Joyful scenes at Celtic Park today as Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic have advanced to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup after systematically breaking down Steve Robinson’s St. Mirren.
St. Mirren, the only team to defeat Celtic this season in the Premiership, were hoping to repeat their earlier success. However their hopes were decisively shot down by the Bhoys in Green. After Celtic’s Kyogo had to come off early due to an injury there was concern in the cold Glasgow air. However a mere two minutes later Celtic’s Daizen Maeda turned spirits around by drawing first blood in the 16th minute. The rest of the first half was fairly uneventful, however, the second half would prove decisive.
Celtic dominated possession in their usual form for the remainder of the match. Aaron Mooy, David Turnbull, and Jota were substituted in the 63rd minute for Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley, and new Korean signing Oh Hyeon-gyu respectively. It was at this time Ange’s side prepared to breakdown the St. Mirren defense. After St. Mirren defender Richard Taylor blocked a shot by Celtic’s Liel Abada with his hand, it spelled the beginning of the end for Steve Robinson’s crew. Taylor was sent off with a Red Card, leaving St. Mirren with ten men as Celtic’s Reo Hatate put a penalty kick into the left corner of the net. Oh Hyeon-gyu would see his first goal for Celtic as well shortly after. While St. Mirren’s Mark O’Hara was able to score a consolation goal from a penalty kick, Celtic’s Matt O’Riley responded in the 90th minute to spoil any hope of a change in the tide. Abada then setup a second goal from Reo Hatate in the final minute of stoppage time to bid farewell to St. Mirren’s Cup chances. Final score Celtic 5-1 St. Mirren.
Lad of the Match: Reo Hatate (Celtic #41)
What’s Next for Celtic?
With Celtic cleared to the Quarter-Finals of the Scottish Cup, and their lead over the Premiership secure, all eyes will turn to Hampden on Sunday 26 February for an Old Firm Derby in the final of the Scottish League Cup. If Celtic can defeat their arch-rivals Rangers the path to a domestic treble for Celtic could lay open.