On a thrilling Sunday afternoon at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld, the Scottish Junior Cup Final unfolded with all the drama and passion that has made this tournament the so-called 'Holy Grail' of junior football. The clash between Johnstone Burgh and Tranent was not just a battle for silverware, but a historic occasion that brought together communities, memories, and a deep hunger for glory.
BBC ALBA secured exclusive rights to broadcast the final live, with Micheal Steele presenting and Alex O’Henley providing commentary, bringing the excitement directly to fans across Scotland. The atmosphere was electric as around 4,500 spectators gathered to witness the showdown, including an estimated 3,000 loyal Johnstone Burgh supporters eager to see their side end a long wait for glory.
Johnstone Burgh entered the final for the first time in 25 years, a milestone that carried significant weight for the club and its fans. Their last final appearance was in 2000 at Partick Thistle’s Firhill, where they faced Whitburn Juniors in a nail-biting encounter that ended 2-2 before the East of Scotland League side triumphed on penalties. This time, the stakes felt even higher, especially with the presence of former Rangers and Northern Ireland legend Kyle Lafferty. The 37-year-old striker, who joined Johnstone Burgh in 2023 after a distinguished career across clubs like Rangers, Burnley, Palermo, Norwich City, Hearts, and Sunderland, was determined to add the Junior Cup to his impressive trophy cabinet.
Lafferty’s career boasts three Scottish Premiership titles, a Scottish Cup winners’ medal, two League Cups, a Serie B title, and the Scottish Championship among other accolades, not to mention 89 caps for Northern Ireland and a memorable run to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016. Yet, despite all these achievements, Lafferty expressed that winning this Junior Cup would mean just as much. “Yeah, 100 per cent. It is another medal that will go in the cabinet,” he said. “It might not be the biggest competition that I have played in, but it is a medal. I am playing for Johnstone Burgh and I have come here to win trophies and collect medals.”
He reflected on the club’s ambition: “That was one of the first things they said to me when I came here, that they were desperate to win it again.” With Johnstone Burgh having not lifted the trophy for 57 years, the pressure and desire to succeed were palpable. Lafferty’s presence was a beacon of experience and leadership, and his commitment to the club was clear. Despite receiving offers to return to the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), he remained content at Johnstone Burgh, valuing the club’s community spirit and the challenge it presented. “I love it. It is a great club heading in the right direction,” he said. “It is a proper family club who get the community involved with things.”
The game itself was a tense affair. Tranent, playing in the final for the first time in 90 years, had a rich history with the Scottish Junior Cup, having lost the final in 1933 and won it in 1935 with a 6-1 victory over Petershill at Ibrox. Their path to the final was hard-fought, with a narrow 3-2 aggregate win over Drumchapel United earlier in May. Tranent defender Euan Bauld captured the mood perfectly: “It’s a massive day for the club as it’s 90 years since Tranent last won the Scottish Junior Cup. Hopefully we can do the town proud and bring home the trophy.”
Tranent took the lead in the first half through a header by Harry Girdwood, putting pressure on Johnstone Burgh to respond. The Burgh rallied, and with just 16 minutes left on the clock, Ciaran Diver leveled the score, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Neither side could find the winner in regular or extra time, pushing the contest to a penalty shootout that would decide the fate of the coveted trophy.
It was here that Kyle Lafferty’s experience shone brightest. Coming on as a second-half substitute, the former international striker stepped up to score the decisive penalty in a 4-2 shootout victory for Johnstone Burgh. His composure under pressure was a fitting end to a career that has seen him perform on some of football’s biggest stages. The victory not only ended Johnstone Burgh’s long wait for the trophy but also marked a personal triumph for Lafferty, who described the moment as just as significant as any other in his career.
The win was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Johnstone Burgh squad, who have steadily built a strong team in the West of Scotland Premier League, finishing third behind Clydebank and Auchinleck this season. Lafferty’s leadership was instrumental throughout, and his plans extend beyond his playing days. He revealed ambitions to stay involved with the club as a coach, hoping to nurture young talent and strengthen the pathway from youth to senior football. “I have my own soccer academy as well so I think I can pass on my experience and hopefully bring the young lads on because I think we don’t have a lot of lads from the 21s coming through,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Lafferty anticipates one more season as a player, ideally at Keanie Park, Johnstone Burgh’s home ground. “If I am here next year, it will probably be my last season. I’d like to go out leaving the club in the Lowland League,” he said.
BBC ALBA commissioning editor Fiona MacKenzie highlighted the significance of the event: “The Scottish Junior Cup Final is a standout event in BBC ALBA’s spring sporting schedule that showcases the passion and commitment of the players – and their communities – at every level of the game. With two passionate clubs, with everything to play for, this year’s final promises all the drama and excitement that makes Junior football so unique and we’re proud to be able to showcase this iconic fixture to a wider audience across our channels.”
The 2025 Scottish Junior Cup Final was a vivid reminder of why junior football remains a cherished part of Scotland’s sporting landscape. It brought together history, community pride, and the dreams of players like Kyle Lafferty, whose journey from international stardom to grassroots football underscores the enduring spirit of the game. As the celebrations continue at Johnstone Burgh, the club and its fans can revel in a victory that resonates far beyond the pitch, symbolizing resilience, passion, and the timeless allure of football’s underdog stories.
