A half-time dressing down from gaffer Jamie McKim saw a much-improved Johnstone Burgh hit Newmains for three in a dominant second-half display as they secured their sixth successive league win.

Looking to make it six league wins on the bounce and maintain their perfect start to the season, Burgh welcomed Newmains to Keanie Park on Saturday in a reverse fixture with work being carried out at Victoria Park.

McKim told Gazette Sport last week that he was desperate for the game to get the go ahead to allow his side to build some momentum after their 6-2 win away to Annbank.

But with a cynical and tough Newmains side happy to sit in and break up any positive play from the hosts, free-scoring Burgh found the going tough in the first 45 as they went in level.

READ MORE: Johnstone Burgh continue sparkling start with Annbank win

The gaffer admitted that he had a go at his under-performing players at the break and his team talk did the trick with an inspired Burgh opening the scoring just one minute after the restart thanks to Paul McCallum who dinked it over the onrushing Newmains keeper.

Gordon Meredith’s well-taken half-volley from the edge of the area just three minutes later, his first goal for the club, ensured the three points were staying at Keanie before a composed finish from Ricky McArthur rounded it off.

“Overall I’m happy with the win and the fact that it’s now six wins from six to start the league, but I felt that it could and should have been better on Saturday,” McKim said.

The Gazette: Three second-half efforts ensured Burgh maintained their perfect start to the season (Photo: Kenneth McWilliam)Three second-half efforts ensured Burgh maintained their perfect start to the season (Photo: Kenneth McWilliam)

“I can’t have too many grumbles with the final result and points but we weren’t anywhere near our best.

“They booted lumps out of us off the ball. I’m not one for moaning about that kind of stuff but that was ridiculous.

“The first-half was just horrible. We let their tactics get to us and lowered ourselves to that but we were more ourselves in the second-half and ran out comfortable winners in the end.

“I had a bit of a go at the players at half-time and got a reaction within a minute of the restart.

“I told the boys they had three minutes after the break to show me they were going to be up for it and within a minute of the whistle we were 1-0 up. We went 2-0 up five minutes later and the game was done after that as they didn’t look threatening at all.”

It doesn’t get any easier for the Johnstone side this weekend as they look to make it seven wins from seven with a tough home fixture against freshly-relegated Maybole Juniors.

READ MORE: McKim insists Burgh will be ready when they return to action

McKim added: “Saturday will be tough. I genuinely think every game it tough. I know managers say that and don’t mean it but every game brings about a different challenge.

“There’s a few really good footballing sides, a few tough teams who want to battle and there’s lots of different pitches to contend with.

“I’m looking forward to Maybole on Saturday but we are under no illusions it will be difficult to make it seven in a row.

“There will be a few forced changes but we have a squad of 24 for a reason and I’m sure they will be able to cope.”

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