JOHNSTONE Burgh under-21s are on the brink of history after they marched into the Scottish Cup final with a thumping win in the semi-final.

In front of a healthy crowd at Renfrew FC’s New Western Park, Burgh showed they would not be fazed by the big occasion, dominating proceedings from the first whistle and coasting to a 6-1 win over Leith Athletic.

The victory took on added significance as players from both sides and the crowd paused for a minute’s silence in memory of Tony Healy, dad to Burgh skipper Kieran.

Kieran showed tremendous composure when Burgh were awarded a penalty in the first-half, taking responsibility and slotting it away for the opener.

Burgh were 4-1 up at half-time as a brace of headers from David McCallum and a terrific finish from Jordan Keenan had the Johnstone side well in control.

Kenny Wright and Lee Cochrane added the fifth and sixth to make it a memorable day for Burgh.

Joint manager John Sherry was delighted with his side.

He said: “The boys were absolutely brilliant.

“It’s probably the best we’ve played all season. The margin of victory was maybe a bit of a surprise because we didn’t know how good a team we’d be facing.

“But we have a really talented group of players here. It’s about them believing just how good they can be and hopefully that result can help the players realise that.”

Burgh will bid to make history on May 1 at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium in the final. With representatives from a host of junior and senior clubs set to be there, it might well be the first in a long line of big games for some of Burgh’s key men.