Latest news with #JuniorCup
Daily Record
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Johnstone Burgh chairman Brian Williams cried tears of joy after Junior Cup win
The Keanie Park supremo thought back to the days when the gates at the ground could have been padlocked for good. Brian Williams admitted he cried tears of joy after Johnstone Burgh lifted the Junior Cup. The Keanie Park chairman watched with pride from the main stand at Broadwood Stadium as the West of Scotland League Premier Division club's 57-year wait for the top prize in non-league football was brought to an end. Ciaran Diver grabbed a late equaliser to send Sunday's final to penalties after Lowland League opponents Tranent had taken a first-half lead through Harry Girdwood. Dean Brett missed Tranent's first kick and Burgh keeper Luke Scullion later denied Euan Bauld before former Rangers and Northern Ireland hero Kyle Lafferty stepped up to clinch the cup for Burgh. It was hugely emotional – and historical – for Williams who witnessed Burgh lose their previous cup final appearance on spot-kicks to Whitburn Juniors in 2000. 'This is phenomenal,' he said. 'I never thought we'd ever get back to this. These guys here will be spoken about now for the duration of the club's existence. Infinity, basically. 'Twenty-five years ago, I stood on the terrace and had tears in my eyes – but sad tears because obviously we got beat that day. It's tears again but tears of joy.' Almost 3,000 Burgh fans – in a crowd of 4,538 – made the pilgrimage to North Lanarkshire and it was party time when Lafferty confidently struck from 12 yards. Williams knows memories which will last a lifetime have been created with the squad given a heroes' welcome in Johnstone's Houstoun Square on Sunday night. He said: 'I think we've brought most of the town with us. We sold every single ticket we had and you can seen that. The amount of kids that came along as well was brilliant. That's our future.' Having to show resilience and come behind has been the Burgh mantra for most of the second part of the season. Despite starting the stronger side on Sunday, boss Murdo MacKinnon needed big characters to wipe out the deficit and Williams says a strong mentality has underlined their campaign. He added: 'If you look at it across the season, we tend to win 2-1 and always seem to come from behind. But even when we go one-nil down, there is always a team in there that wants to come back, and they did. 'Don't get me wrong, big Lafferty – he's always been that impact player for us. He's always the one that's been put on to the park to dig it back out for us. 'And, again, he's done it. He had a hand in the equaliser before big Diver's got the last touch to it. 'He has been unbelievable this season. He's 37 years old and might not last 90 minutes but he give him that 20 minutes at the end he always pulls it out of the hat for us.' Reflecting on how much the trophy meant to him, Williams said it shows how far the club have come in the last decade from when the gates were almost padlocked for good. 'I've said it umpteen times,' he explained. 'Eight years ago, I should have locked the doors and walked away as we were done. We held on. We did what we could and look at this. This is unbelievable. You know, it's a great day.'
Daily Record
14 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
Renfrewshire's Lord Provost applauds Johnstone Burgh after Junior Cup triumph
The weekend had a silver lining for the people of Johnstone as Burgh triumphed in the cup final. Renfrewshire's provost yesterday praised Johnstone Burgh for their Junior Cup triumph after the town partied the night away. Provost Lorraine Cameron wants supporters to enjoy the club's success in full this week after Lowland League side Tranent were beaten 4-2 on penalties in the final at Broadwood Stadium following a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes. Epic scenes ensued when Kyle Lafferty smashed home the decisive spot-kick with captain Derek Esplin becoming the first Burgh skipper to lift the trophy since 1968 when George Caughey achieved the feat. And Provost Cameron had the 'privilege' of meeting the Keanie Park icon in the lead-up to what turned out to be a very special afternoon. 'I was absolutely delighted to be at the Junior Scottish Cup Final to witness Johnstone Burgh's tremendous victory,' she told the Paisley Daily Express. 'A moment of sheer determination, skill and team spirit – although I have to say that it wasn't the easiest of games to watch. 'The anxiety was intense, especially when it ended in a penalty shoot-out! I had the privilege of meeting George Caughey, the man who captained the Burgh to glory in 1968. 'It was a deeply emotional moment for him — to see this generation follow in the footsteps of his own historic team was truly special. His pride in the club, past and present, was a powerful reminder of what this victory means to our community.' Burgh arrived back in the town's Houstoun Square to a heroes' welcome on Sunday night as fans celebrated with the trophy. One of those supporters who attended the game and the gathering afterwards was Johnstone South and Elderslie councillor Andy Steel and he embraced the occasion. He said: 'It seemed like half of Johnstone was at the game and then it seemed like the other half was at Houstoun Square to cheer the team home with the cup! The atmosphere was tremendous. 'These events are what brings towns together. There would have been people at the game yesterday who were at the 1968 final – the last time we won. 'And now we've got kids at the game who will live to the year 2095 and remember the day the Burgh won the cup. That's one of the threads that goes into building a community – 127 years apart but the same experience.'
