Johnstone Burgh are through to the fifth round of the Scottish Communities Cup after a 2–0 win over Renfrew in tough conditions at Keanie Park.
Played in cold, wet and windy weather, the match followed a familiar cup-tie pattern, with both sides finding it difficult early on. Renfrew had a decent headed chance in the first half, but Burgh gradually took control and spent long spells in the opposition half.
The opening goal arrived just before the break when Kyle Lafferty was fouled inside the box by Renfrew goalkeeper Danny McLeay. Blair Rossiter stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty to give the home side a half-time lead.
Renfrew threatened briefly after the restart, but Burgh soon reasserted themselves and doubled their advantage just after the hour mark. Lafferty showed good composure inside the area before finishing low into the corner.
Renfrew pushed for a way back into the game in the closing stages, but Burgh stayed organised and comfortable. Rossiter and Ian McShane both went close to adding a third as the home side saw out the win and booked their place in the next round.
Johnstone Burgh manager Murdo Munro admitted the conditions made it a demanding afternoon but was pleased with how his side handled the occasion.
“It was proper cup football,” he said. “The conditions were terrible again, that’s two games in a row we’ve played in weather like that. The rain was coming down, but I thought we handled it really well.”
Munro felt Burgh had enough chances to put the tie beyond doubt earlier.
“I thought we controlled the game and had good opportunities. We get the breakthrough with the penalty, and I think we probably had another couple of chances we should score. Going in at half-time 1–0 in a cup tie, it’s still anyone’s game, so it was important for us to start the second half well and get that second goal.”
He was pleased to come through with a clean sheet.
“Bottom line, I’m delighted. We’re into the next round, we’ve got a clean sheet, and that’s what matters in cup football.”
Burgh have been drawn away to Vale of Leven in the next round, and Munro knows the challenge that lies ahead.
“It’ll be a tough game. They’ve earned the right to get to the fifth round and they’ll be tough opposition. We’ll do our homework, make sure we’re prepared, and be ready to go when the tie comes around, probably early in the new year.”
Rossiter’s contribution again caught the manager’s eye.
“He’s been excellent at the start of the season. He’s a very creative and important player for us. Goals and assists are a big part of his game, and his goal tally so far has been exceptional. He turns up in big moments, and there’s no bigger moment than sticking the penalty away today.”
Munro also praised the overall squad performance.
“We’ve got a lot of good players this season, the team are playing well, and we’ve got good momentum. I’m really happy with where we’re at.”
Attention now turns back to league action, with Burgh facing a tough test against top-of-the-table Troon FC before Christmas.
“They’re top of the league for a reason,” Munro said. “They play good football, create chances and score goals. It’s a tough place to go, but we’ve been to a lot of difficult venues this season and managed to get results. We’ll prepare well and go there trying to win the game.”
Munro added that a positive result would set Burgh up well heading into the new year.
“If we can get three points on the board, it puts us in a good place. But we know it’ll be tough.”