Scottish Cup Archives

Auchinleck Talbot 0-2 Celtic: Celtic Limp Into Next Round After Defeating Junior Opposition

Celtic progressed to the fifth round of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup with a 2-0 win over sixth-tier non-league side Auchinleck Talbot at Rugby Park. The match was due to be played at the West of Scotland league side’s home Beechwood Park, but Police Scotland advised the game was moved to the home of Kilmarnock fifteen miles away. Striker Johnny Kenny got Celtic ahead 33 minutes with a stabbed effort from close in, before substitute Sebastian Tounekti killed any hope of a Talbot equaliser with just five minutes to play. A performance with enough reason to give fans of a Celtic persuasion concern as to why they were unable to put away a side five divisions below them with ease, as chants against the club’s board were vocally heard from the first whistle. Talbot goalkeeper William Muir produced a great stop to deny Celtic forward Johnny Kenny five minutes in. The Irishman got his head on the end of a headed cutback from Luke McCowan, but was denied by Muir as well as the linesman’s offside flag. Last season’s runners-up maintained the early pressure, with McCowan almost registering an assist once more five minutes later. The former Ayr United man tried playing in Prestwick native James Forrest, but a fantastic defensive intervention diverted any danger. Celtic’s best opportunity to put themselves ahead came 24 minutes in. Anthony Ralston fired a ball in across the deck which made its way to an arriving Michel-Ange Balikwisha. The Celtic number ten however, blazed his attempt over from less than twelve yards out. The ‘bot had their best chance of a shock lead come just after half an hour played. A looping free-kick was failed to be punched clear by Viljami Sinisalo and bounced in the Finnish international’s six-yard box, before being eventually bundled clear for a corner kick. The breakthrough finally came for the favourites two minutes after the scare. McCowan payed the ball from the right flank low into the Auchinleck area, and Johnny Kenny got across his man to poke the ball home and net his sixth goal of the season with a first time finish. And it could so nearly have been two for Kenny just a couple minutes into the second half. James Forrest, who swapped wings with McCowan, floated a ball into Muir’s six-yard area, but Kenny’s header cannoned off of the crossbar. Talbot gave the Parkhead side another fright just after the hour stage. Kyle McAvoy was slipped in down the right inside the box with time and space to pick out his teammates, but his cross lacked any accuracy as it went wayward into he side netting. Within a minute, the action moved from one goal to the other, as Johnny Kenny chipped the ball over Muir to score what he thought was his and Celtic’s second of the afternoon. The offside flag was raised, though, and a lengthy VAR check agreed with the on-field call. Another headed opportunity went begging for the away side with fifteen minutes to play. Liam Scales dinked cross was perfectly timed to match Anthony Ralston’s run from deep, but the right-back’s header towards the bottom left corner was an inch or two wide of the post. Benjamin Nygren stung the palms of Muir a minute or so later, with the Swede forcing the Talbot goalkeeper into making his first real save since Kenny’s chance early in the match. Tunisian winger Sebastian Tounekti got the Celts their two-goal cushion with five minutes to play. Paulo Bernardo found him in his natural position, and the 23-year-old cut in on his right foot and curled a beauty to put some polish on a sub-par performance from Celtic overall. The fairytale is over for Auchinleck Talbot as they bow out the competition with their heads held high after a resilient effort defensively and not shy in the attack either. As for Celtic, the 42 time winners are in the hat for the next round, but will need to up their game against better opposition, whom they face twice in the next week in two away contests to Bologna in the Europa league on Thursday, and league leaders Hearts on Sunday. AUCHINLECK TALBOT: Muir 7, Schoneville 5 (Kerr 79’ 1), Wilson 5 , Sime 6, McCubbin-Boyd 5 , Gillies 5, Main 6(Wood 87’) , Clark 6, Crooks 6 (Kazoka 87’1), McPherson 5, McAvoy 4 (Nimmo 82’ 1) CELTIC: Sinisalo 4, Balikwisha 4 (Nygren 67’ 2), McCowan 5, Kenny 5 (Yamada 86’ 1), Bernardo 6, McGregor 6 (Hatate 86’ 1), Murray 5, Forrest 7 (Tounekti 62’ 4 ), Donovan 5 , Ralston 5 , Welsh 5 (Scales 67’ 2)

January 18, 2026

“Looking at him now, it’s a perfect fit” Neil Lennon praises David Gray ahead of Scottish Cup clash.

