Scottish Lowland League
Saturday, July 24^th, 2021
Penny Cars Stadium, Airdrie

CELTIC…1
(Moffat 43)

EAST KILBRIDE…1
(C. Malcolm 93)

The Celtic B Team had to settle for a draw in their first home game of the season after a late equaliser from East Kilbride cancelled out Owen Moffat’s first-half goal.

Celtic had an early chance after EK keeper Conor Brennan collected a backpass inside the box. Owen Murphy took the set-piece just inside the 18-yard box but couldn’t find a way past the opposition wall.

East Kilbride managed to create a good chance 15 minutes into the game after Neil McLaughlin’s quick throw-in gave Cameron Elliot a window to shoot from the left of the six-yard box. Bosum Lawal showed great speed and awareness to provide cover and block the shot.

Celtic’s first sight of goal came just a few minutes later. A quick transition into attack saw Ben Wylie dribble towards the edge of the area. The midfielder but on to his left and shot from the edge of the box but couldn’t steer his effort on target.

The visitors made an early change with Creig Stewart coming off for Ciaran McAnnich. The East Kilbride substitute made an immediate impact when he received the ball on the edge of the area, and took aim for goal but he didn’t generate enough power with his shot to trouble Ryan Mullen.

As the half-hour mark approached Celtic were moving the ball around well and creating opportunities in the final third. Bruno Davidson came close to opening the scoring when he spun on to his right and fired off a low shot from just outside the box that flew narrowly wide of the post.

Wylie had another attempt on goal in the 34^th minute but his effort from around 25-yards was comfortably saved by Brennan.

East Kilbride continued to push for a goal as well and the South Lanarkshire side came close on a couple of occasions late in the first half. McLaughlin’s shot from close range was blocked and Christopher Erskine shot over from a tight angle.

Tommy McIntyre’s side remained composed under pressure and continued to move the ball around well. They were rewarded for their efforts just before the break when Davidson and Moffat linked up well on the edge of the area. Moffat finished the move well by coolly slipping the ball beyond the onrushing keeper.

Celtic were kept in defence early in the second half as the opposition pushed for an equaliser but the Hoops defence handled the pressure well, particularly the central defence pairing of Ewan Otoo and Bosu Lawal.

East Kilbride pressed Celtic high up the pitch but the Hoops continued to zip the ball around well as they worked their way up the pitch.

Rocco Vata was a key figure in attack for Celtic. The winger continued to create chances for his team with good deliveries from the right flank. He picked out Joey Dawson on a couple of occasions but the forward’s first effort flashed over the crossbar and his second was blocked.

As the game wore on Celtic’s fitness showed and East Kilbride found themselves under struggling to contain Celtic’s attacks. Davidson linked up well with Paterson out the left in the 80^th minute but the defender’s right-footed shot was blocked on route to goal. Davidson then saw and curling effort headed clear of the top corner late on.

CELTIC: Mullen, Paterson, Otoo, Lawal, Jackson, Murphy, Carse (Deane 89), Wylie, Moffat, Davidson, Vata
Subs: Robertson, Morrison, Letsosa, Dawson.

EAST KILBRIDE: Brennan, Stevenson, Brady, Kenny, Old, B. Malcolm, McLaughlin, Stewart (McAninch 19), C. Malcolm, Erskine (Rodgers 45), Elliot.
Subs: Richardson, Smith, Kean.

Celtic B team held to a draw in first home game of the season