BACK FROM THE RED

Dons were classed as cannon fodder for Treble-chasers but Thelin's heroes rewrite script with Mitov the shootout king

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But last night it was Aberdeen fans painting the town red after Jimmy Thelin's men channelled the heroes of 1990 to end a 35-year wait for Scottish Cup glory.

Just like the last time they lifted this famous trophy, the Dons took Celts to a penalty shoot-out before delivering the knockout blow.

Keeper Dimitar Mitov was the hero with saves to deny Callum McGregor and Alistair Johnston from 12 yards in the nailbiting finale.

It denied Celtic the Treble - and guaranteed European group stage football next season.

Aberdeen weren't here to be fancy. They'd learned a hard lesson last time they tried to match up with the Hoops at Hampden - and got battered 6-0.

They rode the storm comfortably with five at the back and four in front of them. That was until the Hoops surged ahead with the first attempt on target in the 39th minute. And even then it came off a Dons shirt.

Arne Engels swung a simple corner along the six-yard line, Cameron Carter-Vickers got the faintest of flicks on it and Alfie Dorrington was the Don in the wrong place at the wrong time as the ball cannoned off his shoulder and past Mitov.

Engels smacked the post with a wonderful effort after 64 minutes and Greg Taylor had a drive deflected over as Celtic looked for a killer second.

But the next goal was to come at the other end. And it was as bizarre as it was unexpected.

Sub Shayden Morris turned on the afterburners and slung in a low cross that Kasper Schmeichel comically slapped into his own net as he tried to sweep the ball clear.

Mitov produced a huge one-on-one save to deny Daizen Maeda in injury time and sub Jeffrey Schlupp cracked the bar in the 108th minute.