Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for this afternoon's Scottish Cup final between St Johnstone and Dundee United at Celtic Park. One of these teams is 90 minutes away from picking up a rare piece of silverware on what is sure to be a memorable day in the history of the winning club. Being so close to glory, neither side will want to slip up now, so we should be in for an entertaining fixture today. Let's start with a look at St Johnstone...

While cup finals are always special occasions for any club involved, it really is a momentous day in the history of St Johnstone today. They are appearing in the first Scottish Cup final in their 130-year history and bidding to pick up just the second piece of silverware in that time, having won the Challenge Cup in 2007. The fact that the match comes against Tayside rivals Dundee United is added incentive to make it a celebratory occasion and one that could prove to be the best day in the club's history.

They ended the Scottish Premiership season in sixth place, bottom of the Championship group but some way clear of those below them in the table. Of course, Celtic dominated proceedings in the league again, finishing a whopping 46 points clear of St Johnstone, but they were just five behind Dundee United in the final standings.

They boasted an impressive defensive record throughout the regular season, conceding 42 goals in their 38 outings. While that may not seem too good on first viewing, only Celtic and Aberdeen let in fewer. However, they did not finish the campaign particularly well, failing to win any of their last four games.

They also failed to win their last three games away from home, although that run did come after four straight victories on the road. In this competition, they have played two away games and two home games, and have generally fared better on their travels. They beat Forfar 4-0 and Raith Rovers 3-1 away from home, while toppling Livingstone (2-0) and Aberdeen (2-1) on their other games.

While the rivalry on the field will draw much of the attention this afternoon, one eye will be cast on the touchline where Tommy Wright and Jackie McNamara will again cross swords. The two were involved in a touchline spat just two months ago, resulting in both men being sent to the stands. With so much at stake today tempers will inevitable get tested once again.

McNamara does have history in this competition, however, having won it three times as a player with Celtic. That is more than Dundee United have managed in their entire history, with their 2010 success just the second time that they have picked up the trophy. That was their last piece of silverware, and they would gladly take a repeat of the 3-0 win over Ross County in the final this afternoon.

United ended the campaign fourth in the Scottish Premiership, although they were some way off breaking into the top three. They finished 10 points behind third-placed Aberdeen, who clinched the final Europa League qualifying spot. However, they did end the campaign five points clear of today's opponents and come into this match as slight favourites to lift the trophy.

While St Johnstone relied mainly on their defence during the regular season, Dundee United's attack fired them to fourth. Only Celtic scored more goals than Jackie McNamara's side, who netted 65 times in their 38 outings. Their weakness comes at the other end, however, with only Motherwell conceding more from the teams in the Championship group. Their goalscoring exploits in this competition have been very impressive, with 15 goals from their four matches and only four conceded.

Like St Johnstone, however, United come into this match in shaky form. They won just one of their last seven league matches, a run that includes a 2-0 defeat to St Johnstone. They are without a win in all competitions in their last three matches, while away from home they have only won one of their last five. They will need a turnaround in form if they are to deny their local rivals the chance to lift the biggest trophy in their history this afternoon.

TEAM NEWS: Right, the teams are in for both sides, and the big news for Dundee United is that Mackay-Steven has recovered from illness in time to be named in the starting lineup. Souttar, however, can only make the bench having also struggled with illness recently. For St Johnstone, top scorer Stevie May starts as expected despite recent speculation over his future, but Croft only makes the bench. Full team news coming up for both sides...

ST JOHNSTONE STARTING XI: Mannus; Mackay, Wright, Anderson, Millar, MacLean, Wotherspoon, Dunne, May, Easton, O'Halloran

ST JOHNSTONE SUBS: Banks, Cregg, McDonald, Hasselbaink, Miller, Croft, Iwelumo

DUNDEE UNITED STARTING XI: Cierzniak; Dillon, Gunning, Paton, Rankin, Armstrong, Mackay-Steven, Watson, Dow, Ciftci, Robertson

DUNDEE UNITED SUBS: McCallum, Graham, Wilson, Gauld, Souttar, Gomis, El Alagui

PREDICTION: We're five minutes from kickoff at Celtic Park, so it's time for my match prediction! This one is a tricky one to call given that it is a derby match and a cup final, both of which are usually unpredictable occasions. However, I think Dundee United's superior experience may just come to the fore, and I'll go for Jackie McNamara's side to triumph 2-1.