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Kyle Lafferty leads wild Johnstone Burgh celebrations as former Rangers star makes history with Junior Cup heroics
Lafferty scored the winning penalty to lift the cup with Johnstone Burgh Buzzing Kyle Lafferty was on a high having made history with Johnstone Burgh after the striker netted the winning penalty in the Scottish Junior Cup final. The ex- Rangers and Northern Ireland star came on as a second-half substitute to help Murdo MacKinnon's side secure the trophy for the first time since 1968. He said: 'It's brilliant for myself to score a winning goal, to win the penalty shoot-out. For all that to be put on my shoulders was massive for me. 'And I knew how much it meant to the club. The first thing the club said to me was 'we need to win the Scottish Junior Cup in the two years you're here', and we've done it.' MacKinnon is now only the third Keanie Park manager to lift this trophy alongside Jimmy Blackburn and Peter Donald. He said: 'I've always had a strong belief in this group of players – they make magic happen. I was confident we'd do it and to win in the manner we did – I'm over the moon.' Lafferty wrote his name into Burgh folklore as he ended the club's 57-year wait to lift the Junior Cup. The former Rangers and Northern Ireland star stepped up to net the crucial spot-kick in a 4-2 penalty kicks win against Lowland League side Tranent after a 1-1 draw. Keeper Luke Scullion saved from Euan Bauld after Dean Brett had missed the opening penalty of the Broadwood Stadium shoot-out. Ciaran Diver levelled the score for Murdo MacKinnon's team after Harry Girdwood gave the Big T the lead right on half-time. It was a bright and positive start from Burgh who had the backing of around 3,000 Burgh supporters who made the trip from Renfrewshire to North Lanarkshire. Among those in the crowd keeping an eye on the game was former Rangers midfielder Graham Dorrans who turned out for Burgh last term. The Burgh boss opted to use the same line-up that helped him come from behind and win 2-0 against West of Scotland League Premier Division rivals Largs Thistle in the semi-final. Combined, it was a 147-year wait for the trophy for both clubs with the Keanie Park outfit last lifting the silverware in 1968 and the Lowland League side lofting it in the air in 1935. In the opening ten minutes of the game, Burgh controlled most of the play with the first talking point coming in the eighth minute when Belters keeper Kelby Mason looked to have handled the ball outside his box. Broadwood Stadium erupted with a roar but referee Cameron Stirling waved away any appeal. Being the stronger side, Burgh looked to be a threat and in the 22nd minute as Malky McDonald unleashed a left-footed shot towards the Big T's goal, but it was easily saved by Mason. It was a feisty affair between the two teams, with a total of four yellow cards being issued in the first half – three for Burgh and one for Tranent. The match was one filled with half-chances, however, the best came against the run of play when a free-kick for Darren Smith's Tranent was floated into the box which keeper Luke Scullion flapped at. Jake Hutchings looked to have a free header into the net but Burgh stalwart Danny O'Neil cleared the ball off the line. With 44 minutes on the clock, half-time was approaching with the scoreline blank but that changed when Tranent drew first blood from a corner. Euan Greig's delivery was dangerous and found Harry Girdwood who directed a powerful header home to send the Tranent faithful into a frenzy. MacKinnon's side came out for the second half looking to start as they had in the first 45, and they almost did with a wonder strike. Diver, who had been relatively quiet in front of goal, unleashed a strong effort on the half volley around 35 yards out which had Mason scrambling before he caught it. Scullion was made to work in the 57th minute when ex-Hibs star Danny Handling was allowed to shoot inside the box, but the Belters player couldn't get the power behind his effort. MacKinnon turned to his bench on the hour mark which saw the introduction star man Lafferty. He was straight in on the action when a free kick was laid off to him, but his effort failed to trouble the Big T's goal. In the 68th minute, Burgh started to get back into the game when Lafferty almost levelled the game when he had a header inside the six-yard box saved. The changes from MacKinnon looked to have given his side life, and it sparked Burgh to level the game. Aaron Mason's shot on the edge of the box on the 74th