Hibs travel to Dunfermline tomorrow, where David Gray will face off against one of his former managers for the first time in his career. Gray was Lennon’s captain at Hibs from 2016-2019 where he lead the Edinburgh side to the Championship title and European football upon their return to the Premiership the following season. Neil Lennon currently finds himself at Championship side Dunfermline Athletic, who sit 5th in the table. After back-to-back postponements, Dunfermline haven’t played a competitive game since December 27th, where they beat local rivals Raith Rovers. Hibs come into the game on good form, boasting a five match unbeaten streak, which also includes a win against their local rivals Hearts on the 27th December. When asked for his perspective on his experiences with Gray, Lennon said: “He took on the responsibility of being captain very well. The players gravitated to him. He was a very good player. He scored some really important goals for me in Europe and domestic games as well. He was so committed. Loved to tackle. He was pretty consistent. “He was a really good captain for me. He was a really good buffer between me and the players. Whether I saw him being a head coach or not, you don’t think about those things at the time. Looking at him now, it’s a perfect fit. “Sometimes he was probably a bit more mature than myself.” Throughout his time at Hibs, David Gray has been managed by Alan Stubbs, Neil Lennon, Paul Heckingbottom and Jack Ross before hanging his boots up to join Jack Ross’ coaching staff, where he remained and worked under Shaun Maloney, Lee Johnson and Nick Montgomery. Upon the dismissal of each of these coaches, Gray would take charge on an interim basis before eventually landing the full time job last season. However, the start to Gray’s managerial career was extremely chaotic as Hibs only mustered one win from their opening fourteen, before producing a seventeen game unbeaten run, securing third place and European football. When asked for his thoughts on his ex-player’s resilience, Lennon said: “I thought he was brilliant last year because he had such a difficult start “He weathered all that pressure and scrutiny. He came out the other side of it to have a brilliant second half of the season. “At the start of the year, they were really good in Europe. Now they’ve hit a really good form again despite having a couple of players missing. “I’m delighted for him because I know what Hibs means to him. He’s a young coach. He’s had a real baptism of fire. He’s handled it brilliantly.” David Gray offered his own comments on Lennon’s time at Hibs, he said: “I’ve said a few times, he’s very much what the club needed at the time when they brought him in just after Alan Stubbs left and that was someone who’s got that winning mentality every single day in training, that’s what he wanted to see, he wanted his teams to be winning and driving that standard all the time. “It was exactly what we needed to get out of the Championship, we’d spent too long in the Championship as a football club “That attitude of making sure you’re going into every game with that winning mentality and it was definitely something he instilled in the team straight away and I fully expect that mindset to be going towards the Dunfermline players at the weekend, making sure they’re right up for it.” Ahead of this year’s Scottish Cup campaign, David Gray will be hoping to lead Hibs to the trophy 10 years after he scored the stoppage time winner as Hibs lifted the trophy for the first time in 114 years. Despite already having the chance to do so, a Scottish Cup win would also make David Gray the first person to win a trophy with Hibs as both a player and manager since Famous Five member and club legend Eddie Turnbull did so with his ‘Turnbull’s Tornadoes’ side in 1972. Gray lost the 2021 Premier Sports Cup final to Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic when in interim charge following the sacking of Jack Ross. Hibs travel to Dunfermline Athletic tomorrow for a 12:30 kick-off in the Scottish Cup fourth round, live on BBC Scotland in a match that is set to have a massive crowd inside East End Park as Hibs are expecting 5,000 of their own in the away end.

