GLASGOW CELTIC HAVE clinched the league and cup double after beating Hibernian 3-0 in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park.
Striker Gary Hooper was the hero as he netted twice in the first half. Joe Ledley finished Hibernian off with a third in the 80th minute.
For Hibs, the 112-year trophy drought continues and Pat Fenlon will surely bemoan the lapse of defensive concentration that saw his team trail after just eight minutes.
Fenlon’s side were the livelier of the finalists and twice tested Frazer Forster in the early stages before Celtic committed numbers to their first real attack. Anthony Stokes whipped in a cross and Hooper poked home at the back post. The duo linked up again on 23 minutes but Hooper was only able to find the side-netting.
Hibs’ reprieve was brief as the Irishman found his English teammate with another excellent cross. Hooper’s header made in 2-0. No further chances of note were created by either team and Neil Lennon’s men had a clear advantage at the break.
While Hibernian battled gamely in the second half, they struggled to open up the Hoops’ defence. Charlie Mulgrew, Kris Commons and Scott Brown pressed the ball all afternoon, with Hooper and Stokes willing runners.
Celtic’s third goal came from another cross as Mikael Lustig steamed forward and whipped in a ball that eluded Hooper, seeking his hat-trick, but finding Ledley. The former Cardiff City player fired a shot into the top-hand corner.
The cup win tops off a satisfying season for Lennon as Celtic won the league and defeat Barcelona on a memorable night at Celtic Park.
