Celtic Overpower St Mirren in Extra Time to Secure Scottish Cup Final Spot

Celtic will face off against their former captain Neil Lennon's team, Dunfermline Athletic, in the Scottish Cup final after defeating St Mirren 6-2 in a thrilling semi-final match that went into extra time. The Hoops initially took a 2-0 lead with goals from Daizen Maeda and Anthony Ralston, but St Mirren staged a dramatic comeback in the second half, with Mikael Mandron scoring twice, including a stunning equalizer in the 91st minute. However, Celtic regained their composure in extra time, with Kelechi Iheanacho scoring a brace and Luke McCowan and Benjamin Nygren adding to the tally, securing a decisive victory. The win sets up an emotional final between two Celtic legends, Martin O'Neill and Neil Lennon, on May 23 at Hampden Park. The match got off to a chaotic start when St Mirren's backup goalkeeper Ryan Mullen gifted Celtic the opening goal inside the first minute. Mullen's error was compounded when he suffered an injury, forcing 17-year-old Grant Tamosevicius to make his senior debut. Despite some nervy moments, Tamosevicius performed admirably, making a smart save from Maeda and showcasing his composure on the ball. Celtic's Viljami Sinisalo also had a few close calls, including a near-miss when he was dispossessed by Mandron inside his own six-yard box. However, Sinisalo redeemed himself with an excellent stop to deny Liam Donnelly's powerful header from a corner. St Mirren's comeback began in earnest when Mandron headed in Declan John's chipped cross eight minutes into the second half. Although Celtic temporarily regained control, they faced a barrage of attacks from St Mirren in the final 15 minutes, with Sinisalo pulling off an excellent double save in the 87th minute. However, he was eventually beaten by Mandron's second goal in stoppage time, sending the match into extra time. Celtic dominated the extra period, with Iheanacho heading in James Forrest's cross, followed by goals from Luke McCowan and Benjamin Nygren. The win sets up a mouth-watering final between Celtic and Dunfermline Athletic, with O'Neill and Lennon set to lock horns in a battle of wits. Lennon, who played under O'Neill at Leicester and Celtic, expressed his excitement at the prospect of facing his former manager, describing it as an 'honour and a privilege.' O'Neill also praised Lennon's achievements, saying he has done 'remarkably well' at Dunfermline and is looking forward to their reunion in the final.