After too many miserable trips to the National Stadium, Hampden Park was the scene of joy for the Celtic support this afternoon.
As the clock ticked towards extra-time some magic between Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths booked a place in the final of the BetFred Cup against Aberdeen next month.
Throughout the match the Celtic support got right behind their team as they attempted to break down the dogged Sevco defence, when Erik Sviatchenko did find the net Craig Thomson decided to award a free kick out of sympathy to Clint Hill.
With 20 minutes left to play the hoops support got their wish when Leigh Griffiths was introduced with the former Hibs striker adding a new attacking dimension to Celtic’s play.
Five minutes after Lee Wallace got away with a crunching foul on Scott Sinclair 12 yards from goal luck finally ran out on the team from Ibrox.
Griffiths robbed Wallace of possession, made ground into the penalty box then sent through the perfect pass for Dembele to poke the ball past Matt Gilks into the net.
Behind the goal the Celtic support exploded in celebration- and relief. Griffiths raced to join Dembele in celebration knowing that there was little prospect of Sevco snatching a goal and extra time.
The final whistle was greeted with delight as November opens up with more Champions League drama with a cup final thrown into the mix as Rodgers attempts to keep his side on course for a title and a treble.
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ERIK SVIATCHENKO
The defender did everything right as he positioned himself perfectly to meet a cross from the left and steer his header beyond Matt Gilks into the corner of the net.
Clint Hill’s comical attempt to stop the header however drew sympathy from Craig Thomson as he halted the celebrations to award a free-kick than no defender was claiming for.
Fortunately Celtic never allowed that decision to disrupt their play as they continued to flood forward although it was almost 40 minutes later before justice was done.
DEMBELE DOES IT AGAIN
When he swept the ball home it was such a relief to find the ball finally in the back of the net after so many near misses.
Looking back at the move for the goal it really was a classic from the moment Leigh Griffiths claimed the ball from Lee Wallace.
As he moved into the box it required something unconventional- with the outside of Griffiths boot and back of Dembele’s heal the game was settled to a mixture of relief and celebration.
JOZO SIMUNOVIC
Came in to replace Kolo Toure and had a faultless match. His Celtic career started today after a 12 month warm up and return trip to Turin.
Hearts may have stopped as Barrie McKay hit the deck but that was just one of many crucial interceptions by the giant defender.
Midway through the second half he expertly blocked a net-bound shot from Jason Holt to keep the door closed on his way to a third clean sheet.
BRENDAN RODGERS
Resembled Martin O’Neill at times as he went through the second half agonies on the touchline.
He made a bold move to bring in Jozo Simunovic and was equally vindicated with the use of his main substitutes- Stuart Armstrong and Leigh Griffiths both made telling contributions.
Rodgers knows what he wants and the limitations of his players, combining those two factors has been key to his success as he redirects the club in his direction.
THE SUPPORT
They’ve suffered in recent times at Hampden, there’s no need for me to list again the club’s that have ended cup runs at the National Stadium.
With Grace added to the matchday mix there is a brilliant variety to the songs and chants coming from the East Stand today.
When the breakthrough goal came it was celebrated wildly with the players and management eager to join in after the final whistle was blown.