Burgh were quickly back in action at East Shore Park with the first of two quick visits by Coldstream. On paper, it was another difficult opponent. On Tuesday, it was a strong Armadale Thistle on the rise from the Third Division last season, whilst Coldstream were equally a dangerous opposition having narrowly been relegated from Division One last season.
It was a great chance for Burgh to test themselves against a very good side, and a side that could consider themselves unfortunate not to be returning home with at least a point.
The opening half an hour went largely the way of the visitors with goalkeeper David Chalmers quickly in action in the pouring rain in the 5th minute when he raced to the edge of his area to block well. Owen Renton went close for the visitors in the 15th minute with a combination of Chalmers and debutant Adam Wilson stopping the danger.
On 20 minutes it was Grey who put Chalmers to the test, but the Burgh keeper again came out on top to stop Coldstream taking the lead, whilst Briggs looped a head just over the bar in the 24th minute.
Much like the Armadale game, Newburgh grew into the game around the half hour mark and Lewis Stevenson tested Coldstream keeper Hall’s hands with a low effort in the 33rd minute. Cai Macdonald also went close three minutes later.
Burgh finished the half with a flurry with two goals inside three minutes just before the half time whistle. In the 43rd minute Callum Anderson played a defence-splitting ball into the visitors area for Lewis Stevenson on the side of the six-yard box. Stevo played a ball across the line and Kellar Harris beat his marker to knock home his 3rd goal of the season.
On the stroke of half time Burgh unexpectedly doubled their advantage when a deep free-kick by Elliot Jowitt from near the half way line was missed by Coldstream defence and keeper to allow skipper Andrew Cameron to meet the ball on the bounce to loop a header past the stranded keeper into the net for 2-0.
The second half was going to be a tough battle with Coldstream intent on getting back into the game and Briggs immediately had a chance foiled by Chalmers. On 51 minutes Briggs pumped forward a long ball and Grey flicked a ball onto Renton, who appeared to be in an offside position, to poke home a consolation.
It set up a nervy final 39 minutes but Burgh battled hard to hold out for three points, despite the visitors missing 2 good chances to score in the final 15 minutes. Meanwhile, Hamid Eddouss could have added a third in the 86th minute poking an effort just wide of the far post.
A much-needed win for Burgh and it was pleasing how hard the entire side fought to hold onto earn the points against a side who could have easily been going home with maximum points themselves. There were many positives from the side, a pleasing 3rd goal of the campaign for Kellar Harris, a strong defensive performance from Chalmers and the back four and the midfield did their bit.
Coldstream return next week in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup eager to avenge the result and have shown what a strong opponent they are, but the Burgh will be looking for another victory too!
