Latest news with #ScottishJuniorCup
Daily Record
11 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
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.'
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Ex-Northern Ireland and Rangers hero scores winning penalty in Scottish Junior final: ‘It was put on my shoulders'
The man who scored 20 goals for his country was a second half substitute in the Scottish non-league final. The Fermanagh man made his mark on the match, however, scoring the winning spot kick in a dramatic shootout at the Broadwood Stadium. Lafferty 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.' We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Tranent held the advantage at half time thanks to a Harry Girdwood header only for Lafferty's Johnstone Burgh to level through Ciaran Diver with 16 minutes left on the clock. The game would go to penalties, with Lafferty scoring the decisive kick in a 4-2 shootout win. The 37 year-old joined the West of Scotland Premier Division side in 2023 after he was released by Linfield. Lafferty had previously played for Burnley, Rangers, Sion, Palermo, Norwich City, Hearts, Sarpsborg, Sunderland, Reggina, Kilmarnock and Anorthosis Famagusta.
Daily Record
3 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.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Rangers ace nets winning Junior Cup final penalty as he reveals first-day demand from club bosses
They had waited a long time to get their hands on the trophy CIARAN DIVER hailed Johnstone Burgh's comeback kings after Kyle Lafferty slammed home the winning penalty to end a 57-year wait to lift the Scottish Junior Cup. Hitman Diver netted a stunning equaliser at Broadwood as the West Premier aces hit back to finish strongly against Lowland League Tranent. Advertisement 2 Kyle Lafferty holds aloft the Scottish Junior Cup Credit: SNS 2 It was Johnstone's first success for nearly 60 years Credit: SNS Then the man of the match was among the scorers in the shootout as Murdo MacKinnon's men lifted the trophy for the first time since 1968 – and avenged a loss on penalties in their last final appearance 25 years ago. Former Rangers ace Lafferty – thrown on from the bench in a triple substitution by the Burgh boss on the hour mark – netted the clinching spot-kick with a deadly finish into the top corner. And Diver insisted he always felt it was going to be Burgh's day. The striker said: 'I just felt as the game went on and got longer I felt I was growing into the game more and more, I felt a lot sharper. Advertisement 'We've been a goal down many a time since I've been here and we always seem to find a way back into it. "It doesn't faze us as a team, we always know that we will get a chance, that another one will come and the boys just keep digging in. 'At no point did I think we would lose the game, even at 1-0 down. I knew we would still get a chance." Lafferty told BBC Alba: 'It's a final and you always want to get to finals no matter what standard you're playing in. Advertisement 'When I signed for the club that was the first thing they said to me - 'We need to win the Scottish Cup'. 'That was what they wanted as it had been a long, long time since they had even reached a final never mind winning it. Ex-Rangers and Hearts star Kyle Lafferty sees red for horror tackle in Johnstone Burgh WOSFL clash with Auchinleck Talbot 'Obviously this means everything to the community, not just the club. 'Just look at the turn-out today from all the Johnstone Burgh fans. Advertisement 'It was brilliant and we got over the line.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Press and Journal
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Shinty: Glasgow Mid Argyll hope to have Logan Adam back following ice hockey injury
Glasgow Mid Argyll open their Ferguson Transport & Shipping Balliemore Cup defence with a tough tie at Kilmallie. The Glasgow side hope to have Logan Adam back in their squad as the former Aberdour attacker, who is also a promising ice hockey player, has been missing since being on the wrong end of a heavy challenge which sent him crashing into the boards during the Fife Falcons' 3-2 Scottish Junior Cup final win over the Lightning Pirates last month. GMA boss Alan MacRae said: 'It will be good to get Logan back and Ryan Boyle is also available again. We're missing Craig Anderson though. 'Kilmallie have definitely hit some good form, scoring plenty goals, so they'll be dangerous opponents.' Kilmallie's Calum MacDougall goes in hunt of his 20th goal this season, and he said: 'We've a couple of guys unavailable through injury but otherwise, we've a strong squad. 'It was close when we played GMA earlier this season and given our recent results, we know we can score goals which is something we hope to carry into this weekend.' Glenurquhart host Col Glen, Bute welcome Inveraray and Oban Celtic meet Ardnamurchan. 2023 winners Lochaber received a bye as Kilmory were unable to field a team. Mowi Premiership leaders Kingussie host Kyles Athletic. Manager Iain Borthwick was without playmaker Ruaridh Anderson last weekend and said: 'It's not looking good for Ruaridh this week either as he hasn't trained but we'll make a late decision on whether he'll feature. Robert Mabon's on holiday, but Rory MacKeachan returns after injury.' Kyles boss Grant Profit said: 'It's good to be back after a couple of weeks off. 'Our keeper Iain MacFarlane is on his honeymoon but the vastly experience John Whyte is making a comeback to help us out. 'Ross Macrae and Scott Macdonald are injury doubts, and we'll allow them until the last minute to prove their fitness.' Oban Camanachd manager Daniel Cameron is on holiday and misses Lovat's visit so assistants Iain MacMillan and Aidan MacIntyre take charge. Iain MacMillan said: 'It's looking a bit more positive player-wise this week as brothers Daniel and Joe MacVicar are back in the squad, Andy MacDonald is free from suspension and Malcolm Clark's looking to take a place on the bench after his broken thumb which is a big boost. 'Craig Macmillan serves the final game of his suspension, while Louie MacFarlane and Daniel MacCuish are still a few weeks away.' Lovat manager Iain Nicolson has had a full squad to choose from over recent weeks and said: 'It's been a good headache to have for the last three weeks or so. 'We're looking forward to getting going again after our free weekend. Oban's always a difficult place to go but we'll be ready.' Beauly's Euan Mccormick has completed his five-match suspension ahead of Kinlochshiel's visit but defender Angus Renwick serves a one-game ban. Shiel manager Willie MacRae said: 'Jonny MacAskill's picked up a one-game ban and we'll give Ali Nixon a late fitness test as he's a quad problem. Zander MacRae is back though.' Kinlochshiel won 8-0 when the sides met four weeks ago, but Willie MacRae added: 'Don't pay any attention to that. It was a freak result as Beauly played quite well that day. Saturday won't be the same.' Skye's James Morrison and Newtonmore's Drew MacDonald will both have fitness checks ahead of their meeting in Portree. Caberfeidh and Fort William both look to bounce back from defeats last weekend when they clash at Castle Leod. Mowi WCA Premier League leaders Badenoch returned to winning ways, beating Inverness 5-0. Megan Ralph and Zoe Reid both bagged braces and Rhona McIntyre the other. Lochaber remain in the title race after winning 2-0 at Glasgow Mid Argyll. Leah Maxtone and Claire Delaney scored. Second-placed Skye and Badenoch have a top of the table clash in Portree on Saturday whilst Lochaber travel to Inverness on Sunday.
