Celtic have won the Scottish Youth Cup for the first time since 2017, defeating Old Firm rivals Rangers 6-5 in a sensational final at Hampden Park this evening.
While this competition is always a prestigious one, this year's final was always likely to have a bit of extra intrigue. It was the first time the two Glasgow sides had faced in the decider since 2019, with Ranger coming out on top on that occasion.
Rangers got off to the better start in the game, with Jack Roberts scoring the opening goal of the game in the 19th minute.
Rangers strike first in the Scottish Youth Cup final!
Jack Roberts with a neat finish to put the holders in front!#BBCFootball #ScottishYouthCup pic.twitter.com/VlHJrp2Ywm— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) May 3, 2023
It did not take Celtic long to respond, with Mitchel Frame levelling for the Hoops before Corey Thompson put them in front a couple of minutes later.
Corey Thomson take a bow! 👏
Celtic have turned it around! Two goals in two minutes!#BBCFootball #ScottishYouthCup pic.twitter.com/ihIDZcQ3c6— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) May 3, 2023
While Rangers would get back on level terms a few minutes later, Daniel Kelly handed Celtic the lead for the second time in the 35th minute.
What on earth is happening at Hampden?!
It's 3-2 inside the opening 35 minutes!
Celtic retake the lead thanks to Daniel Kelly's strike ⤵️#BBCFootball #ScottishYouthCup pic.twitter.com/xwEYf9tiKC— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) May 3, 2023
This strike meant we had seen five goals inside the first 35 minutes.
There would be a sixth before halftime, with Archie Stevens scoring for Rangers to ensure the teams were level the interval.
A sensational move from Rangers to make it 3-3!
Archie Stevens with a great run and finish 👏#BBCFootball #ScottishYouthCup pic.twitter.com/ByoLuSW7UD— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) May 3, 2023
They would then take the lead early in the second half.
It came from the penalty spot, although you could certainly say that Zak Lovelace made the most of the contact in the box.
🗣️'Lovelace puts his foot across the defender. I think that's very, very harsh'
Rangers have the lead again thanks to Findlay Curtis' penalty ⚽️
Correct decision? 🤔#BBCFootball #ScottishYouthCup pic.twitter.com/gGNnEBorSv— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) May 3, 2023
The goals were far from finished.
Celtic were back level just before the hour mark, with Leyton Grant scoring an own goal after some quality buildup play from the opposition.
It's 4-4! 🤯
Some great build-up play from Celtic results in Leyton Grant knocking the ball into his own net!#BBCFootball #ScottishYouthCup pic.twitter.com/VQmEt8sXLx— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) May 3, 2023
They would also have some payback for that earlier questionable penalty decision.
Lovelace was booked earlier in the game for simulation, and having got away with a questionable jump to the ground for the penalty, he was sent off after picking up his second yellow card for diving once again late on.
Two yellow cards for simulation and he's off! 🟥
Having already been booked for simulation earlier in the game, Zak Lovelace is shown a second yellow card after going down from this challenge ⤵️#BBCFootball #ScottishYouthCup pic.twitter.com/N51sHZ0DLU— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) May 3, 2023
This meant his team would be a man down for extra-time.
Celtic made the most of the advantage, first with this strike from Daniel Cummings.
Daniel Cummings gives Celtic the lead in extra-time!
Deadly striker play from the young forward! #BBCFootball #ScottishYouthCup pic.twitter.com/Hs5aKLBzyI— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) May 3, 2023
A well taken goal.
They then put the result beyond all doubt when Lewis Dobbie scored a brilliant backheel to open up a two-goal cushion for the first time in the game.
Outrageous from Lewis Dobbie! 🤤
It's now 6-4 and surely Celtic will claim the Scottish Youth Cup! 🏆#BBCFootball #ScottishYouthCup pic.twitter.com/7Kn2cTQ0tK— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) May 3, 2023
While Rangers would score again in injury time, the game would ultimately finish 6-5 after a hectic 120 minutes of action at Hampden Park.
This was Celtic's 16th triumph in this competition, putting them well above second-placed Rangers (seven wins) in the honour roll.
Celtic captain and MOTM Kyle Ure lifts the Scottish Youth Cup! 🏆
What an incredible game we've just witnessed at Hampden! 🏟️#BBCFootball #ScottishYouthCup pic.twitter.com/V04zX0rhkB— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) May 3, 2023
An incredible game of football.
After their win over Rangers in the senior competition at the weekend, this caps off a brilliant few days for Celtic.
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