Published: Wednesday, 27th January, 2010 4:52pm

Cup dream still alive for Burgh

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By Kristian Truelsen - Vale of Clyde 1 - Johnstone Burgh 2

GEORGE Walker praised his Johnstone Burgh battlers after their heroic performance knocked Super Premier League side Vale of Clyde out of the Emirates Junior Cup.

The Burgh players had to endure a 13-week long spell out of action because of the winter weather and were also forced to play the second round tie on astroturf at New Petershill Park.

But they overcame those obstacles and deservedly booked their place in the Junior Cup third round thanks to Martin McIntyre and Colin Smith.

They now face another tricky tie away to Rutherglen Glencairn this Saturday.

Walker was delighted with his players' commitment but admitted there is much more to come from his squad as they get back to full fitness.

The Burgh boss was also relieved the long-awaited game was out of the way.

He said: "It was a great result and the boys played well on Saturday.

"We were a bit sluggish at the start which was understandable as they haven't been playing for so long.

"Having said that though all the players worked their socks off and everyone was fighting for each other.

"They were sharper than us because they have been playing matches recently but we got going when Martin McIntyre put us in front.

"I felt our possession play was poor at times and we could have kept the ball a bit better especially after it was 2-1.

"Vale of Clyde were putting us under a lot of pressure in the later stages and I changed our tactics and played four a the back.

"The most important thing was they never got behind our defence.

"I am delighted the game is over and done with and we can move onto the next round."

The sluggish start from Johnstone Burgh was understandable though after being out of action for more than three months.

They finally got into their stride and took a deserved lead when McIntyre headed home from a corner.

Burgh were clearly boosted from that goal and doubled their advantage when front-man Smith fired them 2-0 up in the second half.

Walker's side looked comfortable but the game was set up for a frantic finish when Vale pulled a goal back.

A long-range effort took a wicked deflection off John Sherry and flew into the net to give Vale a glimmer of hope.

The Glasgow outfit pushed forward and piled pressure on the Burgh, but the Central District Second Division team held on to claim a heroic cup win.

Walker hopes his troops can produce a similar performance against the Glens at New Southcroft Park.

However, he knows it will be their biggest challenge this season with Rutherglen sitting top of Super League Division One.

He added: "It will be another tough game and I know they are a very difficult team. I'm hopeful our players can go their and come away with their heads held high.

"They are a good bunch of guys and it will be another learning curve for them."

Johnstone Burgh's third round Emirates Scottish Junior Cup tie against Rutherglen Cairn is at New Southcroft Park (kick-off at 1.45pm).