CELTIC will meet Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final next month after a dramatic weekend.
Amazingly, it is an action replay of last season when the Hoops hammered the Dons 3-0 – courtesy of goals from James Forrest, Odsonne Edouard (pen) and Tom Rogic – on their way to a Final victory over Hearts to seal the unprecedented treble treble.
The club lock horns again next month at Hampden for the right to play in the May 9 silverware showdown.
It was tough and tense for the Hoops in Perth this afternoon against a determined, resolute St Johnstone team that had conceded 10 goals in their previous two meetings in this campaign.
On this occasion, though, Tommy Wright’s outfit, on a horrible, heavy pitch that was cutting up right from the kick-off, played their part in a difficult Cup-tie.
They challenged and fought for everything and Christopher Jullien was valiant in the middle of the visitors’ rearguard as the Saints looked dangerous on the break with Stevie May and Callum Hendry making their presence felt.
An 81st-minute goal, claimed by Ryan Christie, separated the teams as his right-wing free-kick sailed past Zander Clark.
Derek McInnes’ men made certain of a place in the semi with a fine 2-0 win over St Mirren in Paisley with goals from Lewis Ferguson and Sam Cosgrove (pen).
In the other tie, Edinburgh rivals Hearts, who beat Steven Gerrard’s men 1-0, and Hibs, who overcame Inverness Caley Thistle 5-2 at Easter Road on Friday night, will battle it out.
SEMI-FINAL DRAW:
Aberdeen v CELTIC
Hearts v Hibs
Ties due on the weekend of April 11/12.
