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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
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Murdo MacKinnon relishing pressure of Johnstone Burgh's Junior Cup final appearance
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. 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. 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.' 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.' 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'. 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.'
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Johnstone Burgh fan opens up on special connection with club ahead of Junior Cup final
Margaret Hamilton bonded with the club when she was undergoing radiotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. A Johnstone woman whose mum was part of the celebrations the last time Burgh won the Junior Cup has told how the club was therapy to her during cancer treatment. Margaret Hamilton was given the devastating news two years ago that she had breast cancer and required radiotherapy. During this time, the 61-year-old looked for ways to escape the ordeal – and that is where her love of Burgh blossomed. The florist, who runs All About Flowers on Thorn Brae, had to close down her shop while undergoing treatment but felt the West of Scotland League Premier Division side were there to support her. And tomorrow, all roads lead to Broadwood Stadium in North Lanarkshire as Burgh attempt to end a 57-year wait for the famous trophy by beating Lowland League outfit Tranent in the final. 'The club were fantastic,' Margaret told the Paisley Daily Express. 'On a Saturday when I used to finish in the shop, or at the time that I didn't have the shop open due to my treatment, I would go up, get a pie, get a cup of coffee and sit and watch the team. 'And yes, I met my own friends there, but I made a lot of new friends as well and the boys are just fantastic at the club, they really are.' Ahead of Sunday's showpiece, Margaret made sure everyone who passed her shop would know who she was cheering on. From bunting surrounding the shop to flags covering the length of the window, the big Burgh fan nailed her colours to the mast. Also on display were two items she holds dear – a Burgh top and scarf which were bought for her when she completed radiotherapy. But one moment that sticks with Margaret is when she was shown a picture of her mum celebrating lifting the trophy at the after-party of Peter Donald's Burgh team winning the Junior Cup in 1968. 'My mum had the cup on her head in 1968 when they won in the final,' she revealed. 'She was manageress down at the British Legion in Johnstone so she still remembers the day, the town, the atmosphere. I mean, at that time, we were a big engineering town in Johnstone as well. 'My papa worked in Clifton and Bairds, my dad worked in Wickman and Lang, so it was a real good community we had and now I just feel that community's always been there; it's coming back a wee bit more.' Burgh last reached the final in 2000 but lost to East of Scotland League side Whitburn Juniors on penalties. 'I remember 25 years ago when we lost unfortunately,' recalls Margaret. 'This time I've got a good feeling.' Non-league football has grown in popularity due to the price of football in the SPFL and Margaret says that is a big reason why she supports her local team, much like her dad, Archie, and her mum, Margaret. 'It's getting out in the fresh air as well and it's just having a laugh,' she added. 'You'll always get a laugh at Junior football because it's not like going to see the big clubs. 'It's all character and you can say things there and you're guaranteed to come away with a smile on your face all the time – even if your team hasn't won. But that won't be the case on Sunday!' The town itself has been showing its support for the team ahead of tomorrow. Colin Boyd, a fan who has followed the Keanie Park outfit since he was a young boy, says it is an occasion he is relishing. He said: 'I have been supporting the club for over 30 years and I was at the last final. What a day it was, the build-up to the game was truly amazing and everyone getting behind the team was great to see. 'Sunday means everything to not only me but the club. From where the club have been the last few years, building them back up to the top league, it is so great.' Retired duo Stevie McSorley and Fraser Dominics are also enthusiastic supporters. Both have chosen to volunteer at Burgh to remain close to not only their team but also fellow fans. Stevie said: 'Over the last few years, there have been a lot of new faces, new people and I've also made new friends. I am retired and my wife still works so coming up here is great.' Fraser, who helps maintain the grounds outside the stadium, added: 'I stay near the ground and word had got about that the club were looking for people to help so I did. 'Sunday means a lot to the club and it is an occasion that we are looking forward to. Junior football is growing and the supporters here can see what the club are doing.' Johnstone councillor and avid Burgh supporter Andy Steel will also be supporting his team this weekend. He said: 'Other than Scotland games, the only matches I go to nowadays is the Burgh. It's affordable and the quality in Junior football is miles better than it used to be. 'I've enjoyed watching the Burgh make big steps over the last couple of seasons and this is a big landmark moment on that journey. 'The players, the committee and the fans deserve this day. There are big plans for the future around Keanie Park but this is happening here and now and it would be fantastic if they could win. Mon eh Burgh!' Fans are encouraged to gather in Johnstone's Houston Square tomorrow between 1pm and 1.15pm, and wear red, to wave the team off on their journey to Cumbernauld. Tickets and merchandise will be on sale at Keanie Park until 12.30pm today – but there is a cash gate in operation at Broadwood for the final for anyone who hasn't bought a brief yet. The game will be screened live on BBC ALBA. Kick-off is 4.05pm.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Johnstone Burgh chairman hopes 57-year wait for Junior Cup glory could be ended
