Johnstone Burgh relegated Benburb this afternoon with a 2-1 victory at New Tinto Park.

The teams met for the second time within a week and a half, and today's match started off as a carbon copy of the match on 30th April with Burgh taking the lead in the 4th minute, then being pegged back just minutes later.

After Burgh surged forward, Max Kerr poked the ball towards Aaron Mason just inside the box. The pass was intercepted by Ryan Kane, who attempted to clear the ball but the clearance was blocked by Mason, who then turned and sent a rocket into the top corner giving former Burgh keeper Glen Cameron no chance.

The lead lasted for only three minutes as Reece McGuire equalised for the hosts. A deep cross from Davie Winters eluded the Burgh back line, and McGuire nipped through to lift the ball over Luke Scullion from about 8 yards.

Both sides were dealt a blow early on with the home side losing Alan Lithgow to injury, before Burgh lost Cammy Eadie to injury a few minutes later.

After this, the first half didn't produce much of note until the 42nd minute. McGuire intercepted a pass inside the Burgh half, and found himself one on one with Scullion. However, McGuire's touch was heavy and the Burgh keeper got to the ball first to make the clearance.

Burgh started to up the tempo in the final half an hour, and on the hour mark Kerr had an opportunity from 18 yards, but his strike was saved by Cameron.

Burgh took the lead on 64 minutes, when Gary McCann put a cross into the box looking for Ciaran Diver. Jordan Bow won the header and attempted to head it out for a corner but, inadvertently, headed into his own net.

Burgh were looking to extend the lead and Ross Smith had a chance on 76 minutes but Cameron, again, made the save.

Three minutes later, Mason burst forward on the counter and faced Cameron one on one. Bow raced back and lunged in knowing if he mistimed his tackle, even slightly, he'd concede a penalty and receive a red card, having already been booked. Thankfully, for him, his challenge was timed to perfection and the Cameron gathered the ball.

With seven minutes remaining, Mason hit a swerving effort from distance, but Cameron made yet another save.

Mason, who was working his socks off, was involved in every Burgh attack and he was one on one again with Cameron, but Bow managed to track back and clear the ball.

Burgh came close to sealing the three points when Noah Young drilled a low corner into the box. Danny O'Neill backheeled it to Stuart McCann whose strike was blocked at point blank range by Robbie Halliday, and fell to Allan MacKenzie but he couldn't react in time to get a proper contact on the ball, which surely would have made it 3-1.

Burgh had one more chance with two minutes to play. Mason was tripped 30 yards from goal, resulting in a Burgh free kick. Mason took the free kick himself and he got it on target but Cameron made the save, parrying it away from danger and the advancing Young, who was looking to pounce on any rebound.

Half Time 1-1

Full Time 1-2

Goals: Mason (4), OG (64)

Starting XI (subs): Scullion, Menzies, Gilday (Young 68), Eadie (G McCann 17), O'Neill, Esplin (C) (S McCann 68), Kerr, Davidson, Diver (MacKenzie 62), Rossiter (Smith 62), Mason

Man Of The Match: TBC (cast your vote here)

Thank you to all who travelled to New Tinto Park to support The Burgh. Elsewhere, Auchinleck Talbot remain hot on our heels, as they beat St Cadocs 3-1, meaning they stay one point behind us with a game in hand. Troon were beaten 2-1 by Clydebank so they remain 4th but they now trail us by six points and, with only one game remaining, that guarantees us a top three finish.

Next up, we welcome you to Keanie Park one last time this season on Tuesday when we take on Drumchapel United. Kick off is at 19:30.

Then, on Sunday 18th May we travel to Largs for the second leg of the Scottish Junior Cup semi final, where we'll look to overturn a 1-0 deficit. We'd like to remind fans that this game is all-ticket, and tickets can be purchased from Keanie Park between 12-4pm on Monday-Friday, and also at the game on Tuesday night. £20 package (bus + ticket) for adults, £10 for accompanied children, ages 12 - 15. Under 12s free entry to the game, and must be accompanied by an adult. All under 16s on the bus must be accompanied by an adult. To book your seat, contact Vic on 07826850856. Match tickets alone, £10 and £5.