Murdo MacKinnon relishing pressure of Johnstone Burgh's Junior Cup final appearance

Daily Record

31-05-2025

The West of Scotland League Premier Division outfit are going for glory this weekend.
Murdo MacKinnon insists he welcomes the pressure that comes with Johnstone Burgh's first Junior Cup final appearance in 25 years tomorrow.
The Keanie Park boss knows the full town is behind the team as they prepare to face Lowland League Tranent at Broadwood Stadium in North Lanarkshire.
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Buses will be packed with up to 3,000 Burgh fans expected to make the journey from Renfrewshire and hoping for a first cup triumph in 57 years.
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And gaffer MacKinnon is ready to embrace the moment. He said: 'It's all about pressure. It's a privilege, to be totally honest with you, it doesn't come round every day.
'I'm expecting the best part of 3,000 supporters there for Johnstone Burgh. It is 25 years from the last appearance in the cup final and the Burgh were a right good team at that point. They just couldn't get over of the line in penalties and we're now up against a right good team on Sunday.
'They've been successful, they've won trophies, they've got great experience about them. But I've got a top side. I know I've got top players there. So, we're in for a treat in a final.'
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MacKinnon continued: 'My focus is purely on the game, I'm not worrying about the pressure, I'm not worrying about anything else.
'And if there is to be any pressure around it, I would rather take it on my shoulders and alleviate that for the players because what they've done and what they've achieved to get there so far has been incredible.
'But they've got a determination about them to go and finish this job – and I think they can.'
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Burgh showed great resilence to get to the final after a nervy semi-final against fellow West of Scotland League Premier Division rivals Largs Thistle.
After a 1-0 defeat at home to the Seasiders, it was win-or-bust at Barrfields in the second leg earlier this month. Goals from Ciaran Diver and Aaron Mason were enough to overturn the deficit and ensure Burgh's date with destiny.
One player MacKinnon is hoping will play a huge part is former Northern Irish international Kyle Lafferty who the Burgh boss says is 'hungrier than ever'.
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He said: 'As a lad, he's really down to earth. He's one of the boys, one of the players. That's how he's treated. That's how he wants to be treated. He has had an unbelievable career. A career that only people can dream of. He's won every major title this country has to offer.
'He's played for some of the biggest clubs in the country. Some of the biggest games. He's played for his country nearly 90 times, and in major tournaments.
'To have somebody with that experience, and that help, within your group and being able to use that in big games like this is brilliant. It's outstanding for me.
'And it's great for the group as well. Obviously, Kyle's got great experience playing in big games. He knows what they're about. But one thing I can tell you all, he's as hungry to win on Sunday as he's ever been.'