Celtic U19's 2-1 Rangers U19's: Liam Gormley Hampden hero for hoops

Celts extra time winner seals the Double

By ALAN POTTS at Hampden

CELTIC completed the League and Cup double as they triumphed over Rangers 2-1 in an eventful night at Hampden.

A wonder goal from substitute Liam Gormley was enough to see them retain their trophy in-front of the on looking Hoops boss Neil Lennon.

This might have only been the youths of the Old Firm but boy did their supporters turn up in large numbers for this Cup Final. Over 9000 made the trip in the glorious sunshine over Hampden.

Real Madrid and Barcelona might have been on ITV but for some fans of the Glasgow clubs this was all about a night at Hampden, in a repeat of last years final when the Hoops ran out 2-0 winners.

Hoops captain Scott Brown might not have been on the park but the Celtic faithful were quick to give a rendition of “Lets all do the Broony”. Not to be outdone, their Ibrox rivals were quick to respond with a chorus of “the Bouncy”. 

League chamions Celtic lined up in their usual 4-4-2 formation with ex-Alloa hitman Greig Spence leading the line with Patrik Twardzik. His brother Filip was looking to supply the ammunition from left midfield.

Rangers started in a 4-1-4-1 formation with ex-Tamworth forward Kane Hemmings leading the line. Darren Cole – who made in his senior debut against Bursaspor earlier this season - started in the centre of defence alongside Chris Hegarty.

Celtic dominated the early exchanges but the first real chance to Gers left winger Kai Naismith. The midfielder received the ball from Gordon Dick and as he charged towards the box he outmuscled Stephen O’Donnell and sent in a shot which Hoops Aussie keeper Nicholas Feely saved well.

Rangers almost snatched the lead only two minutes later as an Adam Hunter freekick caused havoc in the Celtic defence and as Rangers captain Hemmings looked to pounce but the league winners managed to scramble the ball clear.

Celtic continued to dominate for long periods of possession but Rangers keeper Gary Inglis was untroubled for the first 45 minutes .

Rangers midfielder Gordon Dick was spraying some lovely passes from his right midfield position and manager in waiting Ally McCoist could do worse than keep a close eye on the youngsters progression over the next year or two.

Referee John Beaton – who had an excellent match – blew for half times and both sides headed to the tunnel disappointed that they hadn’t created any clear cut chances.

Celtic started the second half brightly and within the first five minutes, Stephen O’Donnell had sent in two superb crosses which Rangers struggled to clear.

Rangers responded by replacing Gregor Fotheringham with left winger Robbie Crawford. Kai Naismith was pushed forward as the Light Blues reverted to a 4-4-1-1 formation.

Celtic continued to push forward and left back Kieran Brennan almost gave the Hoops the lead after 56 minutes. He burst down the flank before cutting back on his right foot and his shot clipped the top of the net with Gers keeper Inglis quickly back-tracking.

An even better chance for the Hoops came only four minutes later as a 25 yard thunderbolt from Patrick Twardzik smashed off the Rangers crossbar but Spence made a poor connection with the rebound and the ball ran out of play.

Rangers were struggling to create chances and they were punished in the 70th minute when ex-Alloa hitman Greig Spence turned superbly inside the box from an O’Donnell pass to smash the ball into the net.

It was a terrific piece of play from the striker as he seemed to have nowhere to go 12 yards out but his turn allowed him the split second he needed to put the league champions in-front.

The Light Blues almost responded immediately as Kai Naismith sent in a 20 yard drive that was palmed away by Nicholas Feely in the Hoops goal. Gers boss Billy Kirkwood responded by using his last substitute as the tiring Hemmings was replaced by Andy Mitchell.

Things almost got worse for Rangers as a Adam Hunter back pass almost found the back of the net and keeper Inglis had to move quickly to save his teammate a major embarrassment.

Another chance for Celtic came from last years Cup hero Filip Twardzik who sent his 20 yard curling effort just over the bar.

Steven Frail looked pleased with his side and replaced goal-scorer Spence with Bahrudin Atajic for the final 10 minutes. The striker left the field to magnificent applause from the Hoops faithful behind the goal. 

The substitute almost made an immediate impact as his close range header was well saved by Gers keeper Inglis.

Celtic were made to pay as Rangers equalised with only three minutes remaining.  Centre half Chris Hegarty who had been pushed forward had a big part to play as he met a high McAusland. He cushioned the ball across for the on rushing Rhys McCabe, who sent his header past Feely to give Rangers a lifeline.

As the game went into extra time both sides began to tire. Celtic almost took the lead as nine minutes into the first period as right back Stephen O’Donnell sent in a tremendous strike that Gers keeper Inglis tipped excellently away for a corner.

The Celtic right back had a tremendous game and if he continues to develop he could certainly be one to watch for the future.

No further chances were created in half as the game came down to the last 15 minutes.

Celtic made a change in 109 minutes as Liam Gormley replaced Patrick Twardzik and what an impact he had. Within 60 seconds of being on the park he cut inside from fully 25 yards out and noticed Gers keeper Gary Inglis off his line.

The midfielder unleashed his right foot shot and it dipped and swerved over Inglis and into the net. It was exactly the type of response Hoops boss Steve Frail was looking for as he leaped into the air to celebrate a quite stunning goal.

It left Rangers with a mountain to climb as the Hoops began to keep possession in a bid to run down the clock.

Rangers did have one final chance as a shot from the edge of the box was spilled by Feely, defender turned striker Chris Hegarty turned the ball home but as he wheeled away in joy his celebrations were cut short as the linesman raised his flag for offside.

That was the final chance of the match as Celtic celebrated a league and cup double. Manager Neil Lennon will be hoping it’s a good omen for the rest of the season.

Referee:  John Beaton

Attandance: 9427

Celtic: Feely, Toshney, Brennan, Hughes, O’Donnell, Bagshaw, Irvine, Twardzik (Gormley 108), Spence (Atajic 80), Twardzik, Mcgregor

Subs:  Thomson GK, Gormley, Atajic, Fraser, Feruz.

Rangers: Inglis, McAusland, McIntyre, Cole, Hegarty, Hunter, Fotheringham (Crawford 50), Dick (McNeil 60), Hemmings (Mitchell 70), McCabe, Naisimth.

Subs: Drummond, Mitchell, Wiktorski, Crawford, McNeil.