Latest news with #DerekEsplin
Daily Record
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
'Proud day': Renfrewshire councillors pay tribute to Johnstone Burgh after Scottish Junior Cup win
The club has been formally congratulated following the penalty shoot-out victory over Lowland League side Tranent. Renfrewshire councillors have paid tribute to Johnstone Burgh after they lifted the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time in 57 years. The club has been formally congratulated for its achievement following a penalty shoot-out victory over Lowland League side Tranent on Sunday, June 1. Striker Kyle Lafferty converted the decisive spot-kick to ensure a 4-2 win – sparking euphoria 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 hoist the trophy aloft since 1968 when George Caughey did just that. Recounting his experience of the day at Thursday's full meeting of Renfrewshire Council, Councillor Iain McMillan, a Labour representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, declared it would "live long" in his memory. He added: "For those of us who were at the game, it was absolutely fantastic and I was very fortunate – I was there with my dad, I was there with my daughter and I was there with my granddaughter, so there were four generations of the family. "Being a supporter of a rather large football club, the difference you get when you go and see a smaller community club like Johnstone Burgh is like chalk and cheese because you virtually know everybody in the crowd. It's that community feeling." Ciaran Diver 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 then held their nerve during the shoot-out, netting all of their penalties to send their fans and coaching staff into a state of jubilation. The West of Scotland League Premier Division outfit's pitch perfect cast of takers included Fraser Mullen, Diver, Ross Davidson and Lafferty. Later that evening, hundreds of punters draped in red and white descended on Johnstone's Houstoun Square for Burgh's eagerly anticipated homecoming. Councillor Andy Steel, an SNP representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, said at the meeting: "Similar to Councillor McMillan, I was there with my boy and, despite very kind invitations elsewhere, I really wanted to be there with my son to create a memory that hopefully lasts a few years for me and a lifetime for him because that's what it's all about really. "We go to the Burgh on a Saturday afternoon and I like going to watch the Burgh because I get to spend two hours with my son, which I don't very often, so it meant an awful lot." Provost Lorraine Cameron added: "It was a very proud day indeed for everyone in Johnstone. "It just gave the community a whole buzz and you'll be pleased to know I'm in the process of organising an appropriate civic hospitality reception for the players and guests." Two motions congratulating Burgh were unanimously agreed among elected members.
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Renfrewshire Council set to formally congratulate Johnstone Burgh on Scottish Junior Cup win
Two motions have been put forward to pay tribute to the club following the penalty shoot-out victory over Tranent. 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."
Daily Record
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Scottish football bosses to probe crowd disorder at Keanie Park Junior Cup tie
Scottish football authorities have launched a probe into crowd disorder which marred the Junior Cup tie between Johnstone Burgh and Largs Thistle. The game at Keanie Park was briefly stopped on Saturday, April 19, after clashes between supporters after the Seasiders scored a late winner. In astonishing scenes, bottles and other missiles were seen being lobbed by fans before players and Burgh captain Derek Esplin dashed into the crowd to try to calm those involved. In footage circulating widely online, stewards were also seen to grapple with some crowd members. It's understood the incident has been mentioned by the referee in his match report and that an investigation will now be carried out by the Scottish Junior Football Association (SJFA). Possible sanctions such as a fine for the club – who have maintained they had adequate stewarding place – could follow. Meanwhile, in a highly-unusual move at non-league level, the return leg, due to be played at Thistle's Barrfields on Sunday, May 18, has been declared all-ticket. The game is due to kick-off at 2pm with Largs leading the tie 1-0. The first leg of the semi-final was briefly stopped by the referee amid chaotic scenes at the match which was attended by a bumper crowd of around 2,000 fans. A Burgh source told afterwards how some young fans reacted after an opposition supporter ran half the width of the pitch to goad them after Largs scored. They said: 'The club has worked so hard over the past five years to build itself up. Unfortunately, a small number of people have caused the scenes which we saw. The vast majority of our young fans are great children.' In a club statement following the game, Burgh said: 'The entire incident lasted less than two minutes. The referee rightly paused the game to restore order. 'With the goal scored late in the match, Johnstone Burgh players themselves encouraged calm to allow the match to resume swiftly and safely. 