The game started at a frantic pace with Rottenrow having most of the possession but doing little with it. The first chance of the game came for Burgh early on with a great run by Fairbairn however his cross to the back post was just missed.

Helensburgh knew they’d have to be at their best in this game to get anything out of it and they were looking up for it.

However Cox was left isolated up front for most of the half. When he got the ball, he showed impressive skills to hold on before the rest of his team caught up.

As well as they were playing Burgh couldn’t hold on until half-time, as an unmarked striker appeared at the back post for Rottenrow to give them a 1-0 lead.

The second half started and Burgh were caught cold, with the Rottenrow striker being given far too much room to take a shot — he easily put it in the bottom corner for 2-0.

With Helensburgh still trying to get a foothold into the second half, an all too simple short corner was scored by the opposition and this meant it was 3-0 after 50 minutes of play.

As the game slipped away Helensburgh continued to fight. G.Caulfield and Kennedy were doing the damage in the midfield, and some neat wing play from Hartopp was taking Helensburgh forward.

Black, Caulfield and Kennedy combined well before the away side won a free hit just inside the Rottenrow half.

Black took it quickly and jinked past a couple of players before crashing the ball towards the back post. Young striker Cameron Dye popped out of nowhere to score a crucial goal — his first for the first team.

Burgh pushed on and were playing some fantastic hockey. Helensburgh got a second goal, which started as a clearance from the back.

J.Murphy sent a lovely lofted ball through to Cox, who controlled it superbly. He sent Fairbairn on his way down the wing and into the D, Fairbairn had the confidence to slot the ball home to bring the score to 3-2.

With not long remaining, it was an intense last few minutes as Helensburgh desperately tried to find the equalising goal. Cox, Black and S.Murphy all had chances but they couldn’t convert.

Time ticked away and it was too little too late for Helensburgh.

Helensburgh welcome Motherwell next week, with an 11.15am push back.

Helensburgh Team: S.Banyard, R.Park, D.McGregor, G.McWilliam, J.Murphy, B.Kennedy, D.Hartopp, C.Fairbairn, G.Black, J.Caulfield, J.Cox (MoM), G.Caulfield, C.Dye, A.Carmichael, S.Murphy.

Helensburgh’s second team had no game this week but the thirds took on Western at home. They struggled to a 5-2 defeat but the youngsters showed promise with their grit and determination all throughout the game.

Helensburgh Team: S.Stewart, J.Friel, B.Caulfield, T.Walsh, J.Steel, G.Chambers, G.McCallion, J.Caulfield, D.McCrea, P.Moore, T.Harris, M.Findlay, A.MacAuley, J.Bull, N.Fish.