Jamie McKim has challenged his side to channel the hurt and disappointment of Saturday’s 4-0 loss against Lanark United and turn it into winning performances. 

Lanark’s win at Keanie Park was Burgh’s fourth loss on the bounce and while McKim was bitterly disappointed with the scoreline, he liked what he saw in the dressing room after the match and is now more optimistic than ever that his side will bounce back.

He said: “You’re never going to be happy with a result like that but I’ve asked the boys for more heart and desire in the last few weeks and I believe we did show that on Saturday – regardless of the scoreline. 

READ MORE: Burgh not about to panic despite recording second straight defeat `

“I couldn’t have asked for more in terms of application, we just fell short in front of goal, with individual mistakes costing us at the back. You can’t make those mistakes against the league leaders. 

“It was one of those days where you come away from it knowing the boys gave everything they had. I really can’t fault our efforts.

“It might sound bad, as we conceded four, but apart from the mistakes with the goals, there wasn’t a lot wrong with how we played and there is plenty of positives there. 

“What I did like after the match was how much the boys were hurting. 

“No one likes being on a bad run and they’re trying everything to end it – but I like them being hurt because it shows how much they care and how much they’re wanting to turn it around. I have no doubts that we’ll do that.

“Saturday is done now so we’re just looking forward to the next match.

"We had a team meeting before training last night and it definitely wasn’t a negative meeting, there were a lot of positives, despite the recent results. 

“I just need to keep the boys working and fighting and they’ve shown me they’re willing to do that. If we continue that on Saturday we’ll be on the right path.” 

The Gazette:

Burgh failed to make their chances count against Lanark (photo: Karen Reid) 

While the majority of their League Two rivals are in Scottish Junior Cup action this weekend, Burgh will welcome Newmains to Keanie Park and

McKim is confident this will be the match that sees them turn it around.

He added: “The great thing about football is that when you have a disappointing result, you have the opportunity to bounce right back and we have that with Newmains. It’s a good chance to move in the right direction in the table too with them being a point above us right now.

“We’ve played Newmains three times since I’ve taken over and we’ve beaten them three times. Some people have asked if I’m happy to have them this weekend to help us kick-start our season, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. They are a team who are continuing to improve and have started to string a couple of results together. 

READ MORE: McKim admits side lacked desire as they fall to third successive loss

“As I always say though, we go into every game thinking we can win it. 

“In previous weeks we’ve had the quality and maybe lacked the desire.

"The Lanark match was the complete opposite. I could see in the dressing room before that match they were all well up for it and rearing to go but we lacked the quality all over the pitch.  

“It’s just a case of finding a balance now. Find that and we’ll start to pick up wins again.”