Hollow victory shows progress
Published 26 Apr 2012 12:30
COLIN Smith believes Saturday's victory over Carluke Rovers proved how far Johnstone Burgh have progressed this season.
That's despite having nothing to show for their efforts after the games was abandoned with 18 minutes left.
The Burgh were cruising to the three points against championship-chasing Rovers until heavy rain and hail showers battered the Keanie Park pitch.
Smith, who netted Burgh's second, insists Saturday's performance was the highlight of their campaign even though the result won't stand in the records at the end of the season.
He said: "The park has been a problem all season and that's why we have so many games left.
"But in the last couple of weeks we have been going from strength to strength. You can see it in our performances and that probably was our best performance of the season so far.
"It's always good to get on the score sheet but it's a team performance." The home side flew out the traps and broke the deadlock in the third minute.
Chris Loughlin floated in a corner, Carluke keeper Gavin McLachlan's clearance only reached Stephen McGarrigle and he slammed the ball home from six yards. At the other end Stewart Arrnot had the ball in the net five minutes later but his strike was chalked off for off side.
Smith doubled Burgh's lead on 15 minutes when he latched onto Martin McIntyre's flick-on before slotting the ball home with a low drive.
Three minutes later Johnstone Burgh were on easy street after scoring a stunning third.
Grant Kelly launched a long-range pass for Loughlin to flash the ball across the face of goal before Ross Perrie finished off the slick move at the back post. Carluke surged forward after the interval but failed to test Burgh keeper Fraser Wilson.
Heavy hail showers and pouring rain made it difficult for both sides and referee David Ingram had no choice but to scrap the game in the 72nd minute. The decision denied Burgh the points but George Walker's side will be confident of securing a repeat result against Rovers in the rescheduled game.
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