St Paul’s Celtic scored twice on the counter-attack to clinch the Islington Midweek League Invitation Cup with a 3-1 win over Regent’s – who continued their losing streak in Market Road finals.

Joe Matthews put Celtic ahead after collecting an inch-perfect pass from Craig Clark and rounding the goalkeeper to score.

However, the night turned sour for Matthews as he, along with Jason Perdicou of Regent’s, was red-carded following a minor incident just before half-time.

Regent’s started the second half strongly, grabbing a deserved equaliser through Alfie Rogers, but Celtic regained the lead when Clark flicked on a goal kick for Mark Doherty to make it 2-1.

Although the Premier Division champions continued to apply pressure, they could not find a way through and Celtic sealed victory with a third goal on the break.

Substitute Stevie Wilson cut inside and exchanged passes with Doherty before chesting the ball down for Clark, who finished neatly.

That completed an unwanted hat-trick for Regent’s, who had already lost to Myddleton Arms in the Islington Gazette Cup final and Cricklewood Wanderers in the Ken Doherty Memorial Trophy final.

“Regent’s are a really good team, so to beat them was a great result,” said Celtic manager Paul Kennedy. “Having managed to stay in the Premier Division and won a cup makes it a good season.”

n The Islington Midweek League are looking for new teams (11-a-side) to enter for next season.

The league is fully FA affiliated, with games (6pm and 8pm kick-offs) played on Astroturf at Market Road, which is being refurbished this summer.

Those interested should contact league secretary Steve Kelly on 07940 072 552.