Celtic FC – Scottish Cup Winners for the 35th time – 2011

CELTIC’S SCOTTISH CUP FINAL VICTORIES – Number 35…CELTIC 3-0 MOTHERWELL – HAMPDEN, 21 MAY 2011 –  Celtic had been heading for a League and Cup double, but had blown up inexplicably at Inverness a few weeks ago to throw away the League, and once again we found ourselves looking to the Scottish Cup to redeem a poor season which had also included a defeat to Rangers in the League Cup final.

But this was a fairly easy victory in the perpetual Hampden rain. Ki scored a lovely goal in the first half, then Motherwell conceded what was technically an own goal but had a lot to do with Mark Wilson, before Charlie Mulgrew with a free kick from the edge of the box finished matters. It was a good victory for Celtic’s 35th capture of the Scottish Cup.

David Potter

The Celtic team was: Forster, Izaguirre, Majstorovic, Wilson, Mulgrew, Loovens, Brown, Ki, Samaras (Stokes), Commons (Forrest), Hooper (McCourt). Scorers: Ki Sung-Yeung,  Craigan (og),  Mulgrew.

Motherwell: Randolph,  Hammell (Jeffers 72),  Craigan,  Hutchinson, Gunning, Hateley,  Humphrey, Jennings, Lasley,  Murphy (Jones 80), Sutton

Referee: Murray. Attendance: 49,618

Celtic win Scottish Cup for record 35th time!  It’s also Lennon’s first trophy as manager. Our first trophy for few years.

Some outstanding displays by the Green Brigade at Hampden where it rained practically whole way through the match! Absolutely soaking but pitch wasn’t too bad.

Minute silence held for ex-SFA president Ernie Walker; to ensure no booing the SFA also said minute silence was also for Phil O’Donnell who played for both Celtic and Motherwell

First cup winners medals for Forster, Izaguirre, Majstorovic, Wilson, Mulgrew, Loovens, Brown, Ki Sung-Yeung, Samaras, Stokes, Commons, Forrest, Hooper, McCourt, Zaluska, Cha Du-Ri. It was also Motherwell’s first cup final since 1990s.

Majstorovic very very lucky not to have been sent off in the first half. Maloney, Kayal & Ledley out due to injury. Stokes not in first team. Disciplined last week and stretches to this week. Rumours grow over his future. Next league season to start early on 23 July.

“There was a lot of pressure on us today, because of the possibility that we wouldn’t win anything, so I’m just happy the team has ended the season with a trophy. I think we have deserved more than we got this season. It was a big disappointment last week, although Rangers won the league fair and square. It was great today for the manager to get the first trophy under his belt,” said Celtic right-back Mark Wilson.

“Look at the reaction of the fans and the players to see what they think of the manager. We would buy into him getting a long-term deal, definitely. I think he has done fantastic with a squad which quickly came together round about the Braga games. He has really pulled us through the season.

“Two cup finals and pipped at the post on the last weekend of the league is not bad for your first season. I don’t think he would be happy with me saying that but, for a new manager, it’s not too bad a record.

‘There is pressure going into any cup final with Celtic but especially today because we lost two other trophies at the final hurdle. I would much prefer to have won the league but it’s always good to be involved on the last day of the season and win the Cup.

“I will remember it because it has been a fantastic season. Although we have not won the league or the League Cup, we have still had some great times along the way and we deserved to win something.”