Johnstone Burgh boss Jamie McKim heaped praise on his makeshift side after they saw off Maybole 2-0 at the weekend to extend their winning start to the season to seven matches on the bounce.
With the likes of Jason Hardie, Ricky McArthur, Sam Esplin, Kieran Brady, David Orr and Robbie McCutcheon all missing due to suspension and holiday commitments, a depleted Burgh welcomed the Bole to Keanie Park on Saturday as they looked to continue their winning form.
On-form William Lennox opened the scoring for McKim’s side with just eight minutes on the clock for his fourth in as many games before doubling the advantage with his fifth of the season on the hour mark as Johnstone ran out comfortable winners.
And after being forced to ring the changes, McKim was delighted to see his threadbare team secure the three points with their seventh successive win.
READ MORE: Gaffer's half-time team talk does the trick as Burgh see off Newmains
“We were majorly under-strength on Saturday with nine boys missing out,” McKim told Gazette Sport. “We had regular starters Jason, Ricky, Sam, Kieran, David and Robbie all missing out with Craig McCreadie and Mitchell McDonald also not available.
“That obviously isn’t ideal but I think the boys who came in did excellent for us. I can’t give them enough credit.
“My defence really tightened up and their shape was perfect throughout while we got two goals from Lennox up the other end, so I’m delighted all round.
“That performance on Saturday now gives me a bit of a selection headache which is what you want from a competitive squad.
“I think most of the boys know that if you drop out of the team for whatever reason then it’ll be difficult to get back in. Every single player in our squad is capable of coming in and cementing a regular starting place. It’s just getting that rare opportunity and taking it.
“I genuinely believe that with my squad. Every single one of my squad is more than capable of coming in and making a place their own.”
After securing their seventh win, Burgh will take a break from the league action this weekend as they play host to SJFA East South Division outfit Armadale Thistle in the Scottish Junior Cup.
And McKim has revealed that he is looking forward to the cup clash for a couple of reasons.
READ MORE: Burgh continue sparkling start with comfortable Annbank win
He added: “I’m really looking forward to the Scottish Junior Cup on Saturday as it will be my first match as a manager in that competition.
“I’ve not experienced the cup yet so it will different with a team coming from a different part of the country. It should be a good one and we’re all looking forward to it.
“I’m also looking forward to having a wee break from the pressures of the league too. I’ve put such a priority on the league this season and we’ve started really well but it will be good to have a wee break from that to focus on the cup for a week.
“The league is our main aim but we want to do well in every competition so it should be a good one.”
Burgh v Armadale at Keanie Park kicks-off at 2.30pm.
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