minute took a wicked deflection, forcing keeper Mason to scramble backwards to claw it away. However, he could only clear it into the path of Diver who smashed it home to level the score, sending the travelling Burgh support wild. A momentum shift was well and truly happening for the Johnstone outfit, and Tranent felt that even more when Scott Gray received a second yellow for stopping Kian Gilday in his tracks. The match ended all square, with a penalty shoot-out following. Brett missed the first Tranent penalty before Scullion denied Bauld. Lafferty stepped up to take the decisive spot kick after a 100 per cent success rate from Burgh on the penalties, where he netted, and he saw Burgh lift the Junior Cup for the first time since 1968.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Tranent hero Dean Brett swaps Benidorm for Broadwood as he chases Junior Cup glory
It's sod's law, but the 32-year-old former Cowdenbeath and Bonnyrigg Rose full back admits he wouldn't miss this opportunity for the world. Dean Brett should be on the final leg of a stag bender in Benidorm today. Instead the Tranent hero is hoping to kick off the mother of all booze-ups at Broadwood. Brett has had to pull out of his best mate's pre-wedding bash in Spain after his two goals in a 3-2 semi final win over Drumchapel helped his hometown club into the Junior Cup Final against Johnstone Burgh. It's sod's law. But the 32-year-old former Cowdenbeath and Bonnyrigg Rose full back admits he wouldn't miss this opportunity for the world. Not only is it the 90th anniversary of Tranent's only previous triumph in the competition, it also happens to be the East Lothian town's gala day. And it's all gearing up to be the most memorable occasion of Brett's career. He said: 'I was meant to be in Benidorm this weekend on a stag do. I just had to cancel that last week. 'My mate Mikey's getting married in September - I miss the wedding as well because I'm just flying home from my holiday that day. Maybe it's a sign. 'You can't really just say, it's only a game of football I'm not playing. 'I thought about going for the first two days then coming back for the final. 'I even scored two goals in the semi and we were out in the pub and I said to the committee: 'I've just scored two goals, surely that deserves a flight home on the Saturday?' 'But they just said, 'Dean you're on a stag do, it's not really good preparation!' 'It's hard to argue with that. They've been brilliant. The club paid for my cancellation. 'To be fair Mikey understands. His uncle has called off from Benidorm too because he's running buses through to the game. 'It's a massive day for the town. 'I'm from Tranent and everybody you pass, all the kids at the school when I'm on the school run, they're like, 'oh, we're going to watch you on Sunday' 'I do coaching as well so the kids have all asked for tickets. There's a real buzz about it now. It's a massive game. 'It's 90 years exactly since Tranent won the Junior Cup - 1935. 'Not just that but it's Tranent Gala Day too, I think all the local pubs are showing it live on telly. 'It maybe puts a dampener on the ticket's sold, but honestly it's a massive. 'If Tranent win the Junior Cup on the town's gala day then it'll be remembered for a long, long time so, aye, it is massive this week.' Brett has two league winners' medals with Cowdenbeath and was a play-off champion with Bonnyrigg three years ago. But he reckons a Junior Cup triumph with his hometown club would top the lot. He'll have a full row of Broadwood cheering him on with mum and dad Karen and Neil, partner Leanne and kids Arlo and Mia all heading to Cumbernauld. And he said: 'My mum's a nervous wreck. She's Tranent through and through. 'Dad's followed my career right from the start. Cowdenbeath games away to Peterhead and everything and every Bonnyrigg game. 'He's kind of stopped because he's getting older and loves spending time with my kids. But he'll be at Broadwood desperate for us to win. 'When I first broke through at Cowdenbeath we won League One under Colin Cameron. 'I always say that when you feel high, you feel high and it doesn't matter the occasion, you're going to feel high anyway. 'So if we win on Sunday - it's a big 'if' because Johnstone Burgh are a good team - but if there was success I think that would be my best moment. Just for coming to the end of the career, it's a massive cup, it's the 90 year anniversary of Tranent's only success in it and doing it for the town, for your mates, for your friends. 'It'd probably top it all off, to be honest with you.'