'Johnstone Burgh FC does not condone any form of antisocial or aggressive behaviour from supporters of any age. Appropriate stewarding was in place, and we commend our security team for their swift and professional handling of the situation. 'It is deeply regrettable that one of our stewards was assaulted in the process. 'Enquiries are ongoing, and any individuals identified as having engaged in violence or antisocial behaviour will be banned from Keanie Park with immediate effect. 'We remain committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for all supporters, particularly the younger members of our community.' In a statement of their own, Thistle said: 'The match referee has submitted a report regarding crowd trouble at the game and we will refrain from making further comment until the football authorities have concluded any investigations. 'We will also undertake our own investigations and wish to stress we do not condone any form of aggression or violence towards anyone, adults or children.' The SJFA said in relation to the game: 'An investigation will be carried out and we cannot comment further at the moment.' Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – you can sign up to our free daily newsletter here
Daily Record
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Chaos erupts at Johnstone Burgh game as young supporters kick-off with club claiming fans 'provoked'
The West of Scotland League club say they will investigate the matter but added "it is crucial that people understand this was a situation where adult males aggressively provoked a group of teenagers". Shocking scenes of crowd trouble marred Johnstone Burgh's crunch Junior Cup semi-final against Largs Thistle on Saturday. Bottles and other objects appeared to be thrown as a large group of mainly young supporters clashed with opposition fans and stewards following a late Largs goal. In astonishing scenes, several Burgh players vaulted the perimeter fence to enter the crowd and try to calm their brawling fans. In footage circulating widely online, stewards were also seen to grapple with some crowd members. One supporter at the match, commentating as he filmed footage of the scenes, was heard to say: 'It's absolutely unbelievable. They're chucking things now. This is ridiculous. It's not going to be long before the polis turn up.' As Burgh players, including captain Derek Esplin, dashed into the crowd to try and calm their fans, the supporter added: 'There's a player coming in now. Johnstone Burgh players are coming in to sort it out. 'That's how bad it is. It's the captain of Johnstone Burgh. Have you ever seen anything like this in your life? It's nothing short of disgraceful. I've been to over 900 football games and I've never seen anything like that.' The match was briefly stopped by the referee amid the chaotic scenes at the cup tie attended by a bumper crowd of around 2,000 fans. Order was restored, thanks in no small way to the efforts of the Burgh players, with the game finishing 1-0 to Largs. A Burgh source said yesterday: 'There is footage which captures one part of the incident but, just before it, an opposition supporter runs some distance to the shed where the children are, and goads them following the goal. 'What happens next is not good, of course, but the club has worked so hard over the past five years to build itself up. We had ample security in place although there was no segregation, which is a positive aspect of football at this level, and unfortunately a small number of people have caused the scenes which we saw. The vast majority of our young fans are great children.' Scottish football at all levels this season has also seen rising numbers of young fans wearing black clothing, and styling themselves as 'Ultras' with some instances of disorder and pyrotechnics use sparking condemnation from police. The match, the first leg of the Junior Cup semi-final, kicked-off at 5.30pm at Keanie Park on Saturday. The second leg sees Largs host Burgh on May 18 at Barrfields Park, with a 2pm kick-off. Johnstone Burgh said in a statement: 'The club do not condone antisocial or aggressive behaviour from supporters of any age. 'However, it is crucial that people understand this was a situation where adult males aggressively provoked a group of teenagers, and any reaction should be viewed within that context. 'Appropriate stewarding was in place for the expected attendance, and we commend our security team for their swift and professional handling of the situation. It is deeply regrettable that one of our stewards was assaulted in the process. 'Inquiries are ongoing, and any individuals identified as having engaged in violence or antisocial behaviour will be banned from Keanie Park. 'We remain committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for all supporters, particularly the younger members of our community.' A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: 'Around 7.35pm on Saturday, police were called to a disturbance at a football ground in Auchenlodment Road, Johnstone. 'The groups had dispersed on police arrival and there were no further reports of any people being injured.' It's understood no further police action is planned in relation to the incident. Largs Thistle were approached for comment.
