Celtic B rise to see off Bo'ness United late on in SLFL

By Euan Davidson

August 7, 2021

After a tricky start, Celtic B are coming to the fore, after seeing off another SLFL opponent in the form of Bo’ness United.

On a difficult afternoon for Tommy McIntyre’s side, it was in-game management that made the difference. Tsoanelo Letsosa and Bruno Davidson breached Bo’ness net in the last 5 minutes of the game to secure a fantastic 2-0 away win.

It’s not as if Celtic B had a glut of chances. Early on, McKenzie Carse screwed a shot just wide, after saves from Tobi Oluwayemi and some solid defensive work from Leo Hjelde and Bosun Lawal.

A goalless first half gave way to another frustrating spell of play. Adam Brooks and Rocco Vata, both scorers for Celtic B this season, were making inroads but just couldn’t find the net. Bo’ness made life more difficult for themselves on the 68th minute, with Nick Locke being shown a straight red for a dreadful tackle on Academy dynamo Owen Moffat.

Eventually, McIntyre made some key substitutions, as a tricky away day wore on.

They worked. Letsosa, a bright spark in his own right for the B Team, broke the deadlock on the 85th minute, before another sub, Davidson, secured the three points for the Bhoys.

Job done: Impressive Celtic B Team continue excellent momentum in maiden SLFL campaign

While cynics have argued against the merits of a Celtic B Team, it’s been nothing but fun for us so far.

In years prior, these were kinds of players that the majority of supporters just didn’t get to see. Just like the Women’s Team, some household names are already emerging, not least the likes of Rocco Vata, Owen Moffat and goalkeeper Tobi Oluwayemi.

It’s also encouraging to see the likes of Leo Hjelde building on his performances for Ross County in 20-21. Bosun Lawal, meanwhile, is so far proving worth the investment, with a series of accomplished displays.

Depending on results elsewhere [SLFL], Celtic B could leapfrog Rangers, while this result will vault the Bhoys past today’s opponents, Bo’ness United, with a game in hand, too.

So far, so good for Tommy McIntyre’s young side.

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