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
The Scottish football club back on the radar: 90-year wait, SPFL goal and closer ties desire
Cup final appearance means so much to chairman as rise continues Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... One of many illustrations of how football has changed can be traced in a match report from the last time Tranent won the Junior Cup final, a mere 90 years ago. According to the Sunday Post, 'only' 25,000 turned up at Ibrox to watch The Belters live up to their name when swatting favourites Petershill aside in a 6-1 win. It's not just football that's changed. Society has changed. Industry has changed. Mines have closed. The shop windows displaying scarves, hats and good luck messages as Tranent attempt to repeat their 1935 success against Johnstone Burgh this afternoon are as likely to be vape stores and tanning salons as butchers and bakeries. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Few, if anyone, in the town will have memories of Archie Roberts, the popular captain, being carried shoulder high down the high street on the triumphant return from Glasgow. As people gathered at Foresters Park to welcome the heroes, the East Lothian Courier noted that "an aeroplane pilot entered into the spirit of the occasion by swooping low over the crowd". Dapper Man barbers Muzzy Sezer and Eddie get behind Tranent Juniors ahead of their cup final. | Andy O'Brien Tranent are firmly back on the radar. As player, manager and now chairman, Brian Johnston, who turns 65 on his next birthday, has seen, if not quite everything, then certainly more than most. He's also laid a significant amount bare, having taken the brave decision to open up about his gambling addiction earlier this year in a short film broadcast on the BBC show A View from the Terrace. Veteran Tranent player Dean Brett, who was sacked by Cowdenbeath in 2017 for betting against his own team, did likewise. Johnston reasons that if it has convinced just one person who watched it to seek help, then it's been worth the discomfort of bearing all in front of the cameras. Remarkably, Johnston, who works for a firm selling office supplies in Edinburgh, estimates he lost as much as £1 million during what he calls his '40-year career in gambling', which ended 11 years ago. Even in his spell as Tranent manager, there were times, he recalls, when he would remove himself from the dugout during the game 'to get a better view' in the stand and sit and place bets on his phone. When he finally sought help and attended meetings, he found that half of those there with him he already knew from football. 'There were some right high-profile guys, people that had played in the English Premiership,' he says. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Town embraces Tranent Just off the plane after a short pre-cup final break in Tenerife, the engaging Johnston is in a happier place now as he contemplates a final showdown against Johnstone Burgh, for whom former Rangers and Hearts striker Kyle Lafferty leads the line. Tranent will be cheered on by about 1400 fans at Broadwood (around 2000 followed them to Ibrox in 1935, when the crowd was swollen by interested neutrals). 'The town has embraced the situation,' says Johnston. 'The shops have been given scarves to put in the window, and they've all done it. It's looking good. For mining towns like Tranent, football was everything. I mean, I signed for the club back in 1978 and I remember the crowds were between 1500-2000 every home game. It was a like a day out for the miners, the working people from all round about. It was not just Tranent, it was Macmerry, Ormiston… They were so well supported.' Johnston's debut for Tranent came in the Scottish against Johnstone Burgh, today's opponents. He came off the bench and scored the winner. He played for five seasons and returned as manager in 2009 for three seasons before stepping back, only to watch things unravel to an alarming extent. Dean Brett takes a penalty for Tranent. | Tranent Juniors 'About 11 years ago, it was near extinction to be honest,' he says. 'The ground was dilapidated, they had no players, they had no money, they were in debt. Local business guys Matthew Wright and Davie Innes decided to get involved and they transformed the place, with the help of a few other guys, Colin Dryburgh to name one.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tranent won the South Division in 2016 before joining the East of Scotland league in 2018 and leaving their Juniors background behind (they were invited into this season's Junior Cup). Another step up came in 2022 when they won a play-off against Darvel, who, Johnston says, 'were flying at the time', to reach the Lowland League – tier five of Scottish football. They have also dispensed with the Juniors part of their name and joined forces with the local youth teams' set-up. 'Tranent Colts and Tranent Juniors were a completely separate entities,' explains Johnston. 'When I came on board I thought, 'This is mad – we should be part of the same infrastructure'. We dropped the Juniors name and they dropped the Colts name and we became Tranent Football Club.' Tranent's big aim The maroon colour of Tranent Juniors was retained, which means all teams, from youths to over-35s, play in maroon – although not in today's cup final, when Tranent have been assigned away team status and will play in blue (one of the old colours of Tranent Colts). 'Our aims and ambitions are to take the club to the Scottish Professional Football League,' says Johnston. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As well as an inspiration, nearby Bonnyrigg Rose are also a cautionary tale – they have shown it's possible to come back down again too. This hasn't put Johnston off, although in order to get the SFA bronze license status required for the SPFL small improvements, such as widening the pitch by just over a metre, are required. 'We can have a pathway for all budding football players in and around Tranent who want to potentially play in the Scottish league to play for their local club,' he says. 'I'd say that's the long-term ambition.' Tranent chairman Brian Johnston. | Brian Johnston It's possible that we might see Hibs v Tranent on the fixture card in the future, which would be interesting seeing as the former's training base is just over two miles away from Tranent's trim HQ. The Easter Road club moved in 18 years ago. What's it been like having the big boys in the locale? 'That is a bit of a sore subject to be honest,' admits Johnston. 'There is no link there at all. Even reaching out for a friendly has become impossible. They've always got other stuff on. I think they could be a lot closer to us than what they currently are. But that's up to Hibs and the way they want to run their model. 'I am a Hibs fan and it disappoints me that they do not offer a wee bit more support. Even a pre-season friendly v Hibs would generate a big crowd at Foresters. Any big crowd generates decent income. That's the kind of thing we need to get the finance to secure the bronze license. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Desire for stronger ties 'I wish our ties with them are stronger than they currently are. Every season I reach out (for a friendly) - we had one organised last season and at the last minute they cancelled. I just think they could be a wee bit more accommodating to the local community club, I really do.'
