| Match Pictures | Matches: 2004 – 2005 | 2004-2005 Pictures |
Trivia
- Scottish Cup Final 2005
- Martin O'Neill bowed out with a seventh trophy to his name.
- Rod Stewart travels from US to lend support to the Celts.
- Chris Sutton misses penalty.
- First cup winners medals for McGeady, Hartson and Bellamy.
- Douglas, McNamara, Valgaeren and Bellamy all play their last competitive games for Celtic.
- Paul Lambert is on the bench in his last time chosen in a Celtic team.
Review
The game's early exchanges were cagey, with both sides enjoying possession in their own half, without offering any attacking incision. But Celtic's first opportunity brought about the opening goal.
Craig Bellamy won a free kick on the right, a couple of yards outside the penalty area. Thompson drove the ball towards the front post and as Bobo Balde allowed it to run through his legs, it came off Kenneth's heel before crossing the line.
Mark Kerr made a timely interception in front of his own goal to deny John Hartson an almost-certain second goal, and sloppy play by Kenneth presented Stilian Petrov with a shooting chance, but he fired wide from the edge of the box.
Celtic were increasingly dominant as the first half wore on and Mark Wilson was forced to make a fantastic challenge on Thompson to prevent him doubling his and Celtic's tally after Sutton had put a dangerous ball into the box.
Just before half time, Derek McInnes blocked Bellamy's goal-bound shot and Stan Varga headed just over from the resultant corner.
A scintillating piece of play by Bellamy down the left almost led to a second Celtic goal shortly after the restart, but this time it was Archibald who denied Hartson the shot on goal.
Having seen a one-goal lead reversed last week, Celtic looked in no mood to allow that to happen again, with Bellamy a constant menace, and the Welshman's run almost led to a Sutton goal, but again Archibald got in the way.
Celtic passed up the chance of a second goal after Kenneth brought Bellamy down in the box, only for Sutton to slip as he took the penalty and the ball flew over the bar.
Teams
Celtic:-
Douglas, Agathe, Balde, Varga, McNamara, Petrov, Lennon, Sutton, Thompson (McGeady 86), Hartson (Valgaeren 73), Bellamy.
Subs not used:- Marshall, Lambert, Beattie.
Goal:- Thompson 11.
Booked:- Varga.
Dundee Utd:-
Bullock, Wilson, Ritchie, Kenneth, Archibald, Kerr, McInnes (Samuel 76), Brebner (Duff 83), Robson, Crawford (Grady 83), Scotland.
Subs not used:- Colgan, McCracken.
Booked:- Ritchie, Robson, Archibald.
Att:- 50,635
Ref:- J Rowbotham
Articles
- Match Report (see end of page below)
Pictures
Articles
Celtic 1-0 Dundee United
BBC
SCOTTISH CUP FINAL
Celtic ensured manager Martin O'Neill bowed out with a seventh trophy to his name as his side beat Dundee United in the Scottish Cup final.
Alan Thompson's 11th minute goal was the difference between the teams.
The midfielder drilled a free-kick low towards goal and it came off United defender Garry Kenneth on its way in.
Chris Sutton missed a late penalty to make sure of the win and Alan Archibald almost scored an injury-time equaliser, but his long-range drive hit the bar.
The game's early exchanges were cagey, with both sides enjoying possession in their own half, without offering any attacking incision.
But Celtic's first opportunity brought about the opening goal.
Craig Bellamy won a free kick on the right, a couple of yards outside the penalty area.
Thompson drove the ball towards the front post and as Bobo Balde allowed it to run through his legs, it came off Kenneth's heel before crossing the line.
United's reply was a good run and cross from Jason Scotland, but Stevie Crawford just failed to make contact, with the goal at his mercy.
Mark Kerr made a timely interception in front of his own goal to deny John Hartson an almost-certain second goal, and sloppy play by Kenneth presented Stilian Petrov with a shooting chance, but he fired wide from the edge of the box.
