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

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill is set to face off against his former captain, Neil Lennon, in the Scottish Cup final after the Hoops defeated St Mirren 6-2 in a thrilling semi-final match that went into extra time. The game got off to a blistering start with Celtic taking a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Daizen Maeda and Anthony Ralston. However, St Mirren staged a remarkable comeback in the second half, with Mikael Mandron scoring twice, including a dramatic equalizer in the 91st minute that sent the match into extra time. Despite the setback, Celtic regained their composure and dominated the extra time period, with Kelechi Iheanacho scoring a brace and Luke McCowan and Benjamin Nygren adding to the tally, thus ensuring a convincing victory. The win sets up an emotional final between Celtic and Dunfermline Athletic, managed by Lennon, on May 23 at Hampden Park. The matchup is a repeat of the 2007 Scottish Cup final, which was also Lennon's last game as a Celtic player. The semi-final match was marked by a series of dramatic moments, including a nightmare start for St Mirren when backup goalkeeper Ryan Mullen conceded a goal to Maeda in the first minute. Mullen's woes continued as he suffered an injury, paving the way for 17-year-old Grant Tamosevicius to make his senior debut. At the other end, Celtic's Viljami Sinisalo had a close call when he was dispossessed by Mandron, but managed to escape unscathed. Sinisalo went on to make several crucial saves, including a stunning double save in the 87th minute. Tamosevicius, despite his inexperience, held his own and made some impressive saves, including one from Maeda, before eventually being beaten by Ralston on the stroke of half-time. The second half saw St Mirren launch a fierce comeback, with Mandron scoring his first goal since December. Celtic, however, regained control before facing a barrage of attacks from St Mirren in the final 15 minutes. Mandron's second goal in stoppage time sent the match into extra time, but Celtic's superior firepower eventually told, with Iheanacho, McCowan, and Nygren all finding the back of the net. The highly anticipated final promises to be an emotional encounter, with Lennon set to face off against his former manager O’Neill. Lennon, who played under O’Neill for 10 years, described the prospect as an 'honour and a privilege.' O’Neill, meanwhile, praised Lennon's achievements, saying he has done 'remarkably well' as a manager.