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Ex-Rangers striker sparks wild celebrations with cup-winning penalty

Ex-Rangers striker sparks wild celebrations with cup-winning penalty

The National02-06-2025
The Northern Irish striker smashed home the winning penalty for Johnstone Burgh to beat Tranent in the final at Broadwood Stadium.
Lafferty, who has three top-flight Scottish titles, a Scottish Cup and two League Cups as well as a Serie B title and a Championship winners' medal made no mistake from the spot as he lashed home the crucial spot-kick.
The 37-year-old climbed off the bench to play a decisive role in the victory after Ciaran Diver equalised, following Tranent taking the lead through a Harry Girdwood header in the first half.
Tranent were reduced to ten men with 13 minutes left to play as Scott Gray was shown a second yellow card.
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With the scores tied after 90 minutes, the final would go to penalties with Burgh perfect from the spot.
Dean Brett fired his penalty over the bar with Luke Scullion saving Tranent's third penalty from Euan Bauld.
Diver, Fraser Mullen, Ross Davidson and Lafferty were on target for Burgh to win the cup, and spark wild celebrations as supporters raced onto the Broadwood pitch.
Lafferty said on BBC Alba after the cup victory: "You always want to get to finals, no matter what standard you are in.
"When I first signed for the club, that was the first thing they said to me: 'We need to win the Scottish Cup, that is the cup we want'.
"It's been a long, long time since they've been to the final, never mind winning it."
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