St Johnstone will be cheered on by 15,000 fans this afternoon, but Dundee United are bringing almost twice as many over the Glasgow. They have sold more than 28,000 tickets, so should have the majority of the crowd behind them this afternoon. The teams are just about to emerge from the tunnel to an eruption of noise from those fans, and both managers have seemingly buried the hatchet and are enjoying a laugh with each other.

St Johnstone have recent history on their side in this fixture having won the last three meetings between the two sides without conceding a goal. United, meanwhile, have won just one of their last eight matches against the Saints.

Incidentally, this match is taking place at Celtic Park due to Hampden Park being prepped for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. It is the seventh time that the final has been held at the home of Celtic.

KICKOFF: Referee Craig Thomson gets us underway amidst a cacophony of noise from the crowd. St Johnstone kick off in their first ever Scottish Cup final. This has the potential to be a memorable occasion.

Very quick start to the match as both teams look to attack early on. The ball goes from end to end before Stevie May almost slips through a teammate, only for the ball to run to the keeper. This one is being played at a frenetic pace in the opening exchanges.

Nervy moment early on for Mannus as he comes to claim a dangerous Dow cross, only to spill the ball just before running into Ciftci. The referee correctly doesn't blow for a foul on the keeper, who is fortunate that his defence is there to mop up the mess.

Both teams are looking to play quick and incisive football at the moment, which is making for an exciting opening few minutes. They won't be able to keep it up for the entire 90 minutes for sure, but it is clear that the occasion has aided such a fast start to this game.

Mannus certainly hasn't settled yet. He comes a long way out of his goal to make a tackle that he really didn't need to make, just about reaching it to nod it out for a throw. United look to take it quickly to catch the keeper off his line, but St Johnstone get back and only concede a corner.

The game has just begun to settle a little in the last few minutes and it is Dundee United who are seeing more of the ball. Neither side has been able to keep possession from a long spell, however, with both sides resorting to early and rather aimless long balls forward.

SHOT! Stevie May is going to be the dangerman for St Johnstone this afternoon, but United will be happy to see him shoot from there. He cuts back inside onto his right foot before firing a low 35-yard effort comfortably wide of the near post.

There is a brief stoppage in play as the pitch is cleared of the popped balloons that have come down from the stands. There is a party atmosphere among the fans at the moment, and they are adding to the sense of occasion inside Celtic Park.

SAVE! Great save from Cierzniak as he denies Dunne's volley from range. It was a good move from St Johnstone which eventually saw the ball touched back to Dunne around 25 yards from goal, and he striker was tipped over the top with a one-handed save.

Dundee United have a decent sight of goal at the other end, but Mackay-Steven does not catch his shot anywhere near as much as he would have liked. He drags a effort from outside the box well wide of the far post.

Important block from Watson as he throws himself in the way of O'Halloran's effort after the St Johnstone striker had worked space to shoot inside the box really well.

This game is still being played at a very high tempo, and it is being played in the right spirit too. The tackles are flying in but neither set of players are making the most of it despite it being a derby match.

Stevie May wins a free kick for St Johnstone which is just about within shooting range. May himself is looking interested in it, but there are a couple of other suitors in close attendance.

SAVE! May's free kick strikes the wall but breaks kindly for Wotherspoon, who shows good composure inside the box to take it past one sliding tackle before going for goal. Gunning sticks out a leg to block the shot but only succeeds in turning it towards his own goal. Thankfully for the defender, it hits the chest of his keeper, who made a vital save without knowing anything about it. Lucky break for United.

SHOT! It is Dundee United's turn to come forward, but their attack fizzles out as Armstrong fires a tame effort a few yards wide. Dunne brought down Mackey-Steven with a rash challenge earlier in the move, but Thomson opts against calling play back and showing the St Johnstone man a card. Lenient from the ref there.

