SLLW Round-up: Renfrew rescue first point to avoid third straight defeat as Burgh remain unbeaten

Renfrew fought back from two goals down to earn their first point of the Lowland League West season, while Johnstone Burgh maintained their unbeaten start with a hard-earned draw away to Celtic B.

Renfrew looked to be heading for a third straight defeat after Jamie Semple gave Cumbernauld Colts a first-half lead before Jude Freel doubled the home side’s advantage on 66 minutes with his first goal for the club.

The visitors responded quickly when Alan Cook converted a penalty in the 71st minute to reduce the deficit. Renfrew, who finished the match with 10 men following Gavin Wylie’s red card, continued to push forward and were rewarded five minutes from time when Sean Fyfe levelled after good work down the right.

The 2-2 draw gives Renfrew their first point of the new campaign after opening defeats to Kilwinning Rangers and Pollok.

Johnstone Burgh also picked up a valuable point after drawing 1-1 with Celtic B at the Albert Bartlett Stadium in Airdrie.

Burgh were behind after only two minutes when Francis Turley put the home side ahead, but Mark Kerr brought Stevie Farrell’s side level on 37 minutes. Aaron Mason was later sent off in the 79th minute, forcing Burgh to see out the closing stages with 10 men, but they held firm to leave Airdrie with a point.

The result means Burgh have taken four points from their opening two Lowland League West fixtures following Wednesday night’s victory over Troon.

Elsewhere, Pollok made it two wins from two with a 2-0 victory away to Dalbeattie Star. Liam Gallacher’s early penalty put the visitors in front before Liam McGonigle sealed the points late on after Dalbeattie had pushed for an equaliser.

Beith Juniors also maintained their perfect start with a 2-1 win at Kilwinning Rangers. Lewis Taylor broke the deadlock before Ciaran McPherson added a second, despite Beith later being reduced to 10 men. Murray MacKintosh scored a stoppage-time consolation for the hosts.

Largs Thistle continued their impressive defensive start with a 2-0 win at Albion Rovers. Jamie Martin opened the scoring before Travis Stracey headed home the second as Largs recorded a second consecutive clean sheet.

Caledonian Braves produced the day’s highest-scoring contest, beating Cumnock Juniors 6-3. Reece Mullen scored twice and was also credited with two assists as Braves made it six points from two games despite a spirited Cumnock fightback led by Jack Lavery’s double.

Auchinleck Talbot recorded the biggest win of the weekend with a 9-0 demolition of Newton Stewart. Euan Thomson scored twice, including a penalty, while Craig Boyd completed a hat-trick as Talbot raced into a 7-0 half-time lead before adding two more after the break.

Troon completed a remarkable turnaround to beat Gretna 2008 4-1. Iain Anderson had given Gretna a half-time lead against the run of play, but Dario Viviani equalised before Carter Frew fired Troon ahead. Calum Gow and Sam Jamieson added further goals to complete an impressive second-half comeback.