JOHNSTONE Burgh boss Jamie McKim admits he was relieved to bring a run of four games without a win to an end on Saturday as his troops continued their bid for Scottish Junior Cup glory.

The Keanie Park outfit had dropped points in the league in recent weeks but were back on song as they recorded a 4-1 victory over Dundee St James to progress to round three of the cup competition.

New signing Callum Findlay, brother of fellow defender Nathan, got the opener on his debut after 41 minutes but their East Region Midlands League opponents hit back before the break through an acrobatic volley.

Jojo Gillespie restored Burgh’s lead from the penalty spot less than 10 minutes into the second half but they had to wait until the closing stages of the tie to seal victory.

Development squad striker Jay Keenan netted his first senior goal with a cool finish before Sam Esplin completed the scoring with the pick of the strikes as he rifled the ball home from 20 yards.

McKim said his team, who will face another Tayside opponent in the third round after being drawn against Dundee East Craigie, were worthy winners.

He told Gazette Sport: “We were glad to get back to winning ways on Saturday – and we deserved it.

“It was four games that we didn’t win and that was unusual for us in terms of how things have gone in the last few years.

“We knew the win was coming and that run wouldn’t last long. We’re still a good team and we just needed a wee rub of the green and a few bodies back.

“When you’re not winning, you do feel it, especially when you’re not used to it. I think everybody associated with Johnstone Burgh is used to winning because that’s the mentality that we’ve brought.”

Burgh return to league duty this Saturday, when bottom-of-the-league Saltcoats Victoria are the visitors to Keanie Park.

Earlier this month, McKim’s men were beaten by Irvine Victoria, who were also at the wrong end of the table, and he believes that goes to show there are no easy games in the division.

“The one thing you can absolutely guarantee is teams will fight you to the death to get anything they can,” he said. “Saltcoats will be very hard to beat on Saturday but it’s all about three points for us.”

Kick-off at Keanie Park is at 2pm.