Newburgh Juniors 2 vs 0 Craigroyston

A depleted Burgh welcomed Craigroyston for a quick return fixture at East Shore Park, still a little wary from the recent defeat.

But thanks to a gritty and dogged performance from the Black & Whites, three much-needed points were secured to end a losing run of games and breath a bit of life with two difficult-looking fixtures coming up against Whitburn and Syngenta.

Hamid Eddouss had the game’s first chance with a header in the 9th minute just past the post from a corner, whilst Michael Perrie warmed the hands of the ‘Craigie’ keeper a few moments later, whilst the visitors were denied by a block from skipper Andrew Cameron and returning keeper David Chalmers.

The opening goal came in the 19th minute after Perrie was fouled mid-way into the opposition’s half. Ryan Lawson floated a ball into the box which was met by the head of Eddouss who looped an inch-perfect header above the keeper’s hand and beneath the crossbar.

There was then a spell of Craigroyston pressure with Uwandu going closest when his header at the back post rattled the upright in the 25th minute and a lobbed effort beating the advancing Chalmers but was hacked off the line by Davie Byrne on the stroke of half-time.

Perrie went close again in the 68th minute with a deflected shot that landed on the roof of the net but a moment later Eddouss was sent tumbling in the box and Perrie made amends for last week rifling home from the penalty spot.

Sub Luis O’Rourke was unlucky with a flicked effort that went just over whilst Chalmers and the Burgh defence repelled anything that came their way.

A pleasing and gritty performance against the odds with many key players missing, but one that was deserved and will hopefully restore a bit of confidence to the squad going into a tough set of fixtures.