Johnstone Burgh recorded a comfortable 4-0 win over Ardrossan Winton Rovers in their fourth pre-season friendly of the season at Winton Park, Ardrossan.
Burgh manager Stevie Farrell made five changes from the starting XI that beat Knightswood 2-0 at Keanie Park on Saturday. Out went Brett Long, Lewis King, Del Esplin, Broque Watson and Thomas Orr, while Luke Scullion, Scott Williamson, Calvin McGrory, Malky McDonald and Max Kerr came into the side.
The visitors made a bright start and had the first chance in the 4th minute when Ian McShane’s corner from the left-hand side found Mark Durnan, but the former Dumbarton defender volleyed over the bar from six yards.
Johnstone Burgh’s early pressure paid off in the 9th minute when a slack pass from Ardrossan Winton Rovers captain Craig Pettigrew was intercepted by Calvin McGrory. He drove into the box before firing a right-foot shot from 14 yards into the bottom-right corner for his first goal for the club.
The Burgh remained on top and doubled their lead in the 23rd minute. Max Kerr’s corner from the right-hand side found Mark Barrowman, whose powerful header from six yards flew high into the net, giving goalkeeper Jamie Barclay no chance.
The visitors continued to push forward and almost added a third in the 31st minute. Kristopher Kerr found space just inside the box, but his well-struck left-foot effort was well saved by Barclay.
Johnstone Burgh continued to dominate and threatened again in the 36th minute when Calvin McGrory had time and space outside the box, but his right-foot shot from around 22 yards cleared the crossbar. Three minutes later, Ian McShane created an opening for himself, but his right-foot effort from 22 yards was comfortably gathered by Barclay.
Ardrossan Winton Rovers had offered little in attack during the first half, but created their first opportunity in the 45th minute. George Sewell collected the ball on the right-hand side around 40 yards from goal before driving forward and firing a right-foot shot from 22 yards that rolled well wide of the left-hand post.
Johnstone Burgh went into the half-time break with a 2-0 lead.
The second half began quietly, but the Burgh created the next opening in the 60th minute. Ian McShane’s excellent through ball found Kristopher Kerr, whose left-foot shot from 12 yards was comfortably saved by Barclay.
Johnstone Burgh were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute when Lewis King’s long pass sent Broque Watson through on goal. As Watson lifted the ball over Barclay, he was brought down by the goalkeeper. Thomas Orr stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 71st minute.
The home side had a rare opportunity in the 78th minute from a direct free-kick 25 yards from goal. Ross McIver took the kick, but his left-foot effort was comfortably saved by Luke Scullion.
Johnstone Burgh wrapped up the scoring in the 86th minute. Thomas Orr took advantage of another misplaced pass from Craig Pettigrew before calmly stroking a left-foot shot into the net from 12 yards. It was his second goal of the match and his fifth in just three games for the club.
There were no further chances and Johnstone Burgh ran out comfortable 4-0 winners. Both sides made several changes during the second half, with the Burgh making eight substitutions in total.
Johnstone Burgh goals: McGrory 9, Barrowman 23, Orr (pen) 71, 86