GLASGOW: St Mirren ended Celtic’s hopes of a domestic treble as they progressed to the Scottish League Cup final with a well-deserved 3-2 win at Hampden yesterday.
On-loan Portuguese forward Esmael Goncalves scored just eight minutes into his debut for St Mirren as he stabbed home Conor Newton’s cross before Gary Hooper equalised seconds before the break.
Charlie Mulgrew then saw his 49th minute penalty saved after Jim Goodwin had handled in the box before conceding one at the other end that Paul McGowan buried to restore St Mirren’s lead in the 64th minute.
Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson then smashed a superb volley past stand-in keeper Lukasz Zaluska in the 69th minute.
Mulgrew fired a 20-yard drive beyond Samson with the last kick of the game but it was the Buddies who were celebrating progress to meet Hearts in March’s final.
The win finishes Neil Lennon’s dream of leading the Hoops to their first clean sweep of trophies in 12 years.
Goncalves made an instant impact as he fired the Buddies into a shock lead.
The Buddies were to be denied taking a lead into the break when Hooper equalised on the stroke of half-time.
Celtic were presented with a chance to take the lead just four minutes into the second half when they were awarded a penalty.
Keeper Craig Samson guessed the correct way. Mulgrew’s day got worse as he gave away the penalty that restored St Mirren’s lead when he blocked Teale’s fiercely struck shot from point blank range with his arms.
McGowan stepped up and sent Zaluska the wrong way.
A sensational strike from Thompson made it 3-1 in the 69th minute.
Mulgrew scored a consolation goal four minutes from time. AFP