This match is still very finely poised after the first 25 minutes, with both sides enjoying spells in the ascendancy so far. It is an even encounter that could go either way at the moment.

Heart-in-mouths moment for St Johnstone as they panic when a cross comes into a dangerous area in their box. Wright fluffs the initial clearance while Dunne fires the second attempt into the arm of Wright, with the ball falling kindly for Mannus to dive upon. United want a penalty for the handball against Wright, but there is no way that can be given.

That isn't one MacKay will want to see again. He isn't a natural goalscorer by any means, so it was a highly ambitious effort to hit a first-time volley from the corner of the area following a cleared cross. Unsurprisingly, he gets it all wrong and the ball ends up going out for a throw.

Half a chance for United as Dow swings a corner into the middle that Gunning does well to latch on to. He rises highest between two blue shirts but glances his header a few yards wide of the post. The man on the line and the keeper both looked to have it covered anyway.

OFF THE POST! Oh United are inches from taking the lead! It is a superb move from McNamara's men as they cut St Johnstone apart with some lovely, slick passing. Robertson puts a first-time cross into the middle that Dow gets the slightest of touches to, guiding it towards the bottom corner. However, it comes back off the inside of the post before being put behind for a corner. That would have been some goal.

Not Stevie May's best effort. United fail to get the ball clear despite having a couple of opportunities and it eventually falls for the prolific striker on the edge of the box. He goes for the first-time volley but hoofs it long, long way over the bar. That one must have nearly gone out of Celtic Park.

It is still tricky to pick a winner in this match. Both sides are giving it their all and there is very little to separate them at the moment. United have come closest to breaking the deadlock so far, but St Johnstone look capable of scoring themselves.

Nice footwork from Dow as he eludes two challenges before slipping the ball through to Armstrong, who had made a clever run forward from midfield. However, the pass is a fraction behind Armstrong, who just can't bring it under his spell.

Dundee United break forward as Dow slips the ball to Mackay-Steven, who carries it a long way at the heart of the St Johnstone defence. He deflected pass eventually finds Robertson, who can only help the ball into the arms of Mannus when trying to beat his man.

Worrying moments for St Johnstone as Anderson lands awkwardly after an aerial clash with Ciftci. His left leg seemed to take some damage as he came down, but thankfully it looks like he will be able to continue.

More panicked defending from St Johnstone as a seemingly nothing cross is stopped from going out by Dow, who puts a dangerous low ball across the area himself. There aren't any orange shirts in close attendance, but Wotherspoon takes no chances and puts it behind for a corner.

United have a flurry of corners at the end of the first half, but St Johnstone deal with them all fairly comfortably. It is Jackie McNamara's side who are knocking on the door in the close stages of this half.

There will be a minimum of one minute added time at the end of this first half as St Johnstone race forward and earn themselves a corner. Can they get a goal just before the break?

They can! St Johnstone take the lead with just 15 seconds left of the first half as Anderson guided a header in from a corner. His task was made a lot easier by Cierzniak's decision to come for the ball as he completely missed it, allowing Anderson to knock it into the empty net at the back post. That is a huge mistake from the keeper, and first blood goes to St Johnstone.

What a time that was to score for St Johnstone. They go into the break flying after Anderson's late header gave them their first ever goal in a Scottish Cup final and, more importantly, the lead over Tayside rivals Dundee United. They are now 45 minutes away from recording arguably the biggest win in their 130-year history, but Tommy Wright will be stressing that they have not won anything yet.

While Anderson is the hero for St Johnstone as things stand, the villain is undoubtedly Cierzniak, who came for a corner when he didn't really need to. He was come distance away from getting a hand on the ball, and that allowed Anderson a simple finish as he guided his header into the empty net. Had he stayed in goal, it is unlikely that he would have been beaten by that header.

Dundee United will still be fairly confident that they can get back into this match as they have already created a decent number of chances. They came within inches of taking the lead through Dow, who glanced an effort off the inside of the post after a fine move.

St Johnstone will be confident themselves, however, having grasped the opportunity in their first Scottish Cup final with both hands. They have played their part in what was a thoroughly entertaining opening 45 minutes, and interestingly have not lost any of their last 60 matches in which they have been leading at half time. Can they hold on again today?

