Annan Athletic FC 4–1 Johnstone Burgh FC
International Club Friendly – June 24, 2026, 02:30

Annan Athletic FC began their pre-season schedule with an emphatic 4-1 victory over West of Scotland League side Johnstone Burgh FC at Galabank. The League Two outfit controlled proceedings from start to finish, racing into an early lead and never looking back. The match served as ideal preparation for Annan, who will be aiming for a strong start to their upcoming league campaign.

Match Overview

Annan dominated the opening exchanges and found the net twice inside the first 20 minutes. Johnstone Burgh pulled one back before the break, but Annan re‑established their two‑goal cushion shortly after half‑time and added a fourth late on to cap a convincing performance. The visiting side showed glimpses of quality but were largely outclassed by a sharper, more organised Annan team.

Lightning Start from Annan

Annan wasted no time in asserting their authority. In the fifth minute, a rapid move down the right ended with a low cross that was turned in at the near post. The second goal arrived in the 18th minute: a corner was cleared only as far as an Annan midfielder, who controlled and volleyed home from 18 yards – a strike that brought applause from the Galabank faithful.

Johnstone Burgh responded well to the early pressure. They began to find their rhythm in the final 15 minutes of the half, and their persistence paid off when a free‑kick delivery was headed back across goal and bundled over the line by a forward. The goal gave the visitors belief, and the half ended 2-1, with Annan still in front but facing a potential fight.

Second Half Restraint

Manager Peter Murphy made a few tactical adjustments at the interval, and Annan came out determined to kill the game. The decisive third goal arrived just before the hour mark. A long ball over the top caught out the Johnstone Burgh defence, and the Annan striker showed composure to lob the goalkeeper and make it 3-1.

With the two‑goal cushion restored, Annan controlled possession and limited Johnstone Burgh to speculative efforts from distance. The home side added a fourth in the 78th minute, a well‑struck penalty after a defender was adjudged to have handled in the box. The final minutes were played out at a comfortable pace, with Annan in full command.

Standout Performers

Annan’s front three were a constant menace with their movement and pace. The goalscorer who netted twice led the line superbly, occupying defenders and linking play effectively. The midfield engine room also impressed, covering ground and recycling possession efficiently. For Johnstone Burgh, their goalscorer showed sharp instincts inside the box, and the central midfielder worked hard to stem the tide.

Pre‑Season Significance

This comfortable win offers Annan Athletic a valuable confidence boost as they enter a crucial phase of pre‑season training. The ability to score four goals and impose their style against a lower‑division opponent is exactly what the coaching staff will have hoped for. Johnstone Burgh, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their spirited equaliser and the opportunity to test themselves against a professional side, but they will need to tighten up defensively before their own league starts.