Burgh soldier on with unlucky 13

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A MOUNTING injury crisis has left Johnstone Burgh with just 13 fit players for the side"s must-win clash tomorrow night.

And the Keanie Park outfit will now be forced to draft in a couple of trialists when they travel to Cumbernauld United in a match which will go a long way in deciding the fate of the current basement boys.

But gaffer Geroge Walker is confident his young and inexperienced side will still hit top form in the club"s final five league matches to ensure avoiding the drop.

He said: 'Unfortunately we have got quite a lot of injuries at the moment, but that is just something you have to try to deal with.

'For the Cambuslang game on Monday we had nine first team players out and that will be the same when we take on Cumbernauld tomorrow. All the guys that are out of the squad are absolutely key and what we have been left with is young lads who are inexperienced at this level.'

Key players John Sherry, Ross Perry and Alan Donohoe have all been confirmed as long-term casualties and their calming influence has been lacking in the side"s last two outings.

Burgh were 'pathetic' on Saturday according to Walker when they were trounced 6-2 at home by Thorniewood, but the boss was delighted that his charges picked themselves up to come away with a battling point after a 2-2 draw against Cambuslang Rangers on Monday.

'It was a good performance the other night,' said Walker, 'but the problem is that we never know what we are going to get from these guys because one week they are amazing and the next absolutely pathetic.

'We were very unfortunate against Cambuslang and were a bit unlucky not to take all three points because we were the better side by far.

'But it was a good point to get considering the performance on Saturday.

'Although we conceded six goals in that match, I felt the scoreline flattered them a bit and we missed plenty of chances too.

'If we could get a point tomorrow night I would be happy and then it will be vital that we win our remaining three home games.

'Nine points might be enough to keep us in the division, you never know.

'All that I can ask is that the young boys keep battling away and we will see what happens.'

Cumbernauld United v Johnstone Burgh, Guys Meadow Park, Tonight (Thursday) kick-off 7.15pm. On Saturday, the Burgh host Ashfield, kick-off 2pm.

This article appeared in The Gazette 06 May 09

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