6 days ago
Johnstone Burgh penalty hero Luke Scullion backed himself in Junior cup shoot-out
The Keanie Park custodian saved Euan Bauld's spot-kick which allowed Kyle Lafferty the opportunity to smash home the deciding penalty.
Johnstone Burgh Junior Cup hero Luke Scullion has revealed he backed himself to come out on top in the crucial shoot-out.
The Keanie Park keepe r denied Tranent captain Euan Bauld in Sunday's spot-kicks decider.
Dean Brett missed the opening penalty for the Belters, with Scullion later thwarting Bauld to set the stage for Kyle Lafferty to end Burgh's 57-year wait for the silverware.
Burgh had drawn 1-1 with Tranent in normal time at Broadwood Stadium with Ciaran Diver levelling Harry Girdwood's opener.
A red-and-white army got the party started after Lafferty's strike and Scullion admits his record saving penalties meant he was full of confidence when pushed into the spotlight.
'I just fancy myself with penalties,' he said. 'I don't know what it is. I've just always had a good time with it. We've worked so hard this year and we've put loads in together.
'If we were to go a full season without winning anything, that would have been really harsh for sure.'
Scullion was relieved to see Diver grab the equaliser in the second half after his role in Tranent's opener.
The Burgh custodian flapped at a free-kick with Danny O'Neill forced to clear Jake Hutchings' header off the line. From the resulting corner, Girdwood's bullet header flew into the back of the net.
However, Burgh responded positively as the game wore on and nothing would overshadow the celebrations for Scullion and his history-making team-mates.
He added: 'I think we had a good few chances. It was a sloppy goal for us to lose. Front post, I've got to do better than that. I've got to get more on than that as well.
'Listen, it happens in these games, it's a big game. There's a lot of things going on but everybody bounced back and we got through it.'
Meanwhile, West Scotland MSP Paul O'Kane has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating Burgh on their cup triumph.
The text reads: 'That the Parliament congratulates Johnstone Burgh FC on winning the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time since 1968; notes that the final took place at Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld, on 1 June 2025 and saw Burgh take on Tranent FC; understands that the match was won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw; commends what has been viewed as a passionate final where both sides made a strong effort; further commends the efforts of manager Murdo MacKinnon, all players and the committee for securing the cup; congratulates all fans of the club and the people of Johnstone, not only on this victory but on their support throughout the season, particularly in the build up to the final; acknowledges the efforts of local community and businesses to support the team, particularly with the town being decked out in red and white; understands that hundreds of local people gathered in Houstoun Square to see the team off and to welcome everyone home with the cup, and wishes all at the club well in the celebrations and for next season, with the pride of the whole of Johnstone behind them.'
Mr O'Kane added: 'I'm delighted to amplify this achievement at the Scottish Parliament — all my MSP colleagues will know what Murdo MacKinnon and his team achieved.'
