Celtic v Rangers

A real disappointment for Celtic fans as a last minute goal gave the cup to Rangers. Martin O'Neill had taken a chance on the match fitness of long term injury victims Sutton and Balde and had put them straight into the starting line up. Lambert also started but clearly hadn't recovered from his foot injury and was substituted just before half time.

Celtic set out to frustrate Rangers fast forward and deny them clear runs at the defence. Their attacking strategy was to pump long balls to Larsson and Hartson.

Celtic went ahead when Balde got to a corner and header it back across goal. It bounced and reached Hartson at the far post and he headed home.

Only 2 minutes later Sutton and Mjallby challenged for the same ball allowing Lovenkrands the chance to shoot and score.

Lovenkrands had another shot in the first half but Douglas dived to his right to make a good save.

Celtic had McNamara on for Lambert but still couldn't find any passing rhythm though looking dangerous at set play. When Lennon flighted a free kick into the Rangers box, Balde rose to head home.

There was a let off for Celtic when Ferguson curled in a right foot strike which hit the post.

Balde was the sinner shortly afterwards. He clattered into the back of Amoruso and from the resulting free kick Ferguson flighted the ball over the wall and into the net.

Celtic continued to let Rangers come at them and showed little ability to keep possession.

There were some bookings during the game but a high challenge on Hartson by Moore went unpunished for reasons best know to referee Dallas. Moore did receive a booking later when he cynically hacked down Hartson outside the box denying him a clear goal scoring opportunity. The referees decision was a yellow card.

Just as it looked as it would go to extra time, McCann sent in cross for Lovenkrands to score and give Rangers the cup.

Celtic: Douglas, Mjallby, Sutton, Balde, Agathe, Lambert, Lennon, Petrov, Thompson, Hartson, Larsson.
Substitutes: Gould, Boyd, McNamara, Moravcik, Guppy.

Rangers: Klos, Ross, Moore, Amoruso, Numan, Ricksen, De Boer, Ferguson, Caniggia, Lovenkrands, McCann.
Substitutes: McGregor, Vidmar, Flo, Nerlinger, Arveladze