St Mirren claimed the Scottish League Cup for only the second time in their 148-year history with a commanding victory over Celtic, heaping further misery on manager Wilfried Nancy. The defeat, Nancy's third in as many games, has plunged Celtic into a state of crisis, with fans and pundits questioning the direction of the club under the Frenchman.
St Mirren surged ahead inside 100 seconds when Marcus Fraser reacted quickest to a Keanu Baccus corner. Celtic equalised through Reo Hatate, who volleyed home from Kieran Tierney’s cross. However, St Mirren took control in the second half. Jonah Ayunga rose to meet Alex Gogic’s chipped cross to restore the lead, then added his second after a superb pass from Miguel Freckleton found Declan John, who set up Ayunga for a simple finish.
Celtic’s performance was described as desperate, with Nancy’s tactical switch to a back three proving problematic. The team have conceded eight goals in three games, and Kasper Schmeichel’s form has been questioned. Nancy admitted the defeat was “painful” and cited “self-doubt” within the squad, but insisted he knows what needs to be done. He faces a quick turnaround with a trip to Dundee United on Wednesday.
In contrast, St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson out-thought his counterpart, with his side’s cup final plans disrupted by a late illness to striker Mikael Mandron. Robinson called for his team’s performance to be recognised, saying: “I want being as comfortable as we were today to be recognised.”
