Celtic B make it back-to-back victories with an emphatic away win

By Lewis Laird

November 10, 2022

The Celtic B side secured back-to-back wins in the Lowland League on Wednesday evening, defeating East Stirlingshire 3-0.

The young Hoops side travelled to the Falkirk stadium looking to build upon a strong showing at the weekend, which saw them defeat Open Goal Broomhill 6-2.

That emphatic victory was a first in five games, having faced tough European and English opposition in recent weeks.

The two matches against East Stirlingshire last campaign proved to be tough outings for the youngsters, winning one and losing the other, both by a 1-0 scoreline.

So, it looked bound to be a tricky test against an experienced Lowland League outfit.

However, the Hoops got things off to the perfect start as talented midfielder Ben Summers smashed home a wonderful long-range strike.

Picking up the ball in a nice area of the midfield, Summers was able to turn before the space opened up for him to have a strike towards goal, which he emphatically dispatched.

And the midfielder was involved in the well-worked build-up to the second goal as Celtic added another just minutes before the halftime break.

Working from left to right, the ball eventually made its way out to winger Bruno Davidson, who showcased some class dribbling ability before smashing it home into the bottom corner.

Going into the second half, all three points were secured when Rocco Vata got himself on the scoresheet just after the hour mark.

As East Stirlingshire pushed to get back into the game, Celtic were able to hit the home side on the counterattack.

Vata, who was playing as a stand-in striker on the night, received the ball inside the penalty area and produced a lovely turn, which gave the Ireland under-18 international time to tuck his effort into the back of the net.

The Celtic defence was rewarded for their solid display on the night, securing a clean sheet and a 3-0 victory, which takes the young Celts within five points of second-place Spartans but with three games in hand.

Celtic coach Darren O’Dea was left delighted with his side’s display as he hailed the entire squad for their impact on the game.

He said [Celtic FC]: “We played very well. From the first minute, the attitude and the mentality of the group was key, which made the game probably look simple for us, but it isn’t.

“It takes a lot of energy to play the way the players did, and we’re delighted with them.

“The subs coming on made a massive impact as well and allowed us to sustain the intensity for the whole game, so, overall, it was a good game.

“The way the players perform on the pitch is testament to the group training every day. We can’t produce that unless we’re training at the right intensity, and that’s the full group who does that.

“So I’m delighted for the ones who came in tonight, and that’s testament to the group.”

Whilst Ange Postecoglou’s first team might have a World Cup break on the horizon, that isn’t the case for the young Celtic b squad, who are still involved in domestic action.

Across November and December, the Bhoys will take part in Lowland League, SPFL Trust Trophy and Premier League International cup action.

So, the busy winter schedule rolls on.

Next up for the youngsters is a trip to the capital to take on league strugglers Edinburgh University, who currently sit in 18th place in the fifth tier of Scottish Football.

In other news, Scotland boss Steve Clarke delivers Celtic player disappointment remark.