JOHNSTONE Burgh bosses Colin Smith and David Brolly got their reign off to a winning start on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Greenock.

And, Smith admitted getting one over Saturday’s opponents had been a long time coming as the last time Burgh notched a victory over ‘Nok it was he and Brolly who were the ones on the scoresheet.

He told Gazette Sport: “I was thinking after the game and I really couldn’t remember the last time we managed to beat Greenock.

“There have been a lot of draws over the years but as far as I know the last time we beat them it was me and Dave who got the goals so it has been a long time coming.” A first half double from Neil Dinnen was enough to hand the Burgh three points in their opening Sectional League Cup match and boss Smith was full of praise for his side.

“It is a credit to the boys that they have managed to get a win over a side who are playing away in the Super League.

“We looked really steady and we could have scored a lot more than two by half time but we continued to push and even though Greenock got a goal back we stretched the game and still had chances.” Burgh now look forward to hosting lodgers Renfrew at Keanie Park tonight (Wednesday) in the second round of cup fixtures.

However, Smith admitted his side have been playing better away from home throughout pre season, adding: “It’s a derby so hopefully we manage to get a decent crowd through the gates.

“I am confident that we can get ourselves a good result and we have a really confident dressing room.

“We have been playing better on the road as of late, considering the way we played against Kilbirnie Ladeside and Largs but the Sectional Cup gives an opportunity to get some decent results at home.

The 13-0 defeat at the hands of Beith brought a disappointing end to Burgh’s pre season campaign last week but Smith insisted he was delighted with the way his side came back and showed what they are capable of in Saturday’s victory.

He said: “The reaction was there for all to see and the boys were really determined.

“They were battering the door down and dying to get on the pitch and you could tell they wouldn’t be fazed by anyone on Saturday.

“We have a great bunch of boys here and they were a credit to themselves and the club with the performance they put on.”