Burgh still unbeaten
Johnstone Burgh remain unbeaten following a well-earned victory away to Newmains United.
Jamie McKim’s side had to battle back from going a goal down but showed a new-found grit and desire that had been sorely lacking in seasons gone by.
Both sides came out the traps slowly as they tried to adapt to what was proving a slippery surface at Victoria Park.
It was the hosts who struck first on the counter attack, with Ross Geddes unable to catch his marker before he hit a deflected effort beyond the outstretched arm of Burgh keeper Gavin Wallace who stood no chance.
Burgh regrouped quickly and they were back on level terms inside five minutes as Geddes rose highest to thunder home a header at the near post for the second week running.
The two teams continued to plug away for the remainder of the half but were unable to make their chances count before the whistle.
The second period continued in the same manner, with both sides enjoying opportunities but failing to make them count.
However, it was McKim’s side that eventually put their opponents to the sword following a break down the left from skipper Scott Robson.
He played the ball through to Keiron Magennis, with the striker taking a touch before firing underneath the Newmains keeper and into the back of the net.
The Burgh management team then looked to the bench in a bid to inject some fresh legs into the tie. Steven Fitzpatrick and Paul McCallum were both introduced to replace Kerr Christie and Sam Esplin, while Scott McKinlay made his debut as he came on for Magennis.
The inevitable reaction from Newmains followed as they piled on the pressure in the closing stages.
However, the Johnstone defence held firm as Newmains blazed over right on the full-time whistle.
Johnstone Burgh: Wallace, Watson, Wilson, Geddes, Nugent, Herron, Christie (Fitzpatrick), Robson, Esplin (McCallum), Magennis (McKinlay), Officer.