Published: Thursday, 22nd July, 2010 9:21am

Walker upbeat despite defeat

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By Sahil Jaidka - Johnstone Burgh 1 Benburb 3

JOHNSTONE Burgh kicked off their pre-season campaign with a defeat against Benburb at Harmony Row Park on Monday night.

Burgh manager George Walker fielded five trialists and also handed a debut to new signing Chris Loughlan.

Despite the result, Walker is positive his team will be ready for the new campaign and is looking to make further additions to his squad to ensure Burgh are prepared for the coming season.

He told Gazette Sport: "We didn't play particularly well, but we scored the best goal of the game.

"Considering it's the boys' first game back, it's not the end of the world but we weren't sharp enough, however after a few games it will come together.

"We have a few trialists on board, we will wait till after the game on Wednesday and make a decision on some of them."

Craig Marr had the first chance when he latched onto Aiden Lennon's flick-on, but fired wide.

Burgh were made to pay for the miss moments later when a corner swung in by Des Kelly was met at the front post by Stevie Wadder who headed Benburb into the lead.

But Burgh drew level on 18 minutes when a good interception by Neil Dinnen was followed up with a great through-ball to Marr. And the striker made no mistake this time, knocking the ball round defender Colin McInnes and coolly slotting the ball home.

Burgh didn't stay level for long when a mistake by the trialist keeper resulted in him losing the ball to striker Wadder seven yards out and he tapped the ball into the open goal giving Benburb the lead heading into the half-time interval.

Walker rung the changes at the break and they managed to work their way into the game but could not force their way past the Bens defence.

Sub Gordon Chalmers almost grabbed an equaliser for Burgh when Sherry delivered a fantastic ball into the box which the midfielder connected with but could only head over. Midway through the second-half a 30-yard free-kick was fired home by Benburb midfielder Andy Riley, putting the Glasgow side on easy street.

Johnstone Burgh: Trialist, Yulle (Brolly 45), Ross, Cuddihy, Wolencraft (Donnaghy 80), Lennon (MacIntyre 45), Loughlan, Burns (Chalmers 45), Kelly (McNab 45), Marr (Fitzpatrick 45), Dinnen (Sherry 45).