Celtic were increasingly dominant as the first half wore on and Mark Wilson was forced to make a fantastic challenge on Thompson to prevent him doubling his and Celtic's tally after Sutton had put a dangerous ball into the box.
Just before half time, Derek McInnes blocked Bellamy's goal-bound shot and Stan Varga headed just over from the resultant corner and at the other end Brebner rifled a shot wide as United finally put a meaningful attack together.
A scintillating piece of play by Bellamy down the left almost led to a second Celtic goal shortly after the restart, but this time it was Archibald who denied Hartson the shot on goal.
Having seen a one-goal lead reversed last week, Celtic looked in no mood to allow that to happen again, with Bellamy a constant menace, and the Welshman's run almost led to a Sutton goal, but again Archibald got in the way.
The United defender was less fortunate at the other end when his volley flew over the bar.
United were defending resolutely, and Bullock saved from close range from Sutton before pushing away a fierce Thompson drive from distance.
Celtic passed up the chance of a second goal after Kenneth brought Bellamy down in the box, only for Sutton to slip as he took the penalty and the ball flew over the bar.
Archibald almost took the game into extra time as he struck the bar with a powerful 25-yard drive, but Celtic survived that scare to take the trophy.
Celtic: Douglas, Agathe, Balde, Varga, McNamara, Petrov, Lennon, Sutton, Thompson (McGeady 86), Hartson (Valgaeren 73), Bellamy.
Subs Not Used: Marshall, Lambert, Beattie.
Booked: Varga.
Goal: Thompson 11.
Dundee Utd: Bullock, Wilson, Ritchie, Kenneth, Archibald, Kerr, McInnes (Samuel 76), Brebner (Duff 83), Robson, Crawford (Grady 83), Scotland.
Subs Not Used: Colgan, McCracken.
Booked: Ritchie, Robson, Archibald.
Att: 50,635
Ref: J Rowbotham
O'Neill delighted with final win
BBC
SCOTTISH CUP FINAL
Celtic 1-0 Dundee United
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill described the victory over Dundee United in the Scottish Cup final as a "fantastic moment" as he ended his Celtic career.
"It was a brilliant effort. We deserved to win, but like last week we couldn't put the game away," he admitted.
"We missed some great chances and 1-0 is never enough. They hit the bar and that would have been harsh on us if that had gone in.
"It was a great final effort from what is a terrific bunch of players."
O'Neill admitted he would have hated to be leaving Celtic on a losing note, like last weekend.
"At least we had the opportunity to put it right again and where better than the Scottish Cup final?" he said.
"It has been a pretty extraordinary week. It has taken me a bit of time to get over the defeat and my only regret is that, due to the circumstances, I don't have the chance now to try to regain the championship next season."
Man of the match Craig Bellamy said the victory made up in part for the disappointment of losing out to Rangers on the SPL title.
"This means a hell of a lot," said the striker, who insisted he did not know if he would be at Celtic next season.
"Last week was so disappointing although credit to Rangers because they had to go to Hibernian and win.
"But we threw it away and that really hurt. But we have bounced back to win this trophy."
Goalscorer Alan Thompson also acknowledged how difficult it had been for the players to lift themselves for the game as a result of last weekend's defeat by Motherwell.
"We have been so down and so low this week," he said.
"You can't really explain how we have been feeling after last weekend.
"Football is a cruel game sometimes but, when the good times happen like today, you have to savour the moment."
Captain Jackie McNamara said the overwhelming emotion at the end was one of relief.
"We made it hard for ourselves again," he added.
McNamara explained the thinking behind the players' decision to send O'Neill up to collect the trophy.
"It was something all of the players felt was right. It was just a small token of our appreciation for what he's done here over the past five years," he said.
"He's been great for Celtic and Scottish football in general."
O'Neill leaves Bhoys with Cup win
BBC
Alan Thompson scored the only goal as Celtic marked Martin O'Neill's final game as manager by winning the Scottish Cup with a 1-0 win over Dundee United.
Thompson scored in the 11th minute when his free-kick deflected in off helpless defender Garry Kenneth.
