CELTIC’S SCOTTISH CUP FINALS – Number 32…
CELTIC 3-1 DUNFERMLINE – HAMPDEN, 22 MAY 2004 – It was nice to see Dunfermline back in a Cup final again, but not so nice to see them go in at half time one goal up.
But Celtic wearing a strange strip with dull green jerseys and silver pants fought back and Henrik Larsson, playing his last competitive game for Celtic, scored two great goals and another from Stiliyan Petrov saw a 3-1 win which was comfortable enough in the end.
It was another League and Cup double for Celtic, and Celtic’s 32nd Scottish Cup. It was a shame that Larsson did not get his hat-trick for he would certainly have been worthy of such an honour.
David Potter
The Celtic team: Marshall, Varga, Balde, McNamara, Agathe, Lennon, Petrov, Pearson (Wallace), Thompson, Larsson, Sutton. Scorers: Larsson 58, Larsson 71, Petrov 83.
Dunfermline:- Stillie, Darren Young, Skerla, Byrne (Tod 88), Mason (Grondin 82), Nicholson, Dempsey (Bullen 60), Derek Young, Labonte, Brewster, Crawford. Scorer:- Skerla 40.
Attendance:- 50,846. Referee:- S Dougal
First cup winners medals for Marshall, Varga, Balde, Petrov, Pearson, Wallace, McGovern and Beattie.
Henrik Larsson completed a fairytale ending to his Celtic career as he scored twice to help his side lift the Scottish Cup.
“Both of his goals were magnificent and so important for us,” said Celtic manager O’Neill. “I thought we did well in the first half and were in control, but you still have to score and that’s where Henrik made the difference.”
“Winning this final means everything. I didn’t want to leave as a loser in the cup final because I’ve done it twice before,” Henrik Larsson said. “It was great to get the two goals to end a fantastic seven years here. I never dreamt this could happen when I signed.”
“This shows what a loss he’s going to be for us – he’s a genius,” said Celtic midfielder Alan Thompson . “I’m delighted for him. He deserves everything he gets.”
Neil Lennon added: “He was tremendous. It’s a fitting way to end his time here. He’s a great loss as a friend and as a team-mate.”
