NEIL LENNON’S Dunfermline booked their place in the Scottish Cup Final next month after a dramatic 4-2 penalty-kick shoot-out win over Falkirk at Hampden following an extra-time goalless draw.
And the win sets up the intriguing possibility of the Celtic legend coming face to face with Martin O’Neill’s side in the showpiece showdown at the national stadium.
The Hoops will have to overcome the challenge of St Mirren tomorrow afternoon to make sure they get to the grand finale on Saturday May 23.
Lenny’s Fifers , who knocked out Hibs and holders Aberdeen to reach the last four, blew two fabulous chances in the second period of added-on time to settle a nervy encounter that was never in danger of being labelled a classic.
Lucas Fyfe, who has just turned 17, was sent on as a late substitute and twice in as many minutes he missed opportunities to settle the issue – and the nerves of the Championship outfit.
On the first occasion, he was left with just ex-Celt Scott Bain to beat, but fluffed his final shot and the keeper made an easy save.
SPOT-ON ADVICE…Neil Lennon spurs on his Dunfermline players before their Hampden penalty-kick shoot-out success against Falkirk.
Bain, though, was helpless when the teenager hammered a 12-yard drive against the crossbar shortly afterwards.
Brad Spencer missed the first penalty-kick for Falkirk when he thumped his effort off the woodwork.
Josh Cooper made no mistake for the East End Park club before Liam Henderson saw his 12-yard shot saved by Aston Oxborough.
Charlie Gilmour gave Lenny’s men a 2-0 advantage from the spot before Ben Parkinson pulled one back.
Chris Hamilton slotted his effort away with ease, but Filip Lissah replied with a sweeping low drive into Oxborough’s right-hand corner.
However, Tashan Oakley-Boothe kept his nerve to strike the Fifers’ fourth and decisive goal to send them into the Cup Final.
Over to you, Martin!
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