January 16, 2026

Glamour Ties, Club Legends, and Pressure Mounting: Scottish Cup 4th Round Breakdown

With the 4th round of the Scottish Cup taking place this weekend, here are the key storylines ahead of an action-packed weekend. Game of the Round – Dunfermline v Hibernian Neil Lennon welcomes his former side to East End Park for an intriguing Saturday lunchtime kick-off. Lennon, who oversaw 122 games at Easter Road and returned the club to the top flight as 2017 Championship winners, will be desperate to upset the odds. His Dunfermline side currently sits 5th in the Championship, three points adrift of the playoffs. Standing in his way is an Hibernian icon, David Gray. The man who ended Hibs’ 114-year Scottish Cup hoodoo with a famous header against Rangers in 2016. With Lennon facing his former side and Gray looking to start another memorable cup run, the storylines alone could make this a classic cup tie. Team Spotlight – Auchinleck Talbot Auchinleck Talbot have secured a massive glamour tie against Celtic this Sunday evening. While the venue has shifted from Beechwood Park to Rugby Park, the sense of occasion remains clear for the fans and long-term manager Tommy Sloan, who has been at the helm since 2003. Talbot’s road to the fourth round has been clinical. Dispatching Haddington, local rivals Cumnock, Gretna, and Dumbarton, netting 13 goals along the way. This marks their first return to this stage since 2022, when they hosted Hearts in a memorable 5-0 defeat. Regardless of the final score, Sunday’s fixture is a financial game-changer that secures the club’s future for years to come. Manager to Watch – Jim Goodwin Dundee United welcome Ayr United to Tannadice in a clash that feels pivotal for Jim Goodwin. After a brutal start to 2026, headlined by a painful derby loss to Dundee and a heavy defeat at the hands of Celtic, Goodwin’s record of just two wins in 13 has left him with zero margin for error. For a club that finished fourth last season and enjoyed a brief stint in the European qualifiers, the current slump is a bitter pill for the Tangerine faithful to swallow. The visitors are a difficult test, Scott Brown’s Ayr United sit 4th in the championship, and have enjoyed a run of 1 defeat in their last 11. For United, victory is crucial to end their dismal run.

January 15, 2026

Scottish Cup Fourth Round Draw

The teams have been drawn for the fourth round of the Scottish Cup which is set to take place across the weekend beginning 17th January. From Camelon Juniors in the East of Scotland Premier Division all the way up to 42 time winners of this trophy Celtic. Here is how the teams have been drawn. One of the biggest games to be played is Auchinleck Talbot vs Celtic a game that could see a major away support heading to the Ayrshire team. Camelon Juniors stunned Edinburgh City in the previous round, and their reward for that is a home tie against Elgin. The Spartans have drawn a potential East Coast derby if Tranent FC can beat Inverness after the game was postponed at the weekend due to a waterlogged pitch at Forrester Park. Kilmarnock will take on Dundee, Hearts host Falkirk and St Mirren will travel to Livingston for the all Premiership team ties. Annan Athletic will travel up to Ibrox to play Rangers and Stranraer will also make the journey to Glasgow to take on Queens Park. Newly appointed Billy Davies will take his Greenock Morton side to Stenhousemuir, and their former manager Dougie Imrie’s Raith Rovers will face last years Scottish Cup winners Aberdeen at Pittodrie. A battle of the bottom for League One sides Kelty Hearts and Cove Rangers. Their most recent meeting ended in a 2-0 to Thomas O’Ware’s side. Ross County will make the long journey down to take on Motherwell who have been in good form recently. Partick Thistle have drawn against Montrose. Airdrieonians host Arbroath. Scott Brown’s Ayr United travel to Dundee United and Hibernian will face their former manager Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic side. Over the years the Scottish cup is always something football fans look forward too and with some interesting draws for the fourth round it is shaping up to be another exciting competition.

November 30, 2025

Linlithgow Rose 1-3 Queen’s Park: visitors avoid early scare to progress in scottish cup

Linlithgow Rose 1-3 Queen’s Park McMullan (15′) Murray (26′) Savoury (57′) Fowler (68′) Queen’s Park secured passage to the 4th round of the Scottish Cup after coming from behind to defeat Linlithgow Rose at Prestonfield. The lowland league side took an unlikely lead on the 15 minute mark. Connor McMullan side-footed Cammy Thomson’s low cross in the bottom corner. The visitors responded ten minutes later from a corner. Aidan Connolly’s left footed cross was met by the towering Euan Murray to haul Sean Crighton’s side level. Queen’s Park seized control in the second period, thanks to two goals. Grant Savoury bundled home Louis Longridge’s strike, before Josh Fowler’s close range header. Linlithgow Rose: Binnie, Watson, Greene, Skinner, Thomson, Maguire, Berry, McMullan, Kennedy, Stenhouse, Rae Queens Park: Ferrie, Pignatiello, Murray, Shiels, Fieldson, Longridge, MacGregor, Connolly, Savoury, Drozd, Fowler

