MATCH 2014 - Sunday 20 April 2025

 SEAS0N 2024/25

SCOTTISH CUP SEMI FINAL

Venue:  HAMPDEN PARK

CELTIC  5  ST JOHNSTONE  0

Scorers: McGregor, Maeda(2), Idah, Jota

Attendance: 43,632

My normal view from the East Stand

As the clock ticked past the 30 minute mark St Johnstone must have been pleased with the first half hour of the match as the score was still 0-0 and Celtic not causing any serious problems but by half-time they were 4-0 down and facing an impossible task to reach another cup final.

After captain, Callum McGregor fired Celtic into the lead they quickly found their final pass accuracy which had been missing in the early stages.  McGregor then turn provider for Maeda to make it two.  Soon after Idah made it three before Maeda added his second right on the stroke of half time to make it four.  Jota neatly finished a good move at the back post in the second half to complete the five goal rout which sent Celtic into another Scottish Cup Final.

Match report: LINK

Personal note:

• My 141st match at Hampden Park
• Fourth time attending this fixture this season
• 6th time attending this fixture in the Scottish Cup - with 2 at Hampden, both in the semi final
• Overall this was the 67th time attending this fixture - play in four stadia: Muirton Park 1, Celtic Park 48, McDermid Stadium 16 and Hampden 2

Halfway to Paradise

Paradise II on Easter Sunday
From the back of Hampden Celtic Park clearly in view

MATCH 2013 - Thursday 17 April 2025

SEASON 2024/25

QUARTER FINAL 2nd Leg

Venue:  OLD TRAFFORD

MANCHESTER UNITED  5  LYON  4

(After Extra Time)

Scorers: Ugarte, Dalot, Fernandes, Main, Maguire;  Tolisso, Tagliafico, Cherki, Lacazette

Aggregate: 7-6

An amazing UEFA Europa League tie at the "Theatre of Dreams" as Manchester United recovered from being 4-2 down in extra-time to win 5-4 with 3 goals in the last 7 minutes to book their place in the semi final.

The game was a roller-coaster as it went from United 2 up v 11 to 2 down v 10 to 5-4 in two hours of great European football.

Man United took a two goal lead in the first half and were well in control and should have increased their lead at the beginning of the second half but once Lyon pulled one back they looked the most likely to scored again and they did to send the match into extra-time. Lyon did have a set back when they were reduced to 10 men before then end of the 90 minutes but it did not hold them back from taking control of the match in extra time as they went 4-2 up and then came the most dramatic comebacks from United in last 7 minutes

My journey this time to Old Trafford was firstly by car to Blackpool and then train and metro from Blackpool to Manchester to Old Trafford but well worth it - in the end.

The starting XI's but not by no means the full cast of stars

Match report: LINK

Personal note:

• My 4th match at Old Trafford this season - all in the UEFA Europa League
• Overall the 21st time seeing Manchester United in UEFA European competition since 1991
• The 4th time seeing Lyon 

MATCH 2012 - Saturday 12 April 2025

SEASON 2024/25

SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Venue: CELTIC PARK

CELTIC  5  KILMARNOCK  1

Scorers:  Hatate(2), Maeda, Carter-Vickers, Ralston; Armstrong

Celtic raced into a four nil lead in the first half including two memorable long ranch shots, firstly from Hatate to open the scoring and then a thunderbolt from Carter-Vickers.  Kilmarnock pulled one back which was also a great goal to add to the first half entertainment.

After being spoiled in the first half, the second half was nowhere near the same level and it wasn't until the final seconds of the game that another goal was added to the tally.

The win and the three points means that Celtic are on the brink of the league title.

Match report: LINK

Personal note:

• The 3rd time attending this fixture this season - all at Celtic Park
• The 78th time seeing this League fixture - including 51 at Celtic Park
• Overall the 89th time attending this fixture - with 54 at Celtic Park

MY FULL BREAKDOWN FOR THIS FIXTURE

MATCH 2011 - Sunday 6 April 2025

SEASON 2024/25

SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Venue:  McDIARMID PARK

ST JOHNSTONE  1  CELTIC  0

Scorer:  Balodis

This was a bottom v top clash but an early goal from the home was enough to upset the odds and give the Saints a valuable win in their fight to stay in the top flight of Scottish football.

An off day for Celtic despite a support taking up three stands inside McDiarmid Park.

Match report: LINK

Personal note:

• 3rd time attending this fixture this season - 2 at McDiarmid Park & 1 at Celtic Park
• 59th time seeing this fixture in the league
• Overall the 64th time seeing this fixture including 17 at McDiarmid Stadium