Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ben Ramage

Johnstone Burgh earn Benburb draw as boss Jamie McKim looks forward to Neilston derby

Jamie McKim believes being disappointed at only drawing with WoSFL First Division title hopefuls Benburb shows how high the bar has been raised at Johnstone Burgh.

The newly-promoted Renfrewshire club travelled to New Tinto Park to take on a side that was playing in the top flight last season.

And McKim’s men left feeling gutted they hadn’t brought all three points back to Keanie Park, with the visitors missing a host of chances to clinch a win with Robbie Stirling and Stuart Fyfe getting on the scoresheet to earn a draw.

McKim told Express Sport: “The performance overall was excellent. We dominated the opening 30 minutes and then dropped off a bit, understandably given the heat.

“We had large spells where we dominated and created plenty of chances.

“We need to be winning games when we create that many opportunities, but for me it shows how far we’ve come that we’re disappointed to leave New Tinto Park with just a draw.

“Our build-up play has been superb and we’ve got six goals in three games which is a solid return.

“My biggest concern was the goals we conceded against Benburb were very cheap. We didn’t put enough pressure on the ball for both goals which is something we won’t stand for here.

“For me now it’s all about consistency and making sure we’re at our best every single week.”

Up next for Burgh is a Renfrewshire derby clash against neighbours Neilston, who currently sit joint-top of the table after an excellent start to their campaign.

While McKim doesn’t feel there’s much needle between the two rivals, he believes striker Kieran Brophy - a former Farmer’s Boy - will be looking to make his mark against his old club.

McKim said: “We’re looking forward to every game at the moment. I’m really enjoying competing and operating at this level.

“Neilston will be another difficult test. They’re very solid, well-organised and have players with individual quality that can really hurt you.

“We’re not looking at it as a derby, it’s just another league game for us.

“My main hope is that our players show what they’ve got and don’t get caught up in any emotional stuff.

“Brophy missed out against Benburb through suspension, but he’ll be back in and I’m sure he’ll be keen to do well against his former club.

“He lives in Neilston and was very respectful of everyone there. He left on good terms and has a lot of friends still in that team.

“At all levels of football, players often seem to find that extra gear against their former club. We’re hoping he can do the same for us on Saturday at Keanie Park.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.