Adam Idah’s dramatic last-minute strike earned Celtic a 1-0 win over Rangers in the 150th anniversary Scottish Gas Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park.
Gers striker Cyriel Dessers missed a couple of chances in a goalless first half before replacement Abdallah Sima had the ball in the net in the 59th minute, only for referee Nick Walsh to rule it out for a foul on Hoops keeper Joe Hart.
The Light Blues, energised by pacey substitutes, looked the more likely to get the breakthrough but when Ibrox keeper Jack Butland spilled a long-distance drive, substitute Idah, on loan from Norwich, swooped to knock in the winner.
Celtic won their third successive cinch Premiership title last week with the help of 10 points from 12 against their city rivals and while this was the first time Rangers had been the better side over 90 minutes, the Parkhead outfit still found a way to win and increase Brendan Rodgers’ remarkable record against Rangers – just one defeat in 18 Old Firm games in his two spells as Celtic boss, leaving Philippe Clement to ponder on how he changes things next season.
Here are the player ratings for those involved:
21. Cyriel Dessers
A disappointing cup final for the Nigerian. His best chance came midway through first half but saw a low effort blocked by Matt O'Riley. In the same incident, he was injured by a tackle from Cameron Carter-Vickers and never looked the same player. Came off at the break. 4 Photo: Andrew Milligan
22. Fabio Silva
The Wolves loanee was playing his last game for Rangers and put in a far more disciplined performance than in previous Old Firm derbies. Low effort was smartly saved by Joe Hart early on. Never stopped trying but did not create much. Replaced by Rabbi Matondo. 5 Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
23. Adam Idah
Adam Idah (7) came on and was the matchwinner, showing good predatory instincts to net a rebound. Fellow sub Paulo Bernardo (6) made the goal with a driving run and shot. Nicolas Kuhn (n/a) also came on for last 15 minutes but his impact was minimal. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
24. Substitutes
Abdallah Sima (5) came on at half time and made himself a presence, scoring a disallowed goal. Rabbi Matondo, Scott Wright and Ross McCausland (all n/a) were unable to influence the game and John Lundstram (n/a) was chucked on deep into stoppage time. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group