JAMIE McKim reckons 2019 got off to a perfect start as Johnstone Burgh secured an impressive 6-0 win against Ardeer Thistle.

The Burgh boss was looking for a reaction from his players after suffering a disappointing result against Annbank United at Keanie Park the previous week, with the away side claiming a 4-3 victory on that occasion.

And he has praised them for bouncing back in real style on Saturday.

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McKim said: “We had a meeting with the boys on Friday night and let them know what we expected of them on the Saturday.

“For the talent we’ve got in the squad, we’ve not picked up enough points and we’ve not been playing well enough and to the style I want.

“There were clear instructions of what we wanted and I was delighted with the performance.

“The football was good on Saturday. That was important for us as well as the result. To play like we did on that park is a difficult thing to do.”

McKim is now looking up the table at some of Burgh’s rivals as he aims to make sure 2019 is a year to remember.

He said: “Considering the form we’ve had, to be seven points off a play-off spot isn’t bad.

“It disappoints me we’re not there at the moment and I’ve got aspirations to be there, it’s just taking a bit longer than we’d like.”

McKim’s men got off to a flyer against Ardeer as Billy Davies fired in a free-kick in the early stages.

There was another boost for Burgh shortly afterwards as the visitors were reduced to 10 men after a challenge on Mitchell MacDonald in the penalty area led to a second yellow card.

The Gazette: Jamie McKim

Jamie McKim was delighted with the result

Davies duly dispatched the spot-kick before his younger brother Mark made it 3-0 before the break as his low finish travelled through a sea of bodies and nestled into the net.

In the second half, Lee Salisbury had enough space and time to pick his spot and make it four to the ruthless Keanie Park side.

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The goal of the game came from Paul McCallum, who looped an effort into the top corner from 20 yards, before the scoring was rounded off by substitute Ross Gemmell as he rifled the ball into the far corner.

Saturday’s impressive result leaves Burgh just seven points off a play-off place as they head into this weekend’s showdown with fellow promotion candidates Vale of Clyde.

Kick-off at  at Fullarton Park is at 1.45pm.