Boss Jamie McKim insists he’s taking no notice of Johnstone Burgh’s lofty league position - despite the Keanie Park club firing themselves joint-top of the WoSFL First Division.
Having only just been promoted up to the second tier, McKim’s side have enjoyed a promising start to their campaign, picking up three wins in their opening five matches.
The latest was a one-sided victory in Johnstone, with Thomas Cruden, Jojo Gillespie and Robbie Stirling all netting in the second half to bag another three impressive points.
While admitting it’s been an excellent start to life in the First Division, McKim is adamant he won’t let his players lose focus as they continue to adapt to their new surroundings.
McKim told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “The first half I felt was one of the worst I’ve seen anywhere all season. The spectacle was awful.
“It was very flat and I had a bit of a go at the boys at half-time, which I probably went a bit over the top with to be honest having watched the game back.
“Rossvale were basically sitting in a 4-5-1, sitting in deep and trying to frustrate us. They were wasting time as well, even in the first half.
“There are no easy games at this level and I have to give the boys credit for turning it around in the second half.
“We fully deserved the win and we were delighted to get it, given the circumstances.
“We’ve won three out of five so far, one of the other five we were well beaten and the other game was a draw that I still don’t know how we didn’t win it.
“We’re not taking any notice of the league table whatsoever.
“We learned a lot last year that every goal and every point counts, we’re living proof of that with how we were promoted last season.
“We need to show we can compete at this level and so far I think we’ve managed that. The challenge now is to keep it going.”
Another positive from the eventually comprehensive Rossvale victory was the debut of 16-year-old full-back Tyler Lau.
McKim hopes to see plenty more from the right-back after impressing for the club’s under-20s side.
The Burgh gaffer added: “Tyler deserved his chance and I thought he did very well.
“It’s unusual for defenders to come in at such a young age, but he’s been very impressive for our under-20s.
“We need to stay competitive in the league and we’ll likely make some changes for the cup game against Campbeltown Pupils this weekend.
“We want to do well in the cups and give them the respect they deserve, but our priority remains the league.
“We need to ensure we stay competitive in that first and foremost.”