November 28, 2025

Scottish Cup Third Round Preview

The Scottish Cup third round returns as some mouth-watering ties away in this round with the potential of some Scottish Cup shocks. Linlithgow Rose v Queens Park Lowland League outfit Linlithgow Rose welcome Championship side Queens Park on Friday night. The hosts sit fourth, just five point off league leaders, Clydebank. The lowland league side bowed out of the third round last season, losing 4-0 at home to Championship side Raith Rovers. The Spiders made it all the way to the final eight last season, losing out to Aberdeen after a 4-1 defeat at Pittodrie. Queens Park created history last season, knocking out giants, Rangers 1-0 at Ibrox, yet sit 8th this season, two points off bottom placed Airdrieonians. Raith Rovers v Alloa Athletic. Raith Rovers host League One side Alloa in which will be Dougie Imrie’s first match in charge at Stark’s Park since arriving from Morton. Alloa last campaign failed to make it past round two following a 3-2 defeat at Dumbarton. Raith however, they were knocked out in round five following a 5-0 defeat away to Celtic. Alloa sit third in League One as they hunt for a return to the Championship. Raith are currently sixth, four points out of the promotion spots. Stenhousemuir v Clachnachuddin Stenny welcome Highland League outfit Clachnachuddin. The League One side sit second just four points off leaders, Inverness as they aim for promotion to the second division for the first time in their history. The Clach sit second, just two points behind Brechin City and have been unbelievable as they look to create history. Clachnachuddin were defeated by Linlithgow Rose 3-0 last season to knock the Inverness based side out early doors. The hosts on Saturday were defeated in Round four with a 3-0 defeat against Dunfermline Athletic. Airdrieonians v Hamilton Championship side Airdrie welcome League One strugglers Hamilton. Both sides are facing their own battles as Airdrie sit bottom in their league as Accies face issues financially. Hamilton themselves sit fifth, just one point behind East Fife in League One. Last season, Airdrie dropped out in the fifth round after a 4-0 defeat at Dundee. Hamilton were defeated in the same round, losing out 1-0 at St Johnstone. Annan v Buckie Thistle Annan of League Two meet Buckie in the third round. Annan sit eighth in their league after a dire start to their campaign. Buckie are seventh in the Highland League after a shaky start to their season. Buckie were dumped out first round to Clydebank after losing 2-0 despite being on nine-men. Annan were defeated by Fraserburgh 2-0 in the same round as Buckie dream on pulling off another shock over Annan. Ayr United v Turriff United The first ever meeting between the Championship and Highland league sides. Ayr are third in the Championship as the Honest Men continue their battles for the title. Turriff have struggled in the Highland League this season as they sit 14th in the Breedon Highland League as they will need to be at their best if they’re to progress. Turriff were knocked out by 10-man Fraserburgh last campaign after a 3-1 defeat. A Round five defeat to Hibernian confirmed the fate of Ayr United last campaign. Banks O’Dee v Ross County Banks O’Dee welcome the Highlanders to Spain Park in the Scottish Cup. Banks O’Dee are sixth in the Highland League, 10 points off top spot with two games in hand. County have had a difficult return to the Championship as the Staggies sit 8th as they continue to struggle. Banks O’Dee were knocked out by Hamilton last season in a game they’d say they were very unlucky to lose. The Aberdeen side also shocked East Fife 1-0 in the process. The Staggies were put out instantly by Livingston, a 3-2 defeat in Dingwall. Benburb v Montrose Montrose travel to face junior side Benburb in the Scottish Cup. Benburb are the lowest ranked side remaining as they sit 12th in the West of Scotland first division. Montrose sit 8th in League One, just 6 points off of 10th placed, Kelty Hearts. The side from Govan didn’t appear to play in last year’s Scottish Cup, their last time in the Scottish Cup was 2022, losing out 2-0 to Wick Academy. Queens Park deflated the hope of Montrose, knocking out the Links Park side 3-2. Bonnyrigg Rose v The Spartans Lowland League title challengers, Bonnyrigg welcome League Two leaders The Spartans. Bonnyrigg Rose were relegated from League Two last season as they look to fight back to return. The Spartans are also having a great season so far, topping their league. Bonnyrigg were knocked out right away with a 3-1 defeat away to East Kilbride at K-Park. Spartans were also put out at the same time, a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Lowland League outfit, Cowdenbeath. Camelon Juniors v Edinburgh City Junior side, Camelon Junior sit fourth in the East Of Scotland Premier division as they go up against bottom of League Two, Edinburgh City despite the Cityzens point deductions earlier this season. Camelon Juniors were beaten at first attempt after a 1-0 defeat to Highland League opponents, Keith. Championship, Dunfermline were at the driving seat as they knocked out the League Two side following a 2-1 win last season. Dumbarton v Auchinleck Talbot The junior side who have made a big name for themselves in recent times make the trip to Dumbarton on Saturday. Auchinleck sit second in the Premier Division, five points off Troon who sit top despite three games in hand. The Sons’ sit 7th in League Two following relegation last season. Broxburn were the side which saw Auchinleck bow out last season as they hope for a better result this time around. Dumbarton had a slight run last campaign but Airdrie had other ideas and ended their Scottish Cup hopes. Dunfermline v Queen Of The South The Pars’ sit fifth in the Championship after an alright start to the season. The visitors sit 6th in the third division

