Johnstone Burgh’s first pre-season friendly of the 2026/27 season ended in a 4-1 defeat to League 2 side Annan Athletic at Galabank Stadium.
New manager Stevie Farrell named as strong a team as possible in his first match in charge. New signings Brett Long, Mark Durnan, Calvin McGrory, and Kristopher Kerr all made their debuts for the club.

Annan Athletic took the lead after just 40 seconds. Player/manager Willie Gibson delivered an in-swinging corner from the left, which Tommy Muir headed home from around 4 yards at the back post.
The home side doubled their lead in the 11th minute. Some slick passing between Alistair Roy and Josh Dixon on the right created space for Paul Smith, who squared the ball across the face of goal for Aidan Smith to tap in from 2 yards.

Annan had a chance to make it 3-0 in the 20th minute when Willie Gibson picked out Aidan Smith at the back post, but his header from 6 yards flew over the crossbar.
In the 25th minute, play was stopped for a hydration break — a reminder of the World Cup conditions in the summer heat.

Johnstone Burgh created their first real chance in the 34th minute. Ian McShane crossed from the right to Malky McDonald, whose header from 8 yards went over the bar.

Annan added a third goal just before half-time. Willie Gibson had time on the right wing to whip in another excellent cross, which Tommy Muir powered home with a downward header from 6 yards.
The Burgh had a half-chance just before the break when Leon Murphy fired a first-time shot from 20 yards over the bar.
Half Time: Annan Athletic 3-0 Johnstone Burgh

The second half was a much quieter affair as both teams made multiple substitutions.

Johnstone Burgh’s first real threat came in the 64th minute when Aaron Mason made a strong run into the box and unleashed a powerful shot from 14 yards, which was well saved by Annan goalkeeper Sam Murdoch.

Annan extended their lead in the 66th minute. A brilliant first-time pass from Bright Prince Okosun put a trialist through on goal, and he calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner from 10 yards.

Johnstone Burgh grabbed a consolation goal in the 89th minute. Captain Mark Durnan played a lovely long ball through to Broque Watson, who lobbed the advancing Sam Murdoch from just outside the box.
The referee blew the full-time whistle shortly after, with Annan Athletic running out comfortable 4-1 winners.