Celtic B went within one point of top spot in the Lowland League after an emphatic 4-0 win over Civil Service Strollers on Wednesday evening.
The young Celts rounded off 2022 in style, producing a fantastic 5-2 victory in the Glasgow derby against Rangers B at Celtic Park.
However, it was a return to the Excelsior Stadium for Darren O’Dea and Stephen McManus’s side, playing their first game of the New Year.
The Bhoys’ midweek opponents, Civil Service Strollers, have proved to be a tricky task in the past and would have been looking to climb the table with a victory.
Going into the game, the Celtic coaches made three changes to the side that achieved derby success, with Mitchell Robertson, Ben Quinn and Joey Dawson coming into the starting 11.
They replaced Bruno Davidson and the duo of Bosun Lawal and Rocco Vata, who have recently been in the first team spotlight.
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As the Hoops aimed to build upon a brilliant performance at Paradise last week, they kicked the game off in perfect style, taking a first-half lead.
Striker Joey Dawson was on hand to score the opener, putting home his effort at the second attempt after a good save from the away sides goalkeeper.
Shortly after, Celtic quickly made it 2-0 and Ben Quinn was on hand to produce the Bhoys’ second of the game. The winger tucked home a low, powerful strike after a brilliant one-two with Ben Summers in the penalty area.
Heading into the second half, Celtic had all three points wrapped up with around 20 minutes left to play, as Adam Brooks scored from the penalty spot.
And the scoring was rounded off in the dying moments of the game by Dawson, who scored his fourth goal in the last two games. The Englishman is on fine form amidst recent reported loan interest from Inverness.
Wednesday’s result was a good way to start off 2023 for the Hoops, as they dispatched of a potentially tricky task on their home return.
That result also takes the Bhoys within one point of Spartans in top spot, and Celtic still have two games in hand over the experienced Lowland League side. So the youngsters are sitting in a healthy position after 21 games.
Next up is another test for the young Celtic side this weekend, as they travel to take on Open Goal Broomhill at Broadwood Stadium on Saturday.
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