Johnstone Burgh 1-2 Benburb BURGH could take pride in their performance as they dug deep to push the Bens all the way in the final of the Johnstone Burgh Tournament.

Colin Smith and David Brolly’s side qualified for the final at the expense of Super League Premier side Troon, after a last minute equaliser from Aidan Lennon forced the tie to penalties which duly saw them past their opponents.

But, it wasn’t plain sailing in the final as injuries to new signing Ross Mackie, centre back John Yule, and John McStay forced the management into a number of substitutions in the first half, leading to the introduction of Dale Sloan, who moved up to the senior side after serving his apprenticeship with the under-21s.

Two goals in the opening 20 minutes for the Bens knocked the stuffing out the home side as their bid to retain their title looked to be slipping away.

The Bens took the lead early on as the ball fell to their striker in the box, who calmly fired past Burke in the Burgh goal. And, it was two in quick succession when Burke misjudged an innocent looking ball over the top, allowing the Benburb winger in to tap home on the angle in 17 minutes.

Chances came and went for the home side, who were looking especially dangerous from corner kicks but they were unable to convert their chances in the first half.

A rousing half time team talk appeared to have been given as Burgh started the second period looking the livelier of the sides.

The introduction of seasoned campaigners Steph McGarrigle and Chris Wozencroft seemed to solidify the defence, and Wozencroft was unlucky to have a goal chopped off as Burgh looked to be working their way back in to the match.

The Burgh goal finally came in the final 10 minutes after Martin McIntyre was brought down inside the edge of the area — allowing Gordon Ion to step up and slot the ball home from the spot.

But, it proved to be too little to late for the hosts as the Bens survived a late onslaught to take the title back to Glasgow.