Celtic reach another Scottish Cup final

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Celtic 6 - 2 St Mirren

Celtic will face Dunfermline Athletic in next month’s Scottish Cup final after a breathless eight-goal encounter with St Mirren

Author | Sean M

Stadium | Hampden Park

With the match poised at 2-2, four goals in six minutes overwhelmed the Paisley side, who had recovered from two down to force the additional period.

In extra time, a rapid double from substitute Kelechi Iheanacho, first with a header and then a composed finish, alongside a strike from Luke McCowan, broke St Mirren’s resistance. Benjamin Nygren then added further gloss, the Sweden international guiding in his 20th goal of an impressive debut season.

The result sets up a meeting between Martin O’Neill and his former midfield lieutenant Neil Lennon, echoing the 2007 final, when Dunfermline were beaten 1-0 in their last appearance in the showpiece.

It was a harsh outcome on St Mirren, and particularly their 17-year-old goalkeeper, who had responded admirably after his side conceded in both the opening and closing moments of the first half.

How the drama unfolded

Daizen Maeda capitalised on a mistake from Ryan Mullen to give Celtic the lead after just 57 seconds, before Anthony Ralston struck superbly on the stroke of half-time to double the advantage.

Watch | A video from the Celtic end

Celtic also hit the woodwork through Arne Engels and Hyun-Jun Yang, and were left to rue missed chances when Mikael Mandron headed St Mirren back into the contest early in the second half.

Following that first St Mirren goal, Celtic had opportunities to finish the game, but you always sensed there was something in it for the Scottish League Cup winners.

Mandron’s powerful effort in the 91st minute appeared to swing momentum towards the Paisley side, but the Scottish champions found another level in extra time.

Watch | Drama at Hampden Park

The match followed a disrupted opening, with Mullen, deputising for the injured Shamal George, forced off after 14 minutes, handing a debut to teenager Grant Tamosevicius. The young goalkeeper produced a number of assured saves but was ultimately exposed by Celtic’s surge in extra time.

The record 42-time winners advance to the final on 23 May, though they were pushed all the way for their place.

Location: Letherby Dr, Glasgow G42 9BA, UK

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