JOHNSTONE Burgh boss Jamie McKim is calling on his players to put together a run of victories after racking up their third 2-2 draw of the season on Saturday.

Burgh hit back twice through Ryan Officer and Sam Esplin against table-toppers Ashfield at Keanie Park, but failed to find that winning edge amid chances for both teams in the latter stages.

McKim’s squad, who sit in sixth place with a game in hand, remain unbeaten in the SJFA League One, but identical results against Lesmahagow last week and Thorniewood in August also cost them vital points.

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McKim said: “We have had a lot of tough games recently, which we obviously expect in that league, but its time for us to start putting a couple of wins together now and start doing a bit better point wise.

“Us and Ashfield are the only teams that have not been beaten yet. We had chances to win the game and Ashfield had chances. 

“We hit the bar twice and the boy Keigan Parker for them was through one on one, but when we get our full squad back in, I reckon we have got a better side than they have got.

“We want to win all our home games, so we want to be beating everybody, but sometimes you’ve must accept that the draw. In the end up was a fair result and they probably edged it possession wise.”

Burgh had looked to take an early lead with just four minutes on the clock against as Kieran Magennis ran through and slid the ball under the goalkeeper.

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Jamie McKim is hoping his side can turn their good performances into wins 

But, the ref ruled Ashfield’s defender cleared the ball in the nick of time, much to the consternation of McKim who remains adamant the ball crossed the line. 

The visitors then put themselves in front just six minutes later before Ryan Officer found the net for the second week running as he coolly took a touch and slotted into the bottom corner to register his fourth league goal of the season. 

But ten minutes after the restart, the Possilpark side took the lead again, only for great link-up play between Magennis, Officer and Paul McCallum to put Esplin through to restore parity 15 minutes from time.

Burgh were missing seven regulars due to injuries and holidays, prompting McKim to give Mitchell MacDonald his first start just a day after signing for the club on loan from Stirling Albion until January 14.

He added: “I didn’t have much choice but to put him in from the start as we were missing Scott Robson, Chris Burns, Kerr Christie and I had to move Gary Downie to right back. They have made up my centre midfield and none were available.

“He did well, I expect to see more from him as he settles in though. You can see he is quite a big boy physically very good and decent on the ball.

"The more he plays with us the better he’ll get. It’s a positive start from him.

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“We should have everybody back and fit within the next week or two. Billy Davis is nearing full fitness, he’ll probably be ready in two weeks then he’ll be back in. Chris Burns is still struggling with a shoulder injury. He should be back, probably, next Saturday.”

Next up for McKim’s men is Saltcoats Victory away at Campbell Park this Saturday, kick-off 2pm.