Beattie celebrates

By Graham Barnstaple
April 15 2012

A last minute penalty from Craig Beattie clinched a 2-1 win for Hearts in their Scottish Cup Semi Final with Celtic this afternoon.

It looked as though we were in for a fantastic game when Hearts created a chance in the opening minute. A pass back fromWilsonsent Elliot clear but his effort was blocked by the onrushing Foster.

Sadly this was the highlight of the opening half hour which eventually saw the fans creating their own entertainment as they got behind their respective sides.

KrisCommonswas presented a bit of a gift when a Webster pass back was woefully short. The out of touch winger’s first touch knocked the ball straight out for a goal kick.

Celtic should’ve opened the scoring just on half time, but Ki could only send his header off the post when it looked as though it would have been easier to score.

They were punished for this two minutes into the second half when Hearts opened the scoring. Sub Craig Beattie flicked the ball on for Rudi Skacel who kept his cool to round the keeper and slam the ball high into the net after rounding the keeper.

Skacel almost made it two minutes later but his long range effort was tipped round the post by Foster. Celtic replied Ki once again headed against the post, and Commons saw a free kick cleared wide of the post by McDonald at full stretch.

Celtic missed a double opportunity when McDonald did well to save from Mulgrew but somehow Stokes managed to screw the rebound away from goal.

With three minutes left Celtic forced an equaliser, a Mulgrew cross into the box was headed in by Hooper, who looked a yard or so offside when the cross came in.

As it looked as though we were heading to extra time Hearts sealed the victory. A penalty was awarded for a hand ball against Ledley from a Beattie shot, it looked a harsh decision.

Beattie fired the ball straight into the net as Foster dived to his left, and this sparked will celebrations amongst the Hearts fans stoked by the celebratory run of Beattie as he ran behind the goal in front of all of the Hearts fans.

Celtic were denied a stoppage time penalty claim of their own when the ball struck Webster but even watching TV pictures it was hard to see if it hit him on the arm or the back.

Hearts held on for the first All Edinburgh final since the Vicotrian era in 1896!