Glenvale and Johnstone Burgh produced an epic game in memory of the Paisley businessman that sponsored both clubs.
The Renfrewshire sides co-hosted the inaugural John Grant Tournament at the weekend, with the pair joined by Maryhill and Largs Thistle.
While Premier Division side Largs went on to lift the trophy, it was Paisley side Glenvale and Johnstone Burgh who undoubtedly produced the game of the tournament in their incredible semi-final on Saturday.
Despite being three divisions below Burgh in the West of Scotland Football League set up, ‘Vale raced into a three-nil lead in the opening 30 minutes.
Jamie McKim’s side pulled a goal back before half-time, but Glenvale managed to stretch their lead back to 4-1 at the interval.
The Keanie Park crowd certainly got their money’s worth, with Burgh fighting back to 5-3 before two late goals took the clash to penalties.
It was Glenvale who came out on top from the spot, with Steven Lynch, Jamie Sidebotham, Brodie Gillanders, Craig Reilly️ and Mark Jardine keeping their cool to clinch an impressive win.
Glenvale boss John Kelly told Express Sport: “If people donated a fiver to get in, they definitely got their money’s worth!
“It was a terrific game of football and we were chuffed to get the win in the end.
“We knew it was going to be very tough because Burgh have got a quality side. They’ve got two good players in every position.
“We know we can give anyone a game on our day though and we were going all out to win it.
“We were in total control in the first half an hour, 3-0 up but we switched off a bit and allowed them back into the game.
“The ref helped them out a wee bit at the end, with one of their last two goals miles offside and the other coming from a very soft free-kick.
“To score five goals against a Division One team gives us a lot of confidence going into the new season. The fact we had 11 players feature who have come through our youth system was also pleasing.”
Glenvale’s win set them up a final showdown with Largs Thistle, who went on to win comfortably 5-1 to lift the trophy.
Kelly was still pleased with the application of his side, and was over the moon with how smoothly the tournament ran in memory of Grant.
Kelly said: “It was a fantastic weekend all-round.
“The Largs game was just a little bit too much for us. We were actually the better team for the first 30 minutes, took the lead and had another few chances to make it two.
“Once they equalised they quickly took the lead as well, and that knocked the stuffing out of us a bit.
“The performances that the boys game me over the whole weekend were brilliant. I couldn’t have asked for any more.
“I spoke to one of John’s sons James over the weekend and he was very complimentary of the whole tournament and how well it had went.
“The tournament was pulled together at pretty short notice and the committees of both clubs did a great job overall.
“All of the proceeds went to mental health charity CAMHS too, which was the most important thing at the end of the day.”
Burgh boss Jamie McKim paid tribute to Glenvale’s determination and hard work, insisting they deserved to come out on top in their semi-final.
He was pleased they bounced back to thump Maryhill in their third place play-off, not that it was enough to stop any ribbing from his family members that are currently involved with Glenvale.
McKim said: “For the neutral, it must have been a brilliant game to watch.
“But for the manager of the side who are three divisions above the other, it was a bit of a horror show from us to be honest.
“I’m not taking anything away from Glenvale though. They gave our boys an absolute lesson in taking the right attitude into the game.
“I warned our boys against complacency, but unfortunately that message simply didn’t land.
“I think it was harsh on Glenvale that it finished in a draw. They were well worthy of the win.
“My dad is Glenvale’s chairman and my brother is their captain. It’s fair to say I got slaughtered by them all night on Saturday!”
McKim added: “I’m glad we turned up better against Maryhill, but we’ve still got a long way to go. We have to be better than we were at the weekend.
“Overall the tournament itself was a great occasion and ran very smoothly.
“The fact that so many came out to watch and to recognise how much John did for the local football community was fantastic.”
- The clubs would like to thank the companies who sponsored the matchday programme, especially former St Mirren player Chris Kerr at Porcelanosa.
