Celtic 5 – 2 Falkirk
Cometh the hour, cometh the man and Celtic are mightily relieved that substitute, Nicolas Kuhn saved their blushes after a pulsating and hugely entertaining Premier Sports cup quarter final here at Celtic Park
Brendan Rodgers’ side may well have secured their place in the the last four of this tournament against Aberdeen, but it’s Falkirk who deserve all the praise for the way they approached this game.
The Bairns played better football and had a more positive attitude than more than a few Premiership sides who come to Celtic park to park the bus. They were rewarded for their efforts early on with a superb strike from Ross McIver for his 5th goal of the season. John McGlynn has openly admitted the influence of Brendan Rodgers in the way he wants his side to play. As he applauded the opening goal, he knew the reply would be swift. When it arrived, Celtic’s equaliser was a thing of beauty. Hatate’s vision, a lovely cushioned header from Valle and then bang, Bernardo’s right foot dispatched the ball into the net to make it 1-1. The script from then on should’ve been about Celtic, but these Bairns showed no fear. Just as they did against Hearts they continued to pass the ball and push for a second. Right on the stroke of half time they got their just reward. A brilliant cross from the right and Finn Yates put the visiting fans into dreamland with a great header back across the goal to make it 2-1 to Falkirk at the break.
No surprise, Brendan Rodgers didn’t waste any time in hooking four starters to try and change the direction of this game on the hour. In two mad minutes, Adam Idah equalised and then put Celtic 3-2 in front thanks to the creativity of Nicholas Kuhn. He made both goals and then added two of his own, which to be honest was harsh on John McGlynn’s side who just switched off at the wrong time and eventually ran out of gas.
Celtic will now face Aberdeen in the semi-final at Hampden, but for the Bairns, despite getting a late red card for Michael McKenna, they can hold their heads up high. They were a joy to watch. Celtic’s treble hopes still alive and it’s going to have to be a special one off performance from any one of the three remaining sides to stop Celtic winning this trophy.
