BURGH SECURE PROMOTION
Published 13 May 2010 09:50
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Forth Wanderers 1 Johnstone Burgh 3
JOHNSTONE Burgh clinched promotion to the Central First Division after a convincing win over Forth Wanderers at Kingshill Park on Saturday.
Delighted Burgh boss George Walker was full of praise for everyone attached to the club and knows a win tonight (Wednesday) against Wishaw will see his team crowned champions in what has been a wonderful season for the club.
He told Gazette Sport: "I am over the moon for the team, the committee, the supporters and the club.
"We have always had a brilliant support with us and the boys have been great. The players deserve everything they have got.
"There has not been one bad player this season, they have all played well, and the whole squad deserve this.
"They worked their socks off from day one and it shows as we have played 19 games and we have only lost two which is brilliant.
"I must thank Billy, Eddie and Raymond, they have all been great, they have always been there for me and for the team."
It was a poor start by the visitors who found themselves 1-0 down after five minutes when a corner from John Currie was headed in by Gordon Murphy.
But the goal acted as a wake-up call for Burgh who started to tear their opposition apart and were unfortunate not to be level when a great run by Steven Fitzpatrick ended with a great shot which was kept out by Ross Hendrie in the Forth goal.
However, it didn't take long for the visitors to find the back of the net when a throw-in by Martin McIntyre was knocked on by Gordon Chalmers and Chris Flannery headed the ball into the goal as Burgh drew level.
Burgh continued to pressure the home team and almost scored again when John Sherry's corner was met by McIntyre but his header was saved and David Brolly sent the rebound off the post as the Wanderers held on until half-time. After the interval Burgh started well, but they failed to create any chances which prompted changes as Chalmers and Flannery were replaced by Craig Marr and Ross Hamilton.
And the changes paid off instantly as a great run by substitute Marr was unfairly ended by Brian McCloy inside the box and Burgh were awarded a penalty.
With so much at stake and regular kick takers Sherry and Fitzpatrick not stepping forward after recent penalty misses, substitute Hamilton took on the resposnibility and expertly placed the ball past Hendrie to put his side ahead with just 25 minutes remaining.
The substitutes again combined with Hamilton releasing Marr down the wing who cut inside and crossed for Dinnen and the midfielder made no mistake this time, smashing the ball home from three yards, sending the team into jubilation. Referee Carr blew the final whistle, signalling Burgh's promotion as the management and fans flooded onto the pitch to celebrate the result.
Johnstone Burgh: Wilson, McIntyre, Donaghy, Brolly, McGarrigle, Perrie, Chalmers (Marr 59), Flannery (Hamilton 59), Fitzpatrick, Sherry (Lennon 80), Dinnen. Unused subs: Ross, Cuddihy, Craig.
For more reaction to Burgh's promotion turn to page 38.
This article appeared in The Gazette 12 May 10
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