JOHNSTONE Burgh under-21s lifted the Scottish Youth FA Cup for the first time in their history.

They did so with a superb 3-1 win over Bonnyton Thistle in the final at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium on Sunday.

The Renfrewshire side’s march to the cup was led by Jordan Keenan who netted a superb brace in front of a bumper travelling support. A terrific 25-yard free kick from Steven Brown in the closing stages wrapped up an historic day for Burgh.

It was an especially moving day for two players in particular, goalscorer Brown has recently lost his gran while skipper Kieran Healy’s dad also sadly passed away before the team’s cup semi-final.

Burgh started the brighter and went in front when Keenan evaded his marker from a corner and and headed into the net.

Bonnyton lifted the tempo after going behind and equalised through Ian Paterson and the sides went in level at half-time

Burgh were revitalised in the second half. On 56 minutes, Danny Smith burst down the left wing past the Bonnyton defence, he clipped the ball into the box where Keenan had sneaked in unmarked and nodded home his second of the day.

The introductions of Gary McCormick, Alex Beattie, Kenny Wright and Danny Smith did enough to re-energise Johnstone Burgh. The icing on the cake came with Brown’s free kick in the 90th minute.

Burgh assistant manager John Sherry couldn’t hide his delight at the victory, he said: “It is a monumental victory for the club. We had some words with the boys at half-time and they responded in the second half, the substitutes really changed the game for us.

“It’s a massive achievement, it was great to have some of the boys from the younger teams there as mascots as and some of the junior players were here as well.

“The players have been brilliant, they really deserve their success. Eight players are leaving this year and I’m sure they will go on to good clubs. A big thanks to the parents and everyone who came along, the support was brilliant. Lilybank Bowling Club and the Elderslie Inn put on a brilliant party for us on Sunday.”

Head of youth development at inspiresport, who sponsor the competition, Jed McCabe, is also from Johnstone and he said it was a proud moment for him to hand over the trophy to the local side.

He said: "It was an amazing day. It was an absolute privilege to hand over the trophy to Johnstone Burgh.”

Inspiresport work with some of the world’s top professional football clubs which include Real Madrid and Manchester City. Any school or club looking for a tour to one of the world’s top clubs then call inspiresport on 0141 848 1196 or visit www.inspiresport.com.

Congratulations to all connected to Johnstone Burgh under-21s from everyone at the Gazette.