Dunfermline's wonderful Scottish Cup run goes on as Neil Lennon sets up potential clash with Celtic mentor

The Pars prevailed 4-2 in the shoot-out after a goalless draw against the Bairns, with goalkeeper Aston Oxborough the hero after saving one of the penalties.

Under Neil Lennon, who won this trophy as a player and a manager with Celtic, Dunfermline have taken the scalps of Hibs, Aberdeen and now Falkirk from the Premiership this season. They will face either Celtic or St Mirren in the final on May 23.

Should Celtic prevail in Sunday’s other semi-final, then Lennon will come up against his former boss Martin O’Neill, who brought him to Scottish football at the turn of the century when at Celtic.

It was a painful afternoon for Falkirk, who played well beneath their best. They ended the match with ten men after substitute Henry Cartwright was sent off for a second bookable offence after trying to win a penalty at the end of extra time.

The match was cagey and lacked quality throughout, punctuated by fouls. The best chances came in extra time when Dunfermline’s 17-year-old substitute Lucas Fyfe saw a close-range effort saved by Scott Bain before smashing an effort off the underside of the bar.

Falkirk failed to create much throughout and in the shoot-out, captain Brad Spencer hit the post and Liam Henderson’s effort was saved by Motherwell loanee Oxborough. Dunfermline netted all four of their attempts, with Tashan Oakley Boothe scoring the winner.

Dunfermline have not won the Scottish Cup since 1968 but can now achieve a once-in-a-generation success next month.