Brian Williams will watch his side take on Tranent in Sunday's showpiece at Broadwood Stadium. Brian Williams insists Johnstone Burgh's class of 2024-25 have the chance to be spoken about in 50 years. The West of Scotland League Premier Division side face Tranent of the Lowland League in the final of the Junior Cup on Sunday. Burgh last reached the final in 2000 when they lost to East of Scotland League outfit Whitburn Juniors on penalties and their last success in the competition was way back in 1968. However, Williams admits that — whatever the outcome for Murdo MacKinnon and his team — he knows it will be a day out everyone will enjoy. 'I'm looking forward to it and I'm quite excited about it,' the Keanie Park chairman told the Paisley Daily Express. 'It is 25 years since we were last at this stage and I was there. 'It was a fantastic day out but a disappointing result but it was a spectacle We hope Sunday is the same and shows how far the club has come over the years.' The competition is one which is of great importance to many Burgh supporters of a certain generation as it is associated with the club's most successful period in the 1950s and 60s. The club won Junior football's top prize — the Junior Cup — twice with Jimmy Blackburn and Peter Donald in charge of those historical moments. In the modern era, however, the club have endured tough times and dropped down the divisions with real fears for the future. But thanks to dedicated individuals — with Williams being one of them after his association with the club started in the wake of the 2000 final — the club continued to operate until new investors arrived in 2023. 'It's a tournament that has a lot of history in the club,' Williams says of the Junior Cup, 'especially with the team from the 50s and 60s during that successful period. 'And 25 years ago when I came here, I was fortunate a lot of the old guard were still here. From what we've done since the 60s, we've been a sleeping giant for 20 or 30 years. 'I'll admit that basically eight or nine years ago, we probably should have gone to the wall. But myself and a couple of others decided we'll keep going and we'll fight on. 'But I'd say at this club at the moment, everything's looking superb —we have, plans we have for the future, the amount of kids we have here — over 350 kids playing for every single age group — the difference from 10 years is completely night and day.' And if Burgh were to go and lift the cup on Sunday, Williams admits a few tears would be shed. He added: 'I'd probably start crying! 'If we do win it, just the fact that highlighting the club, being in that public eye, the crowds are growing and people now realise that there's a good club here. It's a good atmosphere, it's a family club. 'Hopefully the boys will do that this Sunday and, if they win, they'll be talked about in 50 years.'
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Pride as Johnstone Burgh reach Junior Cup Final for first time in 25 years
The Renfrewshire outfit overturned a one-goal deficit to see off Largs Thistle at Barrfields on Sunday. LARGS THISTLE...0 JOHNSTONE BURGH...2 (Johnstone Burgh won 2-1 on aggregate) Murdo MacKinnon was bursting with pride as Johnstone Burgh reached their first Junior Cup final in 25 years. Two well-taken goals by Ciaran Diver and Aaron Mason saw the Renfrewshire side triumph over West of Scotland League Premier Division rivals Largs Thistle at sun-drenched Barrfields on Sunday. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Burgh produced a textbook away-day performance to sink the Seasiders and book a showdown with Lowland League Tranent. The sides will fight it out for the coveted piece of silverware at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld, on Sunday, June 1. Burgh got their hands on the trophy the last time they made it to the final in 2000 – beating Whitburn on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Partick Thistle's Firhill. Now the class of 2024-25 have a huge opportunity to write their names into club folklore and MacKinnon insists they deserve their big moment. The Keanie Park gaffer said: 'I thought my players were magnificent, to a man, with the effort and work they put in. You saw at the end – players had cramp, injuries – but refused to come off the park. You can see how much it meant to them. 'Largs is a tough place to come and credit to them. Not many teams come here and win by two clear goals but my boys have turned up and done it. I can't tell you how proud I am of them. 'For the first goal, Ciaran's gone by two centre-halves as if they weren't there and he's got that in his locker and it was a great finish from Aaron which was a tremendous way to win the game.' In front of a big crowd, Burgh took the lead in the 15th minute when Diver raced clear and slid the ball under the keeper and into the net. Chances were few and far between and it took until after the restart before the next clear opportunity when Burgh keeper Luke Scullion blocked Will Sewell's deflected strike. In the 72nd minute, Largs went close when Blair Devine's cross found Travis Stracey who nodded just wide. With the tie evenly poised at 1-1, Burgh made what proved to be the decisive breakthrough six minutes later when Mason produced a stylish finish into the bottom corner of the net. Largs refused to surrender and, in the 83rd minute, Devine headed against the bar from a free-kick with David McGrath's follow-up held by Scullion. In the third minute of time added on, the Seasiders had one final crack at goal but Sewell's effort from a narrowing angle flew over the bar. Scenes of celebration among the Burgh contingent greeted the final whistle – this long campaign lives on and all roads now lead to North Lanarkshire.
