Johnstone Burgh overcame a first half red card to fire four past Irvine Vics and stay in a promotion spot.Jamie McKim’s side knew a win against struggling Irvine Vics was vital but were facing an uphill battle when Jojo Gillespie was sent for an early bath on the half hour mark.Despite their numerical disadvantage the home side still managed to recover and opened the scoring through Stuart Fyfe’s impressive header.Ruaridh Clark doubled the lead from the penalty spot, with Sam Esplin and Thomas Cruden completing the scoring to seal a crucial three points.McKim told Express Sport: “It was a really tough game having gone down to ten men so early.“I can see why the red card was given.“The boy steps across him and Jojo swings his arm to try and push him out the way.

It’s never a punch though which is what the referee told us was the reason.“That was at 0-0 and it was a brilliant response from the boys.

We missed some golden opportunities, including two one-on-one’s and an open goal.“Our two forwards Brian Connor and Sam Esplin put in a brilliant shift, as did all the boys.“It was impressive the way we dealt with being a man down, but we’ve done it a few times this season already.“We know the boys have that in their locker which is definitely a bonus.”The win kept Burgh in fourth spot in the Conference A table, three points ahead of Craigmark Burntonians and four behind Whitletts Victoria.Those two clubs meet each other this weekend, with the Keanie Park side taking on Craigmark a week later.McKim is delighted his club’s promotion fate is still very much in their own hands.McKim said: “It was a very important win against Irvine because it keeps us in control.“I don’t like looking at the table but now we can’t help it.

10-man Johnstone Burgh rally to thump Irvine Vics and keep promotion hopes afloat

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