November 27, 2025

Scottish Cup First Round Roundup: Cup Magic Returns

After Auchinleck Talbot secured the Ayrshire bragging rights with their 2-1 victory over Cumnock in the first match of the Scottish Cup’s first round weekend live on television Friday night, the rest of the inaugural round proper kicked off yesterday. The whole of tier five joined the competition, adding to the 38 junior sides who successfully advanced from the preliminary rounds at the end of August, with some shocks across the country, setting up the chance for some big ties against SPFL League 2 opposition in the second round later this month. Cumbernauld Colts also secured their place in round two on Friday, defeating Glasgow University 4-0. Here is a full rundown of Saturday’s results: Bo’ness United 0-3 Banks O’ Dee The Aberdeenshire side showed no signs of travel fatigue as they returned North from Falkirk with a thumping victory over their East of Scotland Premier Division opponents who had lost their goalkeeper to a red card late in the first half. Berwick Rangers 0-2 Nairn County The longest away day of the round did not phase the Highland League outfit one bit as they travelled across the border to the only English side in the competition and returned with a 2-0 victory, becoming the first ever Highland League side to defeat The Wee Gers in the competition. Brora Rangers 0-1 Fraserburgh The Broch emerged victorious from this all-Highland League encounter. Having already defeated Brora 3-0 in the league fixture in early August at home, they secured the double over their opponents thanks to a Logan Watt goal inside the opening five minutes. Carluke Rovers 0-4 Gretna 2008 2008, the phoenix club of 2006 Scottish Cup finalists Gretna edged one step closer to another cup final with a thumping victory at the John Cumming Stadium. The Lowland League’s bottom side getting a much needed victory with a quartet of second half goals. Clachnacuddin 2-1 Kilwinning Rangers Another Highland League victory seen Inverness’s oldest club emerge victorious over the Buffs at Grant Street Park, coming from behind with two second half goals to send the visitors back to Ayrshire dejected and eliminated. Cowdenbeath 1-2 Benburb The shock of the round as West of Scotland First Division (tier 7) side Benburb defeated one-time quarter finalists and Lowland League side Cowdenbeath at Central Park. A goal behind at half time the visitors scored twice in five minutes to turn the match around and secure their place in the hat for tomorrow’s draw. Forres Mechanics 0-2 Caledonian Braves Lowland League outfit Caley Braves defeated their Highland counterparts away from home to make it through. The 2025 Fenix Trophy winners kept their Scottish Cup dreams alive thanks to a duo of late goals from Ross McNeil and Cammy Breadner. Huntly 1-3 Buckie Thistle Buckie emerged victorious from this Highland League tie, three second half goals turned the tide as Thistle make it through. They memorably faced Celtic in 2023/24 and are one step closer to a cash-generating tie with this victory. Jeanfield Swifts 0-4 Clydebank Clydebank are unbeaten in the Lowland League and their mentality and confidence was on full show with a thumping victory over Jeanfield away from home. Clydebank memorably drew Premiership side Hibernian last season and will be dreaming of another big tie after today’s win. The 1990 semi finalists victory was secured via goals from Neil McLaughlin, former Aberdeen midfielder Nicky Low and a Kier Samson double. Lochee United 1-3 Brechin City Now a Highland League side, Brechin were playing Championship football as recently as 2018 but have dropped out of the football league since. They did, however, show signs of a more promising future with a 3-1 win at Thomson Park to earn their place in this evening’s draw, where they could once again face SPFL opponents. Musselburgh Athletic 2-0 Bonnyton Thistle East of Scotland Premier Division champions Musselburgh secured their place in the next round of the cup with two second half goals against eighth tier Bonnyton. The hosts lost out on a place in the Lowland League at the end of last season, losing to West champions Clydebank but could earn a rematch against the Bankies in the next round. Strathspey Thistle 1-2 Dundee North End Highland outfit Strathspey took the lead over their opponents, the Midland League champions, but a late equaliser and extra-time winner would