Celtic B completed an impressive comeback on Tuesday evening, defeating Scottish League Two side Albion Rovers 3-2.
The young Celts took a break from league action this midweek, playing in the first round of the Challenge Cup, otherwise known as the SPFL Trust Trophy.
Darren O’Dea and Stephen McManus would have been looking to take their side one better in this year’s competition after exiting at the second-round stage last season.
In order to advance, the Hoops faced the test of League Two side Albion Rovers, taking things up another level from their usual opposition in the fifth tier of Scottish Football.
The game didn’t get off to the best of starts for the Bhoys at the Cliftonhill Stadium, though, as they went 1-0 down within the opening minute.
Rovers captain Sean Fagan put his side ahead, turning the ball home from the first corner of the game.
As Celtic looked to get themselves back on level terms, things went from bad to worse. Just before the half-hour mark, the young side were two goals down after defender Dylan Corr turned home a low cross into the back of his own net.
The one positive for Celtic after going two goals down early on was they had plenty of time to attempt to get back into the game, and they did exactly that just five minutes after the home side’s second strike.
Young winger Rocco Vata found some space on the left-hand side of the penalty area before tucking the ball home under the goalkeeper to make the score 2-1.
The goal from the Irishman looked to have given his side a boost, and within a matter of minutes, Celtic managed to grab an equaliser.
Talented defender Bosun Lawal was on the end of a pinpoint corner delivery, sending a powerful diving header into the bottom corner.
Going into the break, the Celtic coaching staff would have been left delighted at finding their side back on level terms after a disappointing start to the game.
The young side’s positive end to the opening 45 minutes continued into the second half as they took the lead for the first time in the game.
On the 49th minute mark, Owen Moffat was able to get ahead of his marker and on the end of a low Matthew Anderson cross to turn the ball home.
After going ahead in the game, the B side put in a solid second-half display to see things out and advance to the next round of the SPFL Trust Trophy.
It may have been a slightly inconsistent start to the 2022/23 campaign. However, the Celtic coaches will have been pleased to see the character of the youngsters completing an impressive comeback against Albion Rovers
The young Celts have been rewarded with a home tie in the next round as they prepare to face Livingston B on either the 23rd or 24th of August.
However, this coming weekend, it’s back to league action, with the Bhoys making the long away trip down to take on Gretna 2008.
In other news, Report: Mikey Johnston ‘weighing up’ transfer options as winger prepares for Celtic loan exit.
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