Rossiter penalty earns Burgh a point against Beith

Johnstone Burgh and Beith Juniors shared the points as they played out a 1–1 draw in warm and sunny conditions at Keanie Park, Johnstone.

Burgh interim manager Graeme Ramage made three changes from the side that lost 2–0 to Troon on Wednesday night. Craig Menzies, Ben Mullen and Kyle Lafferty dropped out, with Matty Grant, Aiden Gilmartin and Sam McGarva coming in, the latter making his first start for the senior team.

Beith made a dream start, taking the lead in the third minute. Scott Forrester played the ball back to Luke Scullion, who completely miskicked it, allowing Liam McGonigle a simple finish from eight yards.

The visitors almost doubled their advantage in the eighth minute. McGonigle ran through on goal, but his left-footed effort from around 10 yards was well saved by Scullion.

It had been a slow start for the Burgh, but they came close to levelling on the half-hour mark. Aaron Mason did well down the left before delivering a cross to Gilmartin, whose powerful header from eight yards crashed off the crossbar.

Beith continued to threaten and had another big chance in the 33rd minute. McGonigle’s cross found Thomas Collins, but his downward header from six yards went over the bar.

The visitors went in at the break with a 1–0 lead.

Beith started the second half strongly and had a chance in the 48th minute, but Tommy Sharp was denied by a good save from Scullion.

Burgh were awarded a penalty in the 56th minute when Kian Gilday was fouled by goalkeeper Charlie Cowie after chasing a long ball. Blair Rossiter stepped up and calmly slotted home into the left corner a minute later to make it 1–1 and bring up his 20th goal of the season.

Beith had an opportunity to retake the lead in the 68th minute, but former Burgh player Ross Smith dragged his shot wide from 12 yards.

The home side pushed for a winner and went close in the 78th minute when Kyle Lafferty’s first-time effort from 20 yards was tipped round the post by Cowie. A minute later, Lafferty threatened again, but his volley from close range was once more kept out.

Burgh continued to press and nearly took the lead in the 84th minute. Darren Christie’s powerful strike looked destined for the top corner but flew just wide following a slight deflection.

Jude Cummins then had a chance in the 87th minute, but his effort from the edge of the box was saved by Cowie.

The best opportunity of the match came in the 90th minute. Lafferty produced a clever piece of play before crossing for Cummins, but with the goal at his mercy, he headed wide from six yards.

There were no further chances in four minutes of added time as the sides settled for a point each.

Following the result, Johnstone Burgh remain fourth in the table on 44 points from 26 matches.

Next up for Johnstone Burgh is a trip to face Shotts Bon Accord at Hannah Park in the WoSFL Premier Division on Saturday, 2 May. Kick-off is at 2pm.