see the Dundee based side emerge victorious, leaving the hosts to concentrate league football up North. Turrif United 2-1 Hill of Beath Hawthorn Turiff took the game to their opponents from the off, racing into a two goal lead at the interval, with both goals coming within the first quarter of the half. Hill of Beath would respond with a goal ten minutes from the end and would push hard for extra-time but had left themselves too much to do and would drop out of the competition. Bo’ness Athletic 2-1 Keith Bo’ness have had a dramatic rise in recent years, winning three consecutive promotions from tier 9 to tier 6, scoring a record breaking amount of goals. They continued their journey by progressing to the second round for the second consecutive year by defeating Keith 2-1. The visitors famously faced Rangers in this competition in the mid-90’s but there will be no repeat this season as they exit at round one. Johnstone Burgh 4-0 Threave Rovers Last season’s Junior Cup winners advanced in the Scottish Cup proper with a comfortable victory over their Second Division opponents at Keanie Park. Four different goal scorers for the Burgh, with a goal of the competition contender from captain Del Esplin, who spoke with SNN in pre-season about lifting the Junior Cup for his side. Bonnyrigg Rose 2-1 Broxburn Athletic Two East coast rivals met in this crunch cup tie, Bonnyrigg recently relegated from League 2 emerged victorious despite conceding a goal late on, and will be relishing the chance to face opponents who contributed to their relegation once again to prove they can compete at their level again in the near future. Camelon

September 30, 2025

Thomson Penalty Pushes Auchinleck Talbot into Scottish Cup 2nd Round

Auchinleck Talbot 2-1 Cumnock Juniors Boyd (69′) Thomson (90′) Roulston (9′) Auchinleck Talbot progressed to the Scottish Cup 2nd round, coming from behind to defeat their bitter rivals, Cumnock Juniors Cumnock burst to life after nine minutes, Lee Roulston glanced an inswinging cross past William Muir to silence the home faithful. The visitor’s positive start continued. Roulston found space at the edge of the box, but Talbot captain Neil McPherson blocked his strike. Talbot currently sit top of the West of Scotland league with 7 wins from 7 games, but they struggled to settle as Cumnock continued to dominate possession and create the prominent chances. The home side slowly grew into the tie towards halftime. Luke Gillies broke down the left, but no one in yellow could get a touch on his inviting cross. Connor Boyd had an opportunity for the homeside on the stroke of halftime, but his low shot was well blocked in the box. Cumnock boss Stephen Swift would have been pleased with his side’s lead and resolute defensive performance. Talbot started the second half strongly, as they pushed for the equaliser. A corner kick from the right fell kindly to Luke Main, but he smashed over the bar from the edge of the box. The home side threatened again ten minutes into the second period. Ewan Thomson dispossessed the Cumnock midfield, but could only roll his strike into Blair Currie’s arms. The Juniors could have doubled their lead on the hour mark, but Talbot did well to scramble the ball clear in the six-yard box before Jon Craig could connect. Roulston flashed a half volley wide shortly after, looking for his second of the game. The home side equalised through striker Connor Boyd on 69 minutes. The striker raced onto a flick and finished low past Currie to haul Tommy Sloan’s side level. Talbot pushed for the winner, Ross Clark clipped the crossbar with an arrowing strike after positive play by Kyle McAvoy. The home side hit the woodwork again after 88 minutes, a smart turn and strike by Thomson on the edge of the box cannoned off Currie’s right post. Ewan Thomson won Auchinleck Talbot the cup tie in the 90th minute, Clark was bundled over in the box, and Talbot’s talisman coolly dispatched the resultant penalty past Currie. Calum McEwan gave away the penalty and was sent off minutes later, an unfortunate night for the substitute. Beechwood Park erupted at the full-time whistle. Auchinleck Talbot are the first name into the hat for the Scottish Cup 2nd Round Auchinleck Talbot: Muir, Clark, Shoneville, Wilson, McPherson, Sime, Main, Gillies, Boyd, McAvoy, Thomson Cumnock Juniors: Currie, Craig, Brindley, McDonald, Brownlie, Roulston, Forde, Buchanan, Orr, Dykes, Conn

