JOHNSTONE Burgh manager Jamie McKim hopes that Sam Esplin’s goal on Saturday against Forth Wanderers can kick-start the winger’s season.

Goals either side of half-time from Jason Hardie and Esplin secured all three points for Burgh at the John Cumming Stadium and keeps up their undefeated start in Conference B of the West of Scotland Football League.

McKim couldn’t be happier with his side’s showing and he believes it’s the best they have been since returning to the
pitch.

He told Gazette Sport: “The performance was brilliant on Saturday, for me that’s the best we’ve been this season.

“Defensively we were excellent and we created a load of chances.

“If I was going to be critical, we could have scored more goals but all round it was a brilliant display against a really good side.

“Sam has been really good for us over the last few years and I think that over the lockdown period he has worked on himself in terms of his physicality and making himself better.

“It’s good to see him back being creative and playing well and getting on the scoresheet.

“Like all attacking players and wingers, he’s a confidence player.

“I think he’s created four goals this season but there’s nothing like a goal for your confidence.

“I hope he can kick on now and have as good of a season as he has the past two.”

Burgh took the lead midway through the first half when Hardie latched onto Stuart Fyfe’s angled pass and fired in a clinical first-time left-footed
finish across the goalkeeper.

In the first couple of minutes of the second half, Esplin picked up on a loose ball in the penalty area and rifled a shot home from eight yards.

Keen to build on his first goal of the season, Esplin was unfortunate to have a curling shot from the edge of the box hit off the inside of the post as Burgh looked to put the game out of sight.

McKim’s side couldn’t find a third but two goals turned out to be enough as they made it five wins on the bounce and moved to fourth place in the table.

Next up is the visit of third-placed Port Glasgow and, with top of the league Neilston also taking on second-placed Greenock this weekend, it means the top four are all facing each other.