NORTHERN LIGHTS SHINE

Dons heroes bring joy to city starved of success

- By Ryan McDonald

A FEW miles up the road from Hampden, the stage was set for a treble party at Parkhead.

Pockets of Celtic supporters had already gathered in Glasgow’s east end before the final whistle was blown by referee Don Robertson on Saturday’s Scottish Cup final with Aberdeen, guaranteeing front row access and a prime view of the trophy.

Come 5.50pm, however, Celtic’s dreams had been shattered — and the celebration podium dismantled.

The power for the giant screen erected in front of the main entrance had been pulled as the lights went out on an end-of-season party.

Meanwhile, the Northern Lights shone brightly on the Scottish Cup as the Dons painted the town red with a victory few could have predicted.

The narrative leading up to the final wasn’t about who would win, but how many goals the Hoops would net at the national stadium.

The underdogs had been written off by just about everyone outside of the Granite City.

It’s easy to understand why. Celtic had plundered 19 goals against the Dons in the five previous meetings.

Brendan Rodgers’ reserves even motored to a 5-1 win at Pittodrie less than a fortnight ago, while their last encounter at Hampden back in November ended in a 6-0 trouncing.

In the eyes of most neutrals and Hoops fans, the third trophy of the campaign was already in the bag.

Glasgow gift shops had sold out of green and white confetti as expectant punters planned another trophy bash.

It seemed all the four-in-a-row champions had to do was turn up to complete the domestic full house.

Yet Jimmy Thelin’s believers had other ideas, however.

A staggering 35 years had passed since legendary captain Alex McLeish hoisted the Scottish Cup in 1990.