Opening Day Defeat But Much To Be Positive About

Burgh got the new 2025/26 campaign underway with a long trek down to the Borders to face Hawick Royal Albert at Albert Park.

On paper it was always going to be a difficult game against a side that spent most of the season in and around the promotion places last year, before ultimately slipping out of the top 3 late on.

Burgh got off to a great start, however, when Cammy Newsome (sponsored by: Snipz Barbershop) netted his first goal for the club in his 21st appearance and what a goal it was. After Owen McCallion had picked up possession following a deep free kick by Scott Kyles, the ball fell nicely to Newsome who let fly from about 7 or 8 yards outside the area and the ball flew into the top corner of the net with the keeper rooted to the spot.

The home side were looking to get quickly back on level terms and in the 14th minute Harry Fowler’s cross-shot clipped the bar before Olusoji turned to shoot which Kyles pushed onto the bar before Kyle Tracey cleared from close range.

Moments later Hamilton broke the Burgh offside line and his shot was destined for the corner had it not been from an excellent diving save from Kyles.

Ronnie Martin had a chance for Burgh after a cross from the right by Andy McCallion was headed back into Martin’s path by Owen McCallion but the Burgh number 7’s short rolled just wide of the far post.

The equaliser came in the 21st minute after Kyles had blocked a close range shot conceding a corner. From the result kick, Martin appeared to be pushed as Anderson headed home at the back post.

Kyles was again in action in the 24th minute with a brilliant save to deny a hot from Uwandu as Hawick pressed more and more.

Burgh had a couple of penalty shouts before the break when Twaddell fell under the challenge of the keeper Newman in the 27th minute, whilst Owen McCallion charged down Newman’s clearance and as brother Andy chased the loose ball he appeared to have been pushed over by Tom Fowler.

Hawick managed the lead early in the second half with more than a few shouts for handball as Ben Tracey was played through by Uwandu, with the assistance of an hand or arm and he ran on to clip the ball past Kyles for 2-1.

There were few chances in the latter stages of the game other than Andy McCallion’s looping header over the bar, and the Burgh no.9 just unable to get a diving head to a cross from an Owen McNally cross. McCallion was also just able to divert the ball past Newman in the closing minutes.

At the other end, Kyles cemented his fine performance when coming out bravely to deny Gillan through on goal and also tipping Olusoji’s effort over the bar.

A disappointing result against a good Hawick side but still much to be positive about in the upcoming games and so much to play for as the team look to hit their stride.