Soccer

Champions Celtic hit back to give Joe Hart a win in his final league game

Rangers finish the season with a draw after Kyosuke Tagawa hits late to earn Hearts a point

Callum McGregor and Joe Hart of Celtic lift the Cinch Scottish Premiership trophy. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images
Callum McGregor and Joe Hart of Celtic lift the Cinch Scottish Premiership trophy. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images
Sat May 18 2024 - 15:07
Celtic 3 St Mirren 2

Celtic twice came from behind to beat St Mirren 3-2 on the final day of the cinch Premiership campaign, as Joe Hart played the final league match of his career.

The Buddies took the lead in the seventh minute courtesy of Mark O’Hara when he rifled a bouncing ball past 37-year-old goalkeeper Hart but Brendan Rodgers’ side levelled just under 15 minutes later as Matt O’Riley’s effort proved too strong for Zach Hemming.

O’Hara restored the visitors’ lead from the penalty spot after Stephen Welsh brought Toyosi Olusanya down in the box but Kyogo Furuhashi nicked in at the front post from Reo Hatate’s cross to bring things level again.

Celtic completed the turnaround when Luis Palma tapped in at the back post late on, before Hart was substituted to a standing ovation.

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Hearts 3 Rangers 3

Kyosuke Tagawa scored a last-gasp equaliser to earn Hearts a 3-3 draw against second-placed Rangers at Tynecastle.

Rangers' Todd Cantwell celebrates scoring his side's second goal against Hearts. Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
Rangers' Todd Cantwell celebrates scoring his side's second goal against Hearts. Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Lawrence Shankland struck just after the half-hour mark to give Hearts the half-time advantage but Rangers were level seven minutes after the break thanks to Ross McCausland.

The Light Blues looked like they would finish the season in style when goals from former Norwich midfielder Todd Cantwell and Wolves loanee Fabio Silva put Rangers two goals to the good with 79 minutes played.

Hearts’ stunning comeback started in the 82nd minute when another Wolves loanee Dexter Lembikisa fired into the bottom corner and the hosts nicked a point in added time with the last kick of the game, thanks to Tagawa’s volley.

Dundee missed a late penalty and had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock, who had Robbie Deas sent off late on at Scot Foam Stadium.

Killie hit the front in the 24th minute courtesy of Gary Mackay-Steven but Luke McGowan brought the hosts level 13 minutes later.

There was late drama though and the visitors were forced to play the final minutes with 10 man after Deas picked up a second yellow card and the home side were given the opportunity to win it McGowan fired his spot-kick wide.