St Mirren stun Celtic and lift the Premier Sports Cup with a deserved victory over the holders at a roaring Hampden Park

St Mirren secured a memorable victory at Hampden Park, lifting the Premier Sports Cup and claiming their first major silverware since 2013.

The jubilant Buddies stunned Celtic from the very start, showing they were more than ready to take the fight to their more illustrious opponents.

A Lightning Start Sets the Tone

Marcus Fraser wasted no time making his mark, heading St Mirren into an early lead within the opening two minutes.

The quick strike sent shockwaves through the Celtic defence and set the tone for what would be a dramatic encounter.

Celtic Fight Back But Fall Short

Reo Hatate’s brilliant volley restored parity for Celtic, giving Wilfried Nancy’s side hope of turning the game around.

The holders seemed poised to build momentum after halftime, but St Mirren had other ideas.

Jonah Ayunga’s brace ensured the trophy would head to Paisley for only the second time in the club’s history, crushing Celtic’s ambitions.

Pressure Mounts on Celtic Boss Wilfried Nancy

The defeat left Celtic boss Nancy reeling, marking his third consecutive loss since taking the reins from Martin O’Neill.

The early setbacks have piled pressure on him and cast a shadow over his nascent tenure at the club.

Standout Performances From the Saints

Shamal George was outstanding between the posts, producing several first-half saves that kept Celtic at bay.

Marcus Fraser and Miguel Freckleton were rock-solid in defence, while Keanu Baccus and Alex Gogic dictated the midfield with poise and vision.

Jonah Ayunga’s performance was the star of the show, with two decisive goals earning him plaudits from supporters and pundits alike.

Key Moments and Player Highlights

• Marcus Fraser: Dream start with early goal, defended reliably throughout.

• Alex Gogic: Crucial defensive work and a perfect assist for Ayunga.

• Jonah Ayunga: The hero of the hour with a stunning double that sealed the cup.

• Declan John: Composed finish to wrap up the game, kept Celtic in check.

Celtic Struggles Exposed

Celtic’s defence appeared shaky, with Auston Trusty’s errors directly contributing to Ayunga’s opening strike.

Several players, including Sebastian Tounekti, failed to make a meaningful impact, and injuries to Kelechi Iheanacho added to the team’s woes.

Despite Reo Hatate’s equaliser and spirited moments from Daizen Maeda, Celtic were ultimately outplayed by a relentless St Mirren.

Managerial Repercussions

Wilfried Nancy’s rocky start has intensified scrutiny, as he faces the daunting challenge of reversing the team’s fortunes.

Meanwhile, St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson could hardly have scripted a better day, achieving a crowning moment in his career and delighting fans with a flawless tactical performance.

Hampden Comes Alive for the Buddies

The atmosphere at Hampden was electric, with St Mirren supporters celebrating a hard-fought victory over a formidable Celtic side.

The win not only delivers silverware but also underscores the potential for smaller clubs to rise to the occasion on Scotland’s biggest stage.

Looking Ahead

For St Mirren, this triumph provides m.entum and a boost of confidence moving into the new season.

Celtic, on the other hand, face a period of reflection and adjustment under Nancy, who must find answers quickly to avoid further setbacks in domestic competitions.

Referee and Final Notes

Kevin Clancy oversaw the match and maintained control in what was a high-tempo, emotional contest.

The victory will be remembered by St Mirren fans for years to come as a landmark achievement in the club’s history.