Chris Sutton scooped a penalty over the bar late on and Celtic had several other chances to win more comfortably.
United had few chances although defender Alan Archibald hit the bar from 25 yards deep into injury-time.
Goalflashes and major incidents as they happen:
Scottish Cup final photos
Minute-by-minute updates
1658: A superb moment to end Martin O'Neill's Celtic career as he and his coaching team are sent up to lift the Cup ahead of the players.
1651: RESULT Celtic 1-0 Dundee United
An emotional Martin O'Neill salutes the fans as the whistle blows to end his time in charge of Celtic with another trophy – the seventh in his time at the club.
Alan Thompson's early deflected free-kick is enough to win the game – making Chris Sutton's late missed penalty and a host of other missed chances irrelevant.
United offered little although Alan Archibald did hit the bar deep into injury-time.
94 mins: United are so close to forcing extra-time as defender Alan Archibald crashes a shot from 25 yards against the Celtic bar.
90 mins: The fourth official signals a minimum of five minutes additional time as Celtic begin to play the ball around in the corner.
87 mins: The third booking for United as Alan Archibald is shown the yellow card for a foul.
Half a minute later, Celtic's Stanislav Varga is booked for a foul at the other end.
84 mins: MISSED PENALTY (Chris Sutton – Celtic)
An extraordinary miss by Chris Sutton who slips as he runs up to take the kick and scoops the ball over the bar.
The kick was awarded for a challenge by Garry Kenneth on Craig Bellamy.
Before play can restart, Celtic replace the injured Alan Thompson with youngster Aiden McGeady.
83 mins: Dundee United make a double substitution in an effort to save the match with Stuart Duff replacing Grant Brebner and James Grady coming on for Stevie Crawford.
82 mins: Underworked Celtic keeper Rab Douglas makes a rare contribution by confidently gathering a curling left-wing corner.
From the clearance, the ball once again falls to Craig Bellamy on the left-hand side of the area but his shot fizzes just over.
80 mins: Alan Thompson tries a long-range shot which a diving Tony Bullock turns away.
Second later the attendance is confirmed as being 50,635.
76 mins: United make a change with captain Derek McInnes trudging off to be replaced by striker Colin Samuel.
73 mins: Celtic make the first substitution of the game with Joos Valgaeren replacing John Hartson. Chris Sutton moves up front alongside Craig Bellamy with Jackie McNamara moving into midfield.
71 mins: It's end-to-end stuff now and a neat move ends with Grant Brebner driving just over. TV replays show his shot deflected off Stanislav Varga but the officials fail to spot this and award Celtic a goal-kick.
70 mins: A United corner is cleared and Celtic are off again with a superb tackle by Barry Robson clearing the danger at the expense of a corner.
From the flag-kick, Tony Bullock is lost again but the United defence clear their lines.
65 mins: It's all happening now as Barry Robson has a shot blocked at one end before Celtic break with Craig Bellamy who runs half the length of the pitch before being tackled eight yards out.
The ball then runs to Chris Sutton who is thwarted by a double save from Tony Bullock.
64 mins: John Hartson cannot quite connect with Stanislav Varga's free-kick six yards out and it trickles harmlessly out of play.
62 mins: United continue to rally and Barry Robson's left-wing cross just eludes team-mates inside the area before it is crossed back in from the right where Robson can only help the ball out for a goal-kick.
61 mins: The Celtic wall blocks a free-kick from 25 yards by United full-back Mark Wilson after a foul by Neil Lennon on Barry Robson.
57 mins: Celtic are denied a free-kick after a challenge on Craig Bellamy just outside the area and United suddenly ease the pressure by charging up the other end where Bobo Balde clears for their first corner of the match.
From the flag-kick the ball falls to unmarked defender Alan Archibald but his hooked shot sails over the top.
55 mins: John Hartson finds space to throw himself at Stilian Petrov's right-wing centre but his header goes just over.
