Renfrewshire Council set to formally congratulate Johnstone Burgh on Scottish Junior Cup win
Renfrewshire Council looks set to formally congratulate Johnstone Burgh after they lifted the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time in 57 years.
Two motions have been put forward to pay tribute to the club and its achievement following the dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Lowland League side Tranent on Sunday, June 1.
Former Rangers man Kyle Lafferty buried the decisive spot-kick to ensure a 4-2 win – which led to emotional scenes among the players and supporters – after a 1-1 draw in normal time at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire.
It meant captain Derek Esplin became the first Burgh skipper to lift the trophy since 1968 when George Caughey also achieved the feat.
The first motion to be considered at the full council meeting on Thursday has been lodged by Councillor Iain McMillan, a Labour representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, and Councillor Chris Gilmour, a Labour representative for Johnstone North and the surrounding villages.
It reads: "Council wishes to congratulate Johnstone Burgh on winning the Scottish Junior Cup against Tranent for season 2024/2025.
"Council recognises the hard work done by the committee, coaching staff and players in achieving this success. The council further wishes the club well for the future."
Ciaran Diver had grabbed a second-half equaliser to take the final to penalties after opponents Tranent had taken a first-half lead through Harry Girdwood.
Murdo MacKinnon's Burgh held their nerve during the shoot-out and netted all of their penalties to come out on top and send their supporters and coaching staff into a state of euphoria.
The West of Scotland League Premier Division outfit's pitch perfect cast of takers included Fraser Mullen, Diver, Ross Davidson and Lafferty to spark the jubilant scenes.
Later that evening, hundreds of punters draped in red and white descended on Johnstone's Houstoun Square for Burgh's homecoming.
A second motion to be considered at the council summit later this week has been submitted by Councillor Andy Steel and Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, who are both SNP representatives for Johnstone South and Elderslie.
It reads: "Council congratulates Johnstone Burgh on their achievement of winning the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time since 1968.
"Council applauds the work done by players, staff and volunteers who make the Burgh a central part of Johnstone."
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