JOHNSTONE Burgh boss Colin Smith praised his side’s work rate over the course of the weekend as he and David Brolly made their bow in the Keanie Park dugout.

Burgh competed well throughout their two games against sides above them in the junior league structure, with Troon currently plying their trade three leagues above the Johnstone side.

And, the former Burgh player was pleased with the performance of his side over the ties against Troon and Benburb.

He told Gazette Sport following the final: “It is great to get a couple of games under our belt and we have definitely learnt a few things.

“We were a lot better in the semi final with Troon than we were against Benburb, but we had a couple of injuries to contend with early on with big Mackie having to come off, John McStay and Neil Dinnen had to come off at half time but I think the second half performance was something to take pride in.

“We had them rattled at the end and I thought we worked our way back in to the game well, it is just a shame we couldn’t get that equaliser and take the tie to penalties.” Burgh are currently readying themselves for life in the Central District Second Division next season, but with their preparations now well underway Smith insisted he remains confident of their chances of promotion.

He added: “We have played two good opposition teams and we have shown we are capable of matching them.

“They were two higher teams, so I think when we go back to our own league competitions then we should be looking to do well.

“The team is shaping up ok, but there are still one or two more additions to come but generally I think we are going in the right direction.”