proclaiming: "We will attack."

He added: "We are an attack minded team, we're at home and we're going to go for it.

"We don't know much about them to be

honest, but we're not too concerned with how they play because it's all about how we play.

"There might be a wee bit of pressure because it's the Scottish Cup but we'll bring them in early on Saturday for an early lunch and we'll have a wee chat with them.

"We're looking forward to the game and we're hoping everyone will fit."

While attacking play has not typically been a

tradition at Keanie Park, the summer acquisitions of Chris Fitzpatrick, Neil Dinnen and Michael McIntyre have provided just that.

With Fitzpatrick's tenacious work-rate in attack and the dynamic aggression of Dinnen and McIntyre carving open defences at will, the Burgh have clearly shown they can match any team in their league. The goal scoring form of veteran striker Colin Smith, of course has helped to put points on the board.

The former Wishaw and Darvel forward appears rejuvenated and has lead the line formidably, contributing four goals in his last seven league games but refuses to take all the credit.

He said: "A lot of my goals have been down to 'Fitzy', he does a lot of spade work for me and that really lets me get into the box more.

"Neil Dinnen and Michael McIntyre both give us added energy and width, they're young and they get at defenders with their pace. Neil was man of the match against Newmains and Michael was man of the match against Greenock.

"Looking over the last few weeks, it goes to show that we're not easily beaten.

"There's a better mix of youth and experience and we have fight in the team.

"The Scottish Cup is the big one, its exciting and you'd love to go on a run.

"Last year we were put out by Carluke after a great result against Saltcoats but this year we would like a better run and hopefully stay in the competition after Christmas this time."

The Emirates Cup first round kicks off at 3pm at Keanie Park.

Tweet

This article appeared in The Gazette 30 Sep 09

Follow @thegazettepaper

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.