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Scottish Cup Final 2005

Quick Review

The game's early exchanges were cagey, with both sides enjoying possession in their own half, without offering any attacking incision. But Celtic's first opportunity brought about the opening goal.
Craig Bellamy won a free kick on the right, a couple of yards outside the penalty area. Thompson drove the ball towards the front post and as Bobo Balde allowed it to run through his legs, it came off Kenneth's heel before crossing the line.
Mark Kerr made a timely interception in front of his own goal to deny John Hartson an almost-certain second goal, and sloppy play by Kenneth presented Stilian Petrov with a shooting chance, but he fired wide from the edge of the box.
Celtic were increasingly dominant as the first half wore on and Mark Wilson was forced to make a fantastic challenge on Thompson to prevent him doubling his and Celtic's tally after Sutton had put a dangerous ball into the box.
Just before half time, Derek McInnes blocked Bellamy's goal-bound shot and Stan Varga headed just over from the resultant corner.
A scintillating piece of play by Bellamy down the left almost led to a second Celtic goal shortly after the restart, but this time it was Archibald who denied Hartson the shot on goal.
Having seen a one-goal lead reversed last week, Celtic looked in no mood to allow that to happen again, with Bellamy a constant menace, and the Welshman's run almost led to a Sutton goal, but again Archibald got in the way.
Celtic passed up the chance of a second goal after Kenneth brought Bellamy down in the box, only for Sutton to slip as he took the penalty and the ball flew over the bar.

Trivia

Martin O'Neill bowed out with a seventh trophy to his name.

Teams

Celtic:-
Douglas, Agathe, Balde, Varga, McNamara, Petrov, Lennon, Sutton, Thompson (McGeady 86), Hartson (Valgaeren 73), Bellamy.

Subs not used:- Marshall, Lambert, Beattie.

Goal:- Thompson 11.

Booked:- Varga.



Dundee Utd:-
Bullock, Wilson, Ritchie, Kenneth, Archibald, Kerr, McInnes (Samuel 76), Brebner (Duff 83), Robson, Crawford (Grady 83), Scotland.

Subs not used:- Colgan, McCracken.

Booked:- Ritchie, Robson, Archibald.

Att:- 50,635

Ref:- J Rowbotham

Articles

• Match Report (BBC)
• Manager Interview (BBC) - O'Neill delighted with final win.
• Clockwatch (BBC)
  

Pictures

• Match Pictures