Johnstone Burgh fan opens up on special connection with club ahead of Junior Cup final
A Johnstone woman whose mum was part of the celebrations the last time Burgh won the Junior Cup has told how the club was therapy to her during cancer treatment.
Margaret Hamilton was given the devastating news two years ago that she had breast cancer and required radiotherapy.
During this time, the 61-year-old looked for ways to escape the ordeal – and that is where her love of Burgh blossomed.
The florist, who runs All About Flowers on Thorn Brae, had to close down her shop while undergoing treatment but felt the West of Scotland League Premier Division side were there to support her.
And tomorrow, all roads lead to Broadwood Stadium in North Lanarkshire as Burgh attempt to end a 57-year wait for the famous trophy by beating Lowland League outfit Tranent in the final.
'The club were fantastic,' Margaret told the Paisley Daily Express. 'On a Saturday when I used to finish in the shop, or at the time that I didn't have the shop open due to my treatment, I would go up, get a pie, get a cup of coffee and sit and watch the team.
'And yes, I met my own friends there, but I made a lot of new friends as well and the boys are just fantastic at the club, they really are.'
Ahead of Sunday's showpiece, Margaret made sure everyone who passed her shop would know who she was cheering on. From bunting surrounding the shop to flags covering the length of the window, the big Burgh fan nailed her colours to the mast.
Also on display were two items she holds dear – a Burgh top and scarf which were bought for her when she completed radiotherapy.
But one moment that sticks with Margaret is when she was shown a picture of her mum celebrating lifting the trophy at the after-party of Peter Donald's Burgh team winning the Junior Cup in 1968.
'My mum had the cup on her head in 1968 when they won in the final,' she revealed. 'She was manageress down at the British Legion in Johnstone so she still remembers the day, the town, the atmosphere. I mean, at that time, we were a big engineering town in Johnstone as well.
'My papa worked in Clifton and Bairds, my dad worked in Wickman and Lang, so it was a real good community we had and now I just feel that community's always been there; it's coming back a wee bit more.'
Burgh last reached the final in 2000 but lost to East of Scotland League side Whitburn Juniors on penalties.
'I remember 25 years ago when we lost unfortunately,' recalls Margaret. 'This time I've got a good feeling.'
Non-league football has grown in popularity due to the price of football in the SPFL and Margaret says that is a big reason why she supports her local team, much like her dad, Archie, and her mum, Margaret.
'It's getting out in the fresh air as well and it's just having a laugh,' she added. 'You'll always get a laugh at Junior football because it's not like going to see the big clubs.
'It's all character and you can say things there and you're guaranteed to come away with a smile on your face all the time – even if your team hasn't won. But that won't be the case on Sunday!'
The town itself has been showing its support for the team ahead of tomorrow. Colin Boyd, a fan who has followed the Keanie Park outfit since he was a young boy, says it is an occasion he is relishing.
He said: 'I have been supporting the club for over 30 years and I was at the last final. What a day it was, the build-up to the game was truly amazing and everyone getting behind the team was great to see.
'Sunday means everything to not only me but the club. From where the club have been the last few years, building them back up to the top league, it is so great.'
Retired duo Stevie McSorley and Fraser Dominics are also enthusiastic supporters. Both have chosen to volunteer at Burgh to remain close to not only their team but also fellow fans.
Stevie said: 'Over the last few years, there have been a lot of new faces, new people and I've also made new friends. I am retired and my wife still works so coming up here is great.'
Fraser, who helps maintain the grounds outside the stadium, added: 'I stay near the ground and word had got about that the club were looking for people to help so I did.
'Sunday means a lot to the club and it is an occasion that we are looking forward to. Junior football is growing and the supporters here can see what the club are doing.'
Johnstone councillor and avid Burgh supporter Andy Steel will also be supporting his team this weekend.
He said: 'Other than Scotland games, the only matches I go to nowadays is the Burgh. It's affordable and the quality in Junior football is miles better than it used to be.
'I've enjoyed watching the Burgh make big steps over the last couple of seasons and this is a big landmark moment on that journey.
'The players, the committee and the fans deserve this day. There are big plans for the future around Keanie Park but this is happening here and now and it would be fantastic if they could win. Mon eh Burgh!'
Fans are encouraged to gather in Johnstone's Houston Square tomorrow between 1pm and 1.15pm, and wear red, to wave the team off on their journey to Cumbernauld.
Tickets and merchandise will be on sale at Keanie Park until 12.30pm today – but there is a cash gate in operation at Broadwood for the final for anyone who hasn't bought a brief yet.
The game will be screened live on BBC ALBA. Kick-off is 4.05pm.
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