There are few more effective tonics for anyone who has been ill than this! A long, long second half in which a weaker defence might have buckled but we emerged yet again to reach our 60th Scottish Cup final (40 wins, 18 defeats and one riot in the previous 59) and little needs to be said about the Scottish Cup final at this stage, other than remember Feyenoord! (In 1970 we beat Leeds in the European Cup semi final and thought the job was done!).
The job is NOT yet finished. No serpent of complacency is to be allowed to enter Paradise.
There is no need to gloat. Let the facts speak for themselves. The silence of the blues over the next few days will be an eloquent one. And they will have an opportunity to cheer at the Coronation for their other heroes!
We may even find it in out heart to give them a little credit for some good midfield work which on occasion got the better of us, but could not get past a resolute defence in which Cameron Carter-Vickers was outstanding. My other heroes were Joe Hart who radiated confidence and Anthony Ralston who fitted in seamlessly.
Once again Ange substituted well, particularly, I thought, Aaron Mooy, who gave us a solidity as we gradually regained control of the game during the second half. Our Japanese players were possibly not at their best with Kyogu sadly targetted in the first half with one or two coarse tackles , but we did take our chance.
🎯 That match-winning moment from Jota…#ScottishCup | @CelticFC pic.twitter.com/zTZOpNDEiC
— Scottish Cup (@ScottishCup) April 30, 2023
Our opponents possibly had two moments when I felt they were about to score – one was when CCV robbed Morelos on the line, and the other when after they hit the post, Sikala put the ball into the side net (did he not do that in the League Cup final as well?…lol), but Ibrox is now clearly second best with a huge clear out and in take promised over the summer. It may or may not include Mr Beale.
To a TV viewer, it was obvious that the Celtic crowd outshouted the other one, but we could not say which crowd produced the most smoke at the start. Frankly, we could do without that. We want, after all, to see a football match. And well done Mr Robertson. That cannot have been easy, but he at least kept a lid on things – and there was no VAR.
So there we are. Let us enjoy the rest of the season. No silly slip ups now and summer 2023 will be one of our best.
David Potter
David I trust you will soon be restored to full rude good health.
Defence stood firm again when needed.
Celtic Abu.
‘‘Twas as expected. Push and shove, poor football all round. Nervy, tense. The best team won although not at a canter. Bring on the Finale ☘️