In the context of this season it was certainly predictable, it was also very painful, but St Mirren’s late equaliser in yesterday’s dramatic Scottish Cup semi final could well prove to be a blessing in disguise, although it didn’t feel that way at the time!
St Mirren celebrations during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
We were very poor yesterday, particularly in the second period, and not for the first time this season. We seemed disjointed, and nervy once again, and a neutral would be forgiven for believing that the side in green and white hoops were the side who occupied a bottom six position, such was the ease that the Buddies controlled the game at certain times particularly in the second half.
The moment Mandron ran through on the Celtic goal just as four added minutes at the end of regulation time where announced, you just knew that the ball would be nestling in the back of the net, and as the buddies players and supporters wildly celebrated, the entire Celtic support although not surprised, were deflated.
St Mirren celebrations during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
It was a bitter, bitter blow, and if you were anything like me, you wouldn’t have felt the slightest bit of confidence heading into extra time. We needn’t have worried though, as a blistering four goal blitz in just six minutes seen us march into yet another Scottish Cup final, which will see us take on Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline next month.
It wasn’t just the goals that was pleasing, but the overall attitude and intensity of the players who seemed to find an extra spark in the added on period.
Luke McCowan celebrates his goal during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
You can only ask where that confidence, intensity and attitude was in the entire ninety minutes, as we looked very much like a completely different side from the first second of the extra period.
That St Mirren equaliser could well prove to be a turning point in our campaign. Had we held on to register a slim victory, questions would have rightly been asked, meaning we would have been engulfed in yet more negativity and uncertainty.
Luke McCowan celebrates his goal during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Instead, we witnessed an all out display of attacking and ruthless football, and one that will give us great optimism heading into the post split fixtures. I guess you could say that it was very much a blessing in disguise.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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