Burgh up for the cup

Four second half strikes handed the traveling band of Burgh fans something to celebrate as they marched through to the next round with a 5-1 victory under their belt.

A hat-trick from Jason Hardie and a double from Jack Herron proved to be the difference and manager Colin Smith was delighted with their efforts up top.

He told Gazette Sport: “The two of them seem to have a real potential to form a great partnership.

“They are very similar in style and I haven’t really had any problems with them — we have gave them a bit of encouragement and it seems to be paying off and they have come good.” Seeing Hardie in a Burgh strip may not be a new sight to all of the Burgh faithful having turned out a couple of times last season, however Smith admitted the striker is a completely different player to the one that donned the red and white last time out.

He continued: “Jason had been with our under-21s the season before last before deciding to go junior with Largs Thistle — but he wasn’t getting a game.

“I phoned him last year and he played a couple of games for us but, by his own admission, his attitude just wasn’t right and he wasn’t working hard enough and that was the end of that.

“But he gave me a phone call a few weeks ago now and asked if he could come down and I am delighted to say he looks like he has knuckled down and he is focused on his game.” With their name now firmly in the hat, excitement is already looming ahead of the second round draw for the Scottish Cup.

Smith added: “I love the cup and I get caught up in the excitement of it all.

“For me it can go one or two ways.

“I would either like a team that you are capable of beating so you progress to the next round of the cup.

“Failing that, I would love to get a big side down at Keanie that will bring along a good crowd and get the punters excited.

“You want that bit of excitement and cup magic and we will wait eagerly to see who we get.”