54 mins: Another superb run by Craig Bellamy, back on the left now, sees him cut into the area once more and the ball breaks for Chris Sutton whose first-time shot is blocked and goes out for Celtic's sixth corner of the match.
53 mins: United defender Barry Robson collects the game's second yellow card for a foul on Craig Bellamy who suddenly popped up on the right wing.
51 mins: Referee John Rowbotham rejects a penalty appeal for a challenge by Garry Kenneth on Stilian Petrov who is chasing a long ball into the United area.
49 mins: A superb jinking run down the left by Craig Bellamy takes him into the area where he lays the ball across for John Hartson and only a brilliant last-ditch tackle by Alan Archibald prevents an almost certain second.
47 mins: Celtic come close again as Chris Sutton heads narrowly wide from a free-kick.
1601: Celtic get the second half under way.
1545: HALF-TIME Celtic 1-0 Dundee United
The teams reach the break with Alan Thompson's deflected free-kick the only thing which separates them.
45 mins: United have their best moment of the match as a left-wing move finds Grant Brebner outside the area but his shot flies past the near post.
44 mins: Tony Bullock is in all sorts ot trouble at a corner as his punch goes nowhere and Mark Wilson and Garry Kenneth have to clear Jackie McNamara's shot.
From the resultant corner, Stanislav Varga heads inches over the Celtic bar.
43 mins: Goalkeeper Tony Bullock has to react quickly to kick the ball clear as Chris Sutton closes in eight yards out.
42 mins: Referee John Rowbotham gives a stern lecture to Neil Lennon and Alan Thompson after a free-kick is awarded for a foul by Lennon on Jason Scotland.
38 mins: Defender Mark Wilson saves United as he superbly clears a dangerous right-wing cross by Chris Sutton.
37 mins: Alan Thompson sets Craig Bellamy free on the left of the area but his cross only finds the side-netting.
35 mins: Craig Bellamy shows his displeasure as the linesman gives a throw to United after adjudging, it appears harshly, that he has taken the ball out of play.
31 mins: The game's first yellow card goes to United defender Paul Ritchie after a foul on Craig Bellamy just outside the area on the left-hand side.
27 mins: Celtic almost get through again but John Hartson's pass just eludes Craig Bellamy.
24 mins: A careless path by Garry Kenneth gives the ball to Stilian Petrov, who runs across the face of the United area before hitting a shot which goes inches wide of the far post.
22 mins: Celtic attack again and Craig Bellamy forces United keeper Tony Bullock into a good low save from his shot from just inside the area.
20 mins: Celtic are inches away from a second as Chris Sutton wriggles free on the right of the area and tries to find John Hartson inside the six-yard box but his pass is cleared for a corner which comes to nothing.
18 mins: Another chance for United as Jason Scotland gets away down the right and his centre just eludes the onrushing Stevie Crawford.
16 mins: United try to hit back and Jason Scotland releases Stevie Crawford who runs into the Celtic area before losing his footing.
11 mins: GOAL Celtic 1-0 Dundee United
Alan Thompson gives Celtic the lead with a low free-kick outside the penalty area on the right which is deflected into the net off United defender Garry Kenneth inside the six-yard box.
9 mins: Another chance for United as the ball is cut back by Barry Robson into the Celtic box but again it is cleared.
7 mins: A United free-kick bounces around the Celtic area before Stanislav Varga clears the ball.
4 mins: A cagey start with the two sides still trying to find each other out.
1500: The game kicks off in tricky conditions. There is steady drizzle and unusually for the end of May, the floodlights are on.
Team line-ups:
Celtic: Douglas, Agathe, Balde, Varga, McNamara, Petrov, Lennon, Sutton, Thompson, Hartson, Bellamy. Subs: Marshall, Valgaeren, Lambert, Beattie, McGeady.
Dundee Utd: Bullock, Wilson, Ritchie, Kenneth, Archibald, Kerr, McInnes, Brebner, Robson, Crawford, Scotland. Subs: Colgan, McCracken, Samuel, Duff, Grady.
Referee: J Rowbotham (Scotland)