Johnston booked their place in the Division Two Cup Final with a 2-0 win over Camrose at Little Castle Grove, Herbrandston, courtesy of second half goals from Luke Hayward and Charlie Hughes.

It’s been a stop-start season for the Tigers, plagued by injuries and availability issues, but there is a growing confidence and belief within the group that with their strongest squad available they can take on anyone.

Much like their their trophy-winning run of two seasons ago, full focus has been on silverware following a mixed league campaign, with experienced club stalwarts such as Steven Mills and Luke Hayward stepping up when it matters most to deliver on the pitch.

In a reversal of that memorable run, this year’s cup campaign began with a win over Monkton Swifts 2nds with a Josh Knapp double sealing a win in a fiery encounter. That was followed up by a 7-1 demolition of Solva away from home thanks to a hat-trick from Ryan Doyle with Captain Joey George, Steven Mills and Luke Hayward all showing their class to get on the scoresheet.

There would have been no complacency facing their opponents Camrose, themselves a capable outfit who many many have tipped for a promotion charge at the start of the season.

After a goalless first half the deadlock was finally broken on the 63rd minute, with Steven Mills setting up Luke Hayward to open the scoring.

Hayward when then stepped up for a chance to score from the penalty spot in the 79th minute to double the lead only to see his effort saved from Chris Llewellyn. The chance however did not go to waste, with substitute and former Camrose player Charlie Hughes firing home the rebound after being the quickest to react to the save.

Johnston will now face Hakin United 2nds on the 17th April, the Vikings coming through a dramatic encounter with Milford United on penalties to seal their place in the final.