Published: Wednesday, 26th August, 2009 2:22pm

Burgh tickled pink after win

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Johnstone Burgh 1 Newmains United 0

A MAKESHIFT Burgh side helped themselves to all three points on Saturday after a scrappy showdown with pretty -in-pink Newmains at Keanie Park.

Injuries, illness and suspension forced the Burgh coaching staff to think on their toes as nine first-team players were ruled out before kick-off.

John Sherry, Ross Perrie and Willie Devlin joined the suspended David Brolly on the sidelines, with Chris Fitzpatrick dropping to the bench with illness.

Despite a weakened side, George Walker's side

battled their way to victory with an improved second half performance.

Burgh were the more comfortable on the ball in the first half but were short on creating any real chances.

Long-range efforts from Gordon Chalmers came close and the energetic Aiden Lennon threatened the Newmains defenders time and again.

Colin Smith was a constant goal threat for the Burgh, he had a few half chances before coming close in the 60th minute.

The former Wishaw forward won a header 25 yards from goal before racing on to his own knockdown and firing inches over the bar.

Smith was then almost presented with a goal when substitute Steven Fitzpatrick battled his way to the by-line but his cut-back rolled just behind the oncoming Smith, who had looked poised to score.

The forward finally opened the scoring with just five minutes to go after Adam Taylor whipped in a vicious corner for Smith to power home a header from 12 yards out.

Newmains claimed for a penalty late on as the ball seemed to strike the shoulder of defender Stephen McGarrigle before Thomas Devine steered his effort past the post while clear through on Burgh keeper Fraser Wilson.

George Walker's side survived that late scare to hold on to the win and the Burgh gaffer was pleased with his makeshift side's battling performance.

He said: "It was a good result although I felt we could have won by a lot more.

"We went back to a 4-4-2, which we haven't played all year and considering we were missing a lot of

personnel, I thought the lads done really well.

"We didn't practice playing in this system in training because we didn't know who was going to be available. I think we had about nine players out.

"The park was very heavy and the players tired towards the end but I thought we were miles ahead of them, even though we had a weakened side. I don't think they had a shot at goal until right at the end there.

"Overall, we were quite happy with the result. We can play a lot better, but the boys battled, and that's what it's going to be every week in this league, a battle.

"There is room for improvement but as I say we got what we wanted today and that was the three points.

"We have a lot of pluses to take from the game, especially for some of the young guys. And the confidence will now be up for next week."

The Burgh travel to Gasworks Park this Saturday to face Royal Albert. Kick off is 2pm.

JB: Wilson, McGarrigle, Donaghy, Cuddihy, Ross, Lennon, Hamilton, Chalmers, Smith, Patison. Subs: Docherty, Taylor, Fitzpatrick.