St Mirren have gained the Scottish League Cup for simply the second time of their historical past after beating holders Celtic 3-1 at Hampden Park within the closing.
Jonah Ayunga’s second-half double inflicted a 3rd successive defeat on Celtic, who’re nonetheless but to win a sport underneath new supervisor Wilfried Nancy.
St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson has now led his aspect to a few consecutive top-six league finishes, a primary European qualification in 36 years and a significant trophy. He will likely be remembered in Paisley as a membership legend perpetually.
Wilfried Nancy has misplaced his first three video games as Celtic supervisor
The Buddies shocked the holders throughout the first two minutes when Marcus Fraser discovered the web with a stooped front-post header from a Keanu Baccus nook.
And Nancy’s aspect have been fortunate to keep away from going additional behind.
St Mirren carved them open with an intricate one-touch passing transfer earlier than Declan John put the ball on a plate for Dan Nlundulu on quarter-hour. Nonetheless, the striker had his head in his arms as he knocked it vast of the goal from the six-yard line.
Regardless of their apparent defensive fragility, Celtic really appeared rather more fluid in assault. Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda dovetailed properly earlier than the previous needed to be withdrawn with a hamstring harm, and Kieran Tierney excelled in a extra superior place at left wing-back.
Tierney’s signature deep whipped crosses have been inflicting St Mirren issues. Iheanacho, Maeda and Hatate all got here near scoring in consequence earlier than Hatate ultimately equalised within the twenty third minute with a wonderfully timed sliding volley on the again submit.
Reo Hatate equalised for Celtic towards St Mirren
The roar of the Celtic assist buoyed the workforce, however just for a matter of minutes.
They’d no focus after Iheanacho went off and St Mirren appeared snug for the rest of the sport. Robinson’s males defended admirably, however from the entrance and never the again.
They did not face a barrage of pictures within the second interval however somewhat suffocated Celtic at supply with intelligent urgent and form whereas at all times carrying a menace on the counter.
St Mirren then retook the lead within the sixty fourth minute via Jonah Ayunga. The towering ahead bravely headed Alex Gogic’s delicate first-time outside-of-the-boot cross past the dashing Kaspar Schmeichel. However he wasn’t finished there.
Ayunga, who will likely be remembered because the hero of the day, then added a second objective to seal it 12 minutes later.
Marcus Fraser netted St Mirren’s first towards Celtic after two minutes
Declan John breached Celtic’s backline with one easy run in behind earlier than sliding the ball throughout the field for Ayunga to faucet it in. The striker eliminated his shirt in celebration earlier than embracing the St Mirren followers. He knew he had gained it.
Religion over concern was the cry from the supporters and the supervisor. There was just one workforce who appeared fearful as we speak, they usually aren’t heading residence with the cup.
St Mirren Soccer Membership: deserved winners of the 2025 Scottish League Cup.
