Celtic secured their place in the Scottish Cup final with a dramatic 6-2 extra-time victory over St Mirren at Hampden Park. The Hoops will now face Championship side Dunfermline Athletic, managed by former Celtic captain Neil Lennon, in next month's showpiece.
The match started in chaotic fashion as St Mirren goalkeeper Ryan Mullen made a disastrous error in the first minute, allowing Daizen Maeda to open the scoring. Mullen, deputising for the injured Shamal George, was caught in possession by Maeda and his attempted clearance ricocheted off the Japanese forward and into the net. The goalkeeper then suffered an injury and was replaced after 14 minutes by 17-year-old debutant Grant Tamosevicius.
Anthony Ralston doubled Celtic's lead on the stroke of half-time with a curling effort from the edge of the box. However, St Mirren fought back in the second half, with Mikael Mandron heading home in the 53rd minute and then equalising in the 90th minute to force extra time.
Celtic dominated the additional period, scoring four goals in a ruthless six-minute spell. Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scored twice, either side of a strike from fellow substitute Luke Cowan, before Benjamin Nygren completed the rout. The victory keeps Celtic on course for a league and cup double.
Dunfermline, managed by Neil Lennon, advanced to the final by beating Falkirk 4-2 on penalties on Saturday. The final will see Lennon face his former manager Martin O'Neill, under whom he enjoyed success at Leicester City and Celtic.
