BY MICK HYDES
A well-won three points for Johnstone Burgh at Keanie Park on Saturday keeps them in West of Scotland League Premier Division title contention after climbing up to fourth spot.
Injury-hit Cumnock created early opportunities that they were unable to take whilst Burgh displayed more composure in front of goal that made the difference between the sides and, ultimately secured the points.
Cumnock’s Joshua Jack was denied a clear route on goal by a last-ditch Cammy Eadie tackle and Dylan Dykes’ shot was parried away by Luke Scullion before the home side took command with a 17th-minute strike.
Neat interplay between former Rangers midfielder Graham Dorrans and Danny O’Neill was finished off by Aaron Mason with a curling shot that found the far corner of the net.
The lead was doubled when Fraser Mullen found Darren Christie down the right flank and he drew keeper Blair Currie out of his goal before firing home low at the near post.
Stefan McCluskey came closest to finding a way back into the game for ‘Nock, however, Scullion beat away his drive from outside the area to keep him at bay.
Scullion then turned creator when his long punt was not dealt with by the defence with Stuart McCann heading over Currie for the third killer goal.
Speaking after the game, Burgh gaffer Murdo McKinnon said: “It was a tough game and I thought we were excellent today and although Cumnock made it difficult at times for us, we remained in control.
“Cumnock came back out after the break and had a go at us but we got the third goal through Stuart McCann who was magnificent for us today and we look forward to the next game looking to maintaining our standards and consistency.”
He added: “It’s a cup game next week and we have a good squad of players with everyone pushing for a place in the team.
“We are lucky at the moment as we are not carrying too many injuries with only Blair Rossiter out but we know that with a tough schedule coming up that we need a good squad to cope with knocks and suspensions and I know we have that and you need that in this league.
This Saturday, Burgh host Irvine Meadow at 2pm in the second round of the West of Scotland Cup before travelling to Hurlford United a week later in a return to league action.
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