- The Saints claimed a deserved victory at Hampden to secure their first piece of major silverware since 2013.
- The result consigned the new Celtic boss to a third straight defeat after taking over earlier this month.
St Mirren lifted the Premier Sports Cup in front of their jubilant supporters after putting a stunned Celtic side to the sword at Hampden.
The Buddies wasted no time getting in the faces of their more decorated opponents, and took the lead through Marcus Fraser with less than two minutes on the clock.
Reo Hatate equalised for Wilfried Nancy’s side with a fine volley, and the holders looked to be in a position to kick on after the interval after dragging themselves back into the contest.
But two goals from Jonah Ayunga put paid to those plans, as St Mirren went on to win the trophy for just the second time in their history.
The result piled even more pressure on Nancy, who has now lost his first three games in succession since taking over from Martin O’Neill.
Our man Kevin McKenna was on hand to run the rule over the players on a thrilling afternoon of football at the national stadium…
St Mirren’s players and staff celebrated their first major trophy win in over a decade on Sunday
Manager Stephen Robinson got his game plan spot on to ensure he would be lifting the cup
Marcus Fraser headed the Saints in front in the opening minutes to get the party started
ST MIRREN (3-5-2)
SHAMAL GEORGE – 8: Made a series of stops in first half to keep Celtic at bay. One to deny Iheanacho was the pick of the bunch.
MARCUS FRASER – 7: Got his side off a dream start within 90 seconds with well-placed header. Kept things simple in his own box.
RICHARD KING – 6.5: Did the basics really well. Cleared his lines when required and refused to take any unnecessary risks.
MIGUEL FRECKLETON – 6.5: Brilliant pass sent John clear in build-up to the third. Didn’t put a foot wrong in his own box either. Rock solid.
CONOR MCMENAMIN – 7: Really struggled to get to grips with Tierney and Scales as Celtic took control. Much better after the interval.
KILLIAN PHILLIPS – 6: All-action midfielder was unusually quiet. Barely saw any of the ball, with defensive duties taking precedence.
ALEX GOGIC – 7.5: Played vital role in mopping up the danger in front of his defenders. Delightful assist with outside of the boot for Ayunga.
KEANU BACCUS – 7: Set up the first goal with pinpoint corner delivery. Got forward at every opportunity to support the front two.
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Jonah Ayunga notched two goals in the second period to cap a terrific individual display
DECLAN JOHN – 7.5: Showed real composure to put it on a plate for Ayunga to seal the win. Kept a lid on Tounekti throughout as well.
DAN NLUNDULU – 6: Missed golden chance to add to Saints’ lead then switched off as Hatate stole in to equalise. Effort couldn’t be faulted.
JONAH AYUNGA – 9: Outstanding from start to finish. Won’t ever have to buy a pint in Paisley again after netting double to win the cup.
SUBSTITUTES: Richardson (McMenamin 72), Mandron (Nlundulu 72), Tanser (John 78), Mooney (Ayunga 81).
STEPHEN ROBINSON – 10: The crowning moment of what has been a stellar career at the club. What a job he’s done.
CELTIC (3-4-2-1)
KASPER SCHMEICHEL – 4: Had next to no chance of keeping Fraser’s effort out, but caught in no-man’s land at the second. Not sharp enough.
ANTHONY RALSTON – 4: Appeared uncomfortable on the right of the back three early on, but did improve as the game wore on.
Wilfried Nancy is already under huge pressure after overseeing three losses on the bounce
AUSTON TRUSTY – 4: A comedy of errors in build-up to Ayunga’s first goal. Gaveit away initially, then played the striker onside to head home.
LIAM SCALES – 4: Spent most of the contest operating as an auxilary left winger, but guilty of rushing things too often.
SEBASTIAN TOUNEKTI – 2: It’s a miracle he lasted as long as he did. Absolutely no end product, which is becoming a familiar theme to his game.
ARNE ENGELS – 5: Neat and tidy as always, but didn’t do enough in the areas that count to have any real say in matters.
CALLUM MCGREGOR – 5: Instrumental as Celtic turned the tide after falling behind, but another who simply ran out of ideas.
KIERAN TIERNEY – 6: A constant menace in the first half, and got an assist to his name. Influence faded and was taken off.
REO HAHATE- 5: Beaten far too easily by Fraser for the opener, but made amends with a brilliant finish to level the scores.
DAIZEN MAEDA – 6: Looked much more like his normal self with a vibrant display. Saw glancing header sail wide in first half.
Reo Hatate was at full stretch to haul Celtic level in the first half, but they failed to kick on
KELECHI IHENACHO – 4: Was a threat in the early stages, linking up well with Maeda. Forced off before the break with another injury.
SUBSTITUTES: Kenny (Iheanacho 35), McCowan (Tierney 71), Forrest (Tounekti 72), Donovan (Ralston 72), Yang (Engels 84).
WILFRIED NANCY – 2: He couldn’t have imagined quite how badly this first week has gone. An absolute disaster.
REFEREE: Kevin Clancy 6