September 26, 2025

Celtic Crush Saints in Semi-Final Showdown to March Into Final

Celtic unleashed a breathtaking blitz of first-half brilliance to dismantle St Johnstone 5-0 at Hampden Park, booking their place in next month’s Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen and staying firmly on course for an unprecedented ninth domestic treble. Brendan Rodgers extended his perfect personal record at the national stadium to 14 wins, as his side lit up the semi-final with a ruthless display of attacking football, scoring four times in just 12 minutes before the break. The tone was set early. From the opening whistle, Celtic pinned St Johnstone deep into their own half, probing and pressing with increasing menace. The breakthrough arrived courtesy of Callum McGregor, who guided in a pinpoint finish to cap a dominant opening spell. That goal opened the floodgates. McGregor turned provider moments later, slipping in a sublime pass toward Daizen Maeda. Sam Curtis’s attempted interception only redirected the ball kindly into the Japanese forward’s path, and Maeda made no mistake. From there, the goals kept coming. Adam Idah tapped home the third after slick build-up play, and Maeda struck again almost immediately to make it 4-0—his 33rd goal of a remarkable season. St Johnstone, who had upset Celtic in the league just a fortnight earlier, were left shell-shocked. The team that once dared to dream of another Hampden upset now looked desperate for half-time refuge. But Celtic weren’t done. Rodgers brought on fresh firepower in the second half, with Jota and Nicolas Kuhn joining the action. Jota added a fifth from a tight angle, just minutes after James Forrest saw a penalty award overturned by VAR. Mackenzie Kirk had a stunning finish chalked off for offside, rubbing further salt into the Saints’ wounds. For Celtic, this was a statement—a warning shot fired not only at Aberdeen but at anyone questioning their domestic dominance. Alistair Johnston had said the recent league defeat in Perth had been a needed jolt. If that was a wake-up call, this was Celtic wide awake and in full flight. Maeda and Forrest tore down the wings, the midfield controlled the tempo with authority, and the relentless press never let up. With five players coming off the bench who would walk into most starting XIs, Rodgers has an enviable depth. His side looked every inch the champions-in-waiting, with only 90 minutes now standing between them and another historic clean sweep. As for St Johnstone, they’ll need to shake off this bruising loss quickly. Simo Valakari’s men were simply outclassed, and though they managed a league victory over Celtic earlier in the month, they were nowhere near the same level here. There were glimpses of effort, but mistakes proved fatal. Misplaced passes, failed clearances, and a struggle to break Celtic’s press led to an afternoon of damage limitation. With five Premiership matches left to secure survival, the Saints must regroup fast. Post-match reactions Brendan Rodgers, Celtic manager:“I’m delighted with the performance. After the first goal, we really took control. Five goals and it could’ve been more – a great display to reach another final.” Simo Valakari, St Johnstone manager:“Celtic can do that to any team. They’re ruthless. We didn’t do enough to get a result and gave away soft goals. But I’m still proud of the team’s effort throughout this cup run.”

April 22, 2025

Scottish Cup