St Mirren 3-1 Celtic: Nancy’s nightmare as Hoops lose Scottish League Cup final

Wilfried Nancy missed the chance to win his first silverware as Celtic manager as his team fell 3-1 to St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday.

Nancy headed into the game under pressure after Celtic lost 2-1 at home to Hearts in his first match in charge and then suffered a 3-0 defeat to Roma in the Europa League.

St Mirren opened the scoring inside the second minute, with Marcus Fraser heading a corner into the net.

Celtic almost drew level when Kelechi Iheanacho’s header was kept out superbly by goalkeeper Shamal George.

Reo Hatate drew the Hoops in the 23rd minute, steering the ball home from Tierney’s brilliant cross.

Celtic then suffered an injury blow as Iheanacho was replaced by Johnny Kenny after the half-hour mark.

Kenny missed an opportunity to complete the turnaround for Celtic before half-time, rising high to head a corner wide.

St Mirren started the second half on the front foot but failed to test Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

The Buddies’ first chance resulted in a goal as Alex Gogic lofted the ball into the path of Jonah Ayunga, who headed it past Schmeichel to restore their lead.

St Mirren extended their advantage in the 76th minute, as Declan John broke into Celtic’s half and laid the ball on the plate for Ayunga to beat Schmeichel for the second time.

The Buddies have now won the Scottish League Cup for the second time, ending a 13-year wait for the title.