Player statistic
| 23' |  |
Neil McPherson | ||
| 25' | |
Cameron Keay | ||
| 39' | |
Cameron Keay | ||
| 45' | |
Kyle McAvoy |
Johnstone Burgh marked a major milestone in the club’s history on Tuesday night as the new floodlights at Keanie Park were officially switched on — completing the final stage of the club’s Scottish FA Entry Level licence application.
However, the historic occasion ended in disappointment on the pitch, as a clinical Auchinleck Talbot side ran out convincing 4-0 winners under the lights in Johnstone.
The lights were officially switched on ahead of kick-off by Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron, alongside members of the club’s 1968 Scottish Junior Cup-winning team — captain George Caughey and Nicky House.
Chairman Brian Williams told supporters the club was marking “a historic moment in the club’s history”.
He said: “We’ve had many firsts in the last 12 months — winning the Junior Cup back in June for the first time in 56 years. That covers several generations, so that was a really special day.
“Another first was playing in the Senior Scottish Cup when we played Threave Rovers here back in September. And tonight, in a few minutes, we’ll have another first when we switch on these lights to play the first ever game under the lights at Keanie Park.”
Williams said the progress followed a plan set out when the current ownership took over.
“Some of you might remember we put a statement out about two and a half years ago when Jack and Scott bought the park and the club. We laid out a few things we wanted to do. People mocked us, but inside the club we knew it was something we could achieve with hard work.
“You can see what we’ve done since then. We have a successful team on the park, and if you’ve been indoors you’ll see the amount of work going on there. The stand is up, and in a few seconds the lights will come on.”
He added: “As of yesterday, the paperwork was submitted to the SFA. Once we play this game tonight, that should complete the final requirement.
“So Lowland League, ladies and gentlemen, here we come.”
Co-owner Jack Henderson described it as “a historic moment for the team and a historic moment for the club”.
“For me, the most important aspect has always been the community. Hearing that there are now 350 kids involved is exceptional. This is the next stage in the evolution of Johnstone Burgh.
“What’s happened over the past three years has been incredible, and I’m really excited for the next three years.”
The floodlight installation marks the final requirement for the Scottish FA Entry Level licence. The club now await formal confirmation from the Licensing Committee and Scottish FA board.
On the pitch, Burgh manager Murdo MacKinnon made two changes from the side that beat Dundee Violet 1-0 at the weekend, with Cammy Eadie replacing Danny O’Neill and Del Esplin coming in for Leon Murphy.
The Burgh started brightly.
Kian Gilday forced a save from Jordan Longmuir in the 9th minute after a strong run down the left, and Ian McShane fired just over from 16 yards five minutes later following a neat pass from Aaron Mason.
Mason himself was unlucky not to score. His 25-yard effort was deflected just wide in the 20th minute, before he struck the top of the crossbar from 20 yards just a minute later.
Talbot weathered the early pressure and struck in the 23rd minute. From a corner, captain Neill McPherson headed home from eight yards.
Three minutes later it was 2-0. Cameron Keay finished sharply from 12 yards after a quick attack down the right.
Kyle McAvoy went close as Talbot pushed for a third, and they found it in the 39th minute. A stumble from Gilday allowed Keay to run through and finish clinically from 16 yards for his second of the night.
In the second minute of added time, Talbot made it 4-0. McAvoy produced a fine piece of skill before firing low into the bottom right corner from 20 yards.
Half-time: 0-4.
The second half was a far quieter affair.
Ross Clark tested Luke Scullion in the 63rd minute, and Scott Schoneville fired over from long range shortly after. Kyle Lafferty, on at half-time, sent a free kick over the bar in the 73rd minute.
Talbot nearly added a fifth in the 74th minute, but Scullion made a good save from just inside the box. Ross Clark hit the side netting in the 83rd minute as the visitors saw out a comfortable victory.
Full-time: 0-4.
Despite the defeat, the night remains a significant one off the pitch. The floodlights represent more than just improved facilities — they complete the criteria for an Entry Level licence, opening the door to further progression within the senior pyramid.
After the loss, Johnstone Burgh remain 9th in the WoSFL Premier Division on 24 points from 12 games.
Next up is a trip to Newlandsfield Park to face Pollok on Saturday 28th February at 2pm.