St Johnstone have come close through Dunne, who drew a fine stop from Cierzniak early on with a cracking volley from outside the area. Wotherspoon has also threatened as the ball broke to him inside the box, but his shot was deflected into the chest of an unwitting Cierzniak by Gunning, who was fortunate not to score an own goal.

Dundee United haven't had quite as many openings as their opponents in front of goal, but they have arguably had the better of play overall. It has been a very even encounter, however, and it is still too close to call despite St Johnstone grabbing that crucial opening goal right on the stroke of half time. In the last nine Scottish Cup finals, the team that has scored first has gone on to win it.

KICKOFF: Dundee United get us underway for the second half as they look to overhaul their deficit and win the Scottish Cup for the third time in their history.

Robertson makes another run down the left flank and he is found with a chipped ball over the top. However, the ball just skims away from him as it bounces off the turf and he can't squeeze a cross in. He has looked dangerous down that wing all afternoon, though.

YELLOW CARD! Dunne becomes the first name in the book, and he can have no complaints as he dived into a poor challenge on Dow right on the edge of the box. The bigger concern for St Johnstone is the fact that United now have a free kick in a very good position, however.

OFF THE BAR! Oh my word, how on earth has that one not gone in?! Ciftci sends a superb effort over the wall and crashing against the underside of the crossbar. It bounces down and off the diving Mannus, but somehow it doesn't deflect over the line. Instead, Mannis almost lands on the ball before being able to grasp it on the line. You don't come much closer than that without scoring.

YELLOW CARD! Paton becomes the second man in the yellow card for a heavy challenge in midfield. He did win the ball, but he flew in with two feet which is why the card was given.

DISALLOWED GOAL! St Johnstone think that they have doubled their lead, but after a long deliberation with the official behind the goal it is chalked off. A free kick was nodded into a dangerous area, where Stevie May turned it goalwards from close range. Cierzniak made a fine initial stop before May tapped it over the line with his hand. I'm not sure whether it was deliberate or not, but it is a very good spot from the official behind the goal. Big drama at Celtic Park. May, meanwhile, has been booked.

At the other end, Ciftci has another chance to test the keeper with a free kick, but this time he curls his effort a few yards over the top. The fans are still trying to get their head around that May disallowed goal, however. There is confusion around the ground.

The replay shows that it was indeed a deliberate handball from May, who batted it over the line when less than a yard out. In truth, he should have scored the initial effort, but he has rightly been punished for trying to cheat the officials with his own 'Hand of God'.

Well, that really was a frantic period of the match, with tackles flying in, Dundee United hitting the bar and St Johnstone having a goal correctly disallowed. It has just begun to settle again in the last couple of minutes, which is good news for the ref as the game was threatening to boil over.

Mackay-Steven is on the end of a heavy but fair challenge from Mackay down the left wing and appears to have rolled his ankle in the process. He limps off the field but should be able to continue.

CHANCES! St Johnstone break quickly as Wotherspoon carries the ball from inside his own half, beating a number of defenders to eventually create shooting space inside the box. His powerful effort stings the palms of Cierzniak, whose save sparks a counter for Dundee United. Robertson is all alone but he too embarks on a fine solo run before drawing a good stop from Mannus, who was at full stretch to keep the curling effort out.

DUNDEE UNITED SUB: Mackay-Steven's cup final is over, and he is not happy about it. He cuts a disconsolate figure as he comes off the field to be replaced by Ryan Gauld. That change may be down to a mixture of that ankle knock he picked up a few moments ago and his recent illness.

The ball breaks to Wotherspoon on the edge of the box and he can't resist the first-time effort having been afforded space by the defence. His striker is poor, however, as it flies a long way high and wide of the target.

St Johnstone have certainly had their fair share of luck in this match, but they are now just over 20 minutes away from winning the biggest trophy in their history. Tommy Wright could opt to name a defensive change soon as he could do with slowing the match down and taking the sting out of it.

