Johnstone Burgh manager Stevie Farrell believes his side let two points slip through their fingers on Saturday, after a comfortable 2-0 lead away to Gretna 2008 ended in a 2-2 draw.
Goals from Kris Kerr and Broque Watson looked to have put Burgh in full control, but the hosts struck twice in the last 20 minutes through Matt Hall and Iain Anderson to rescue a point. It is the second time this season Burgh have been pegged back from two goals up, after Albion Rovers did the same back in August.
Farrell admitted it was a quiet dressing room after the final whistle. He said: “We were so comfortable and in control, I was happy with us but then they get one back and that can be hard when it’s been 2-0 because the momentum is with them.
“No disrespect to Gretna but they were only up the park twice in the second half and managed to get their goals. We’ve had one cleared off the line and peppered their box so there are more positives than negatives and we’ll continue to develop.”
Burgh have drawn four games so far this term, and Farrell feels only the point against Celtic B was a fair result. “We’ve played 15 games this season and only lost two so it’s a decent start, but we do believe that we should have had more points,” he said. “I can’t ask for any more from the players. They were devastated after the game on Saturday, which is a good sign – it shows they want to learn and listen and grow.”
Attention now turns to the Scottish Cup, with Highland League side Formartine United visiting Keanie Park in the second round this Saturday, 24 October. The Aberdeenshire club can call on former SPFL striker Rory McAllister among an experienced squad.
“They’ve got plenty of experience and SPFL quality so we know what kind of challenge awaits us, but we’ve got good players as well,” Farrell said. “Our home record is fantastic this season so we want to continue with that this weekend.” Kick-off is at 3pm.
Burgh are also now the last Renfrewshire club standing in the Scottish Communities Cup, after Renfrew were beaten 6-1 away to Threave Rovers. Burgh still have their third-round tie against Tayport to play, but the winners of that match are in tonight’s fourth-round draw, which takes place at 7pm and will be shown live on the Scottish Community Football Association’s social media channels.
Renfrew, meanwhile, will be hoping for a better afternoon on Saturday when League Two side Stirling Albion visit New Western Park for their own Scottish Cup second-round tie, also kicking off at 3pm.