Tommy McIntyre’s Celtic B side increased their winning run to six matches with an impressive 2-0 win over Caledonian Braves in the Lowland League.

First-half goals from Ben Summers and Joey Dawson were enough to keep the unbeaten run going in a dominant display, to push the B team up to third in the league standings.

Without a game since December 21, the break seemed the do the young Bhoys the world of good, as they came out from kick-off full of energy and attacking spirit.

It only took two minutes for the first attempt on target for the Hoops, as Adam Brooks cut in from the left and found his curling effort well saved by Chris Henry in the Braves goal.

Ben Wylie was next to have his go on seven minutes, collecting the ball in space inside the penalty area but he could only steer his effort into the side netting.

Caledonian Braves were starting to get a bit more of a foothold into the game and had their first effort on target on 15 minutes, but Jamie Watson’s long-range effort was well held by Ryan Mullen.

Then, just as the visitors were looking to establish themselves in the contest, the Bhoys got the goal their play deserved in 20 minutes. Wylie was impressing throughout and his exquisite backheel on the edge of the box set up Summers, who had the coolness to slot into the bottom left corner.

Straight from kick-off, the Braves were on the attack and Rhys Armstrong stung the hands of Mullen, who did well to push his fierce effort from range behind.

Celtic were still in command and Brooks, who was a continuous threat on the left, had a first time effort just tipped round the post when it looked to be sneaking into the bottom left corner.

Then with five minutes left in the half, Joey Dawson, fresh from making his first-team debut on Boxing Day, doubled the lead for the Hoops. Neat play down the left ended with the ball at Dawson’s feet inside the six-yard box who controlled expertly and rounded the keeper to tuck into the empty net.

Into the second half and Tommy McIntyre’s side came out with the same attacking intent as they did in the first.

Brooks was using his pace and trickery to great extent on the left-wing and he almost sneaked in to make it 3-0, firing an effort over the top from inside the box.

Then three minutes later Frankie Deane, just on at half-time, thought he had got the third, but his first-time effort from Davidson’s cross was cleared off the line.

The second 45 was more about control for Celtic, as they looked to see out any Braves attack and make sure of the three points.

Defensively, the Bhoys were solid throughout, not giving away many chances when the visitors were pushing to get back into the match.

It was actually