Hutchinson sets Hoops on way to win over Swifts

The first half at Knockramer Park saw little in the way of chances with the visitors shading possession.

The Hoops began to get to grips with the task in hand in the second half and started to create chances.

As the minutes ticked away it always looked as if one goal would win it and Celtic got that chance when they were awarded a penalty. Chris Lavery worked his way into the box but was chopped down and the referee pointed to the spot.

Lavery took the spot kick but blazed his effort high over the bar.

The game then went into extra-time and finally Celtic found the net. Defender Stephen Hutchinson headed in a free kick from Ronan O’Hara.

Then Dale Malone made it 2-0 when getting on the end of a pass from Aaron Haire and the Hoops were through.

“Over the 90 minutes we deserved it, but it did take us into the second half before we finally got going,” said manager Colin Malone.

“When we missed the penalty I thought that was it, but all credit to the boys they kept going and while it was not one of our best performances, in the cup it is all about getting into the next round.”

The match ball was sponsored by Quicklet.

McClean’s Man of the Match was Adam Rodgers.