Thorn Athletic’s 2006s side delivered the club the perfect 25th anniversary gift by sensationally lifting the Scottish Cup.
The Johnstone outfit defeated Blackburn United 4-1 at Airdrie in front of a magnificent support to bring home the club’s first-ever national trophy.
Half-time substitute Brandon Forbes bagged a sensational second-half hat-trick after climbing off the bench, along with a wonderful goal from strike partner Nathan McLelland.
That sparked wild celebrations among the fans who have already watched the team become league champions with another two cup finals to come as they bid to complete a clean sweep quadruple in Scotland.
Manager Steven McKnight hailed his young team who have been almost unstoppable for the past few years – racking up trophy after trophy.
Along with his team of Gerry Leitch, Scott McLelland and Graeme Potts, they have guided the team to unprecedented success for the club.
The team were given a rapturous reception when they arrived back at Thorn Athletic Sports Academy in Johnstone where the team, parents, coaches and supporters partied long into the night.
McKnight said: “The boys have been magnificent and this was undoubtedly our finest achievement.
“I am delighted and it has been the culmination of a lot of hard work. Many of the boys have been with me since fun fours and that makes it extra special. I felt we were always in control of the game and to win it in the manner we did, with some fantastic goals, proved just how good the team are. They handled the pressure and everything else around the game so well.
“It’s my proudest moment in football and I am just overwhelmed with the support of everyone who has been behind us from the outset.”
The team had enjoyed lunch at Trattoria Roma on Johnstone High Street before setting off for the match on a team bus sponsored by Boyd’s Coaches.
Another three supporters’ buses followed the team along with hundreds of fans travelling in cars to cheer them on.
It has been many decades since a Scottish Cup has resided in the town – and it comes as Thorn Athletic prepare to celebrate the club’s 25th anniversary this year.
And, ironically, the trophy was handed over to team captain Haydon Barrett by Johnstone man and representative of event sponsors Inspiresport Jed McCabe.
He had previously organised a trip to Futbol Salou in Spain for the team in October 2022 and a lot of the groundwork for this triumph was laid then as the boys learned so much and developed as a group.
Thorn Athletic chairperson and founder Mark McGee said: “I was told several years ago that this team had the potential to achieve great things, but it’s not easy to go out and do it.
“That’s testament to the hard work of Steven, his coaches and, of course, the players.
“It was so great to see so many people from the club’s past, present and, indeed, future there. The mascots and ball boys from our 2015 team had a super day and it was a great experience for everyone.”
The club would like to thank Iain McMillan, Thorn Athletic 2016s and Boyd’s Coaches who helped provide free supporters buses and to the team sponsors Tilecraft, GW Smart Homes, Prentice Electrical and Cameron Connect.
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