CHANCE! Huge stop from Mannus as Dow races on to a big header back into the middle of the area. Dow gets the slightest of touches on his own header with the keeper rushing out, but Mannus gets two good fists on the ball to deny the United man. The following up is over the bar as St Johnstone survive again. It's all very frantic back there, though.

Silly play from Dillon as he gives away a cheap free kick on the halfway line that kills his side's increasing pressure and momentum. Meanwhile, Craig Thomson goes over to have a word with Jackie McNamara, who of course was sent off from the touchline when these two sides met in March.

ST JOHNSTONE SUB: Tommy Wright makes his first change of the afternoon as Lee Croft gets a cup final run out, replacing O'Halloran, who has played well today.

St Johnstone's attacking threat is waning as the minutes go on, and understandably so. Their priority now must be to defend their lead, but there will surely be some nervy moments for a club who are so close to their first ever Scottish Cup success.

DUNDEE UNITED SUB: Attacking move from McNamara as Brian Graham comes off the bench for the 23rd time this season to try to save this match for his side. Paton is the man to make way for the striker.

May is clearly keen to mark his own mark on this match. He cuts in from the left flank before firing a shot towards goal from an impossible angle. He may claim that it was a cross, but the power with which he struck the ball suggests that he was looking to catch the keeper off guard.

CHANCE! Big chance for United to get the equaliser, and it falls to the man who has just come on. Gunning decides to go for goal from a long way out, but his poor effort lands at the feet of Graham, who takes a touch before looking to curl the ball into the corner. He should do a lot better, however, as he puts his effort a few yards wide when he had a bit of time and space to take aim.

CLOSE! So close from United! Ciftci does brilliantly to skip away from a couple of challenges before flashing a low effort narrowly past the post from 25 yards. Really good play from the striker, who was unfortunate not to find the bottom corner.

Surely that is the cup for St Johnstone?! They double their advantage with just six minutes left, and once again luck is on their side. May's pass deflects through to MacLean, who just gets to the ball before the keeper. Cierzniak makes a good initial stop but, with both players on the floor, the ball falls kindly for MacLean to have another stab at it and he sweeps it into the unguarded net. Cue wild celebrations that also see MacLean enter the book.

Is there any way back for Dundee United now? They need a quick response if they are to pull off what would be a remarkable comeback in the closing stages.

ST JOHNSTONE SUB: St Johnstone made a change in the immediate aftermath of that second goal, with Gary McDonald replacing Wotherspoon.

Jackie McNamara certainly has good reason to bemoan his side's luck today. United have hit the woodwork twice and, on both occasions, the ball somehow didn't go in afterwards. St Johnstone, meanwhile, had a couple of fortunate breaks for the second goal and relied on a mistake for their first. It has been the Saints' day today.

YELLOW CARD! Gunning goes into the book for a stupid kick out at a St Johnstone player off the ball. He has lost his composure here and frustration is beginning to reign.

There will be three minutes of added time at the end of this match. St Johnstone are that close to picking up the biggest trophy in their history.

CHANCE! It is another chance for Graham to score for United as he is left unmarked at the front post from a corner. However, when he just needs to glance his close-range header, he makes too much contact and puts it a few yards wide.

YELLOW CARD! Ciftci picks up a late yellow for another frustrated challenge on Anderson. United have lost their discipline since conceding that second goal.

Craig Thomson's whistle draws jubilant celebrations on the field and in the stands as St Johnstone win the first Scottish Cup in their 130-year history. It was a fine performance from Tommy Wright's men, albeit with a little help from Lady Luck, and this will go down as arguably the greatest day the club have ever had. What a moment for them.

Goals from Anderson and MacLean were enough for the Saints, but we should spare a thought for Dundee United, who hit the woodwork twice and were unfortunate to see the ball stay out on both occasions. They also suffered some bad luck for St Johnstone's second, while a Cierzniak error cost them the opening goal. Their players are understandably distraught as members of the newest name of the Scottish Cup celebrate around them.

Right, that is all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what was an enthralling Scottish Cup final between St Johnstone and Dundee United. The Saints pick up the famous old trophy for the first time in their history on what is a momentous day for the club. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction. There is plenty more live football on offer today as well, not least the FA Cup final and the Primera Division title decider between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!