Johnstone Burgh cruised into the 4th Round of The West of Scotland League Cup, with a fine victory against Greenock Juniors at The Ravenscraig Stadium, Greenock, in a match played in horrendous weather conditions.
The Burgh made a fast start and came close to scoring within two minutes, with an Aidan Gilmartin header that went just wide of the left hand post from eight yards. Aaron Mason had a half chance just over a minute later, but his effort from eight yards was well blocked by the Greenock defender.
The Johnstone side's early pressure paid off. They would open the scoring in the fifth minute as Lewis King fired home from four yards, after his initial header was saved following a fine Kian Gilday cross from the left hand side.
Blair Rossiter would add the Burgh's second goal of the night after 12 minutes, as his powerful left foot shot from 18 yards found the top left hand corner of the net, leaving the Greenock goalkeeper with no chance.
The Burgh were in cruise control for the next 20 minutes or so and came close to adding a third goal, but Aaron Mason's well struck shot hit the inside of the left hand post from eight yards following some good play by Aidan Gilmartin.
The Burgh would add a third goal through the in form Blair Rossiter, as he fired home from 8 yards just inside the left hand post following a fine pass from Aaron Mason to all but confirm the Johnstone side's place in the draw in the next round.
The Burgh would go into the break three goals up in a first half that was one way traffic, with the Greenock side failing to create a single chance of note.
Half Time: 0-3
The Burgh started the second half aiming for a quick fourth goal, and came close to doing just that as Blair Rossiter fired just wide of the right hand post from 20 yards in the 52nd minute. A minute later Rossiter again had a half chance, but his tame effort from just inside the box was easily saved by the Greenock goalkeeper.
The Johnstone side were cruising in the second half and added their fourth goal of the evening in the 73rd minute, as "The Johnstone Pirlo", Blair Rossiter, tapped in from close range to secure his hat trick from an Allan MacKenzie pass. Though he could have scored himself, he opted for the unselfish option to secure the matchball for teammate Rossiter.
Greenock Juniors would score a consolation goal in the 83rd minute, as Darroch diverted the ball past Burgh keeper Luke Scullion following a shot across goal to give "The Nock" supporters some festive cheer.
The Burgh would see out the remainder of the match to secure a 4-1 victory and their place in the 4th round draw of The West of Scotland League Cup.
Full Time: 1-4
Goals: King (5), Rossiter (12, 37, 73)
Starting XI: Scullion, King (Menzies 79), Gilday, Eadie, O'Neill (C), Faulds, Christie (Esplin 72), McShane (McDonald 67), Gilmartin (MacKenzie 67), Rossiter, Mason (Murphy 67)
Man Of The Match: Blair Rossiter
Once again, a big thank you to the fantastic travelling Burgh support, who made the journey to the Greenock Riviera on a cold, wet and windy Friday night.
© Match report - John Armour
© Photos - Mitch, Iain & Graham
