Johnstone Burgh manager Jamie McKim has said he is ready to give youth a chance before the season comes to an end.

The Keanie Park team played its final home game of the campaign on Saturday but failed to go out with a bang as Gartcairn bagged all three points to secure promotion to the Premier Division.

Burgh had five members of their under-20 squad involved in the 2-0 defeat, with Frazer McFadzean, James McLaughlin, Noah Young, Callum Bonnar and Lee Kilbride all given the nod.

Earlier this month, the club's development side won their league and, with Burgh not affected by promotion or relegation in their remaining two games, McKim will give his young guns an opportunity to impress.

He told Gazette Sport: “With what we have left this season, I’m not going to be scared to give the under-20s a chance.

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“You can look at it short-term and be disappointed that we aren’t winning games but we need to start preparing for next season and be giving under-20 players a chance and squad players a chance.

“Everyone deserves a fair opportunity to win a deal.

“I’m still desperate to win the last two games and get six points out of six but I need to balance that with giving these boys a fair opportunity.”

McKim admits having to face Gartcairn with a depleted squad meant it was always going to be tough to achieve a positive result on Saturday.

He added: “Gartcairn are a good side and well organised and you can see why they are at the top.

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"Everything was in front of them and their defensive organisation was very good."

Burgh travel to Dam Park this Saturday to play Whitletts Victoria, with the Ayrshire side fighting to avoid relegation.

McKim said: “They still have a lot to play for. I’m looking forward to the game and it’s a different challenge.

“After a few defeats, we’re looking to have a positive end to the season.”

Kick-off on Saturday is at 3pm.