Scotland the Cups

Scottish Cups brought the final touch of disappointment for Rangers and its numerous fans. Championship was clearly out of the question almost from the beginning of the season, but there were hopes to compensate with a cup. Glasgow Rangers reached both cup finals, so at least one trophy… better two.

Large amounts were spent on reinforcing the squad before the season, including for signing the Swedish national team player Robert Prytz, and… nothing at the end. Rangers lost both finals – to Aberdeen in overtime 0-1 and 1-2 to Celtic. Miserable season from start to finish.

Not so for their opponents: to a point, it was absolutely fare – the three strongest Scottish teams ended with a trophy each. They were equally strong during the year, that was why the final results were fare.

The Dons extracted 1-0 win in overtime over Glasgow Rangers and got the F.A. Cup. It was second F.A. Cup in a row, won over the same opponent, but may be even sweeter this time, for they also eliminated Celtic in the semi-finals. Aberdeen ruled and the world getting familiar with one Alex Ferguson.

Current form hardly ever affects the clash between arch-enemies Celtic and Rangers. Either clubs always wants to win and victory stays on its own no matter what else happened. Tough, rough, often dirty – the classic derby. Celtic prevailed 2-1, thanks to goals by Charlie Nickolas and Murdo MacLeod, and won the Scottish League Cup. It was sweet – not only the season was saved with a trophy, but the League Cup evaded Celtic since 1975 – nice to win it again after all that years. But all was nothing compared to important victory against Rangers.