St Mirren draw away to Celtic as season comes to a close

St Mirren draw away to Celtic as season comes to a close


St Mirren ended season 2024/25 with a draw away to Celtic as James Forrest's injury-time goal cancelled out Jonah Ayunga's opener for Saints. 

The point wouldn't be enough to snatch that final European place following Dundee United's win over Aberdeen. 

Captain Mark O'Hara returned to the starting lineup in the only change from Wednesday night's draw against Hibernian with Roland Idowu dropping to the bench as Saints ended the campaign at Celtic Park for the second successive season. 

The hosts were on top in the opening 15 minute in terms of possession, but Saints looked threatening when they were able to get forward. Neither team could fashion a clear-cut chance, although Engles in-swinging corners were dangerous.

The first test for either goalkeeper came after 25 minutes. A well worked move ended up in head tennis inside the Celtic box, before Mikael Mandron’s tight-angled volley was comfortably caught by Kasper Schmeichel.

Hald-chances for Celtic came and went; McGregor’s shot was high and wayward, and crosses were dealt with by the defensive unit, which held strong. Ryan Alebiosu particularly dealt well with Premiership Player of the Year Maeda.

Saints took the lead six minutes after the restart. A wide free kick from Declan John wasn't dealt with by Liam Scales whose header would only fall as far as Jonah Ayunga who slammed beyond Schmeichel to score his second goal in the last three games. 

Jonah Ayunga celebrates against Celtic

Following the goal, Celtic made a raft of changes with Luke McCowan, Hyunjun Yang and Forrest replacing Adam Idah, Paulo Bernardo and Nicolas Kuhn. The hosts would have lots of territorial and ball possession, but little in the way of shots. The shots they did have were blocked well by the Buddies backline.

Celtic should have found themselves level on 65 minutes when substitute Forrest swung the ball into the box and onto the head of Daizen Maeda who somehow headed over from just a few yards out.

Saints looked threatening on the counter with substitute Roland Idowu's ability to carry the ball well seeing him a danger. A searching cross from Scott Tanser found the Irishman in the Celtic box. He twisted and turned to fashion the space but could only fire into the arms of Schmeichel. 

The hosts ramped up the pressure heading into the closing stages and it was only some terrific goalkeeping from Zach Hemming that initially kept them at bay. The shot-stopper made a double save to deny Johnny Kenny after the forward had run clear of the Saints defence, before following up with a big stop from the resulting corner to push away Yang's overhead kick. 

But unfortunately Celtic would draw level in the fourth minute of added on time. Saints failed to clear their lines and that allowed Alastair Johnston to slide the ball through to the unmarked Forrest who slotted beyond Hemming to secure a share of the spoils for the Hoops on the day they lifted the William Hill Premiership title. 

For Saints, a point wasn't enough in the end to secure European football for a second successive season, but with 50 points on the board, and remaining unbeaten in the top six, there will be immense pride in what Stephen Robinson, his staff and players have achieved this campaign.

Full-Time: Celtic 1-1 St Mirren 

St Mirren: Hemming, Fraser, Gogic, Taylor, Alebiosu (Iacovitti 81), Phillips, Boyd-Munce (Kiltie 63), O'Hara (c), John (Tanser 68), Ayunga (Idowu 63), Mandron (Scott 81)
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Smyth, McMenamin, Mooney

Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, Engels (Schlupp 80), Bernardo (Yang 54), McGregor, Kuhn (Forrest 54), Idah (McCowan 54), Maeda (Kenny 72)
Subs Not Used: Sinisalo, Trusty, Nawrocki, Ralston

Referee: David Dickinson
Assistant Referee: Ross Nelson
Assistant Referee: Steven Traynor
Fourth Official: Peter Stuart
VAR: Calum Scott

  • Logo Carabao
  • Logo Digby Brown
  • Uws.png
  • Logo Macron
  • Logo Powerhouse
  • Big Front Door
  • Logo Kpp
  • Logo Consilium
  • Logo Scotjet
  • Kibble
  • Pro Life
  • Curtis Sport
  • Gennaro
  • Ultimate Home Solutions
  • Logo Spfl 2020
  • Skysports 200
  • Logo Premiership 2024
  • Logo Premier Sports
  • Logo Spfl 2020
Enquiries; 0141 889 2558
Ticket Office; 0141 840 6120
Commercial; 0141 840 1337

Email; info@stmirren.com

Ticket Office Hours This Week;
12/05/2025 10:00-16:00
13/05/2025 10:00-16:00
14/05/2025 10:00-16:00 and 17:30-19:45
15/05/2025 10:00-16:00
16/05/2025 10:00-16:00
17/05/2025 CLOSED
18/05/2025 CLOSED
   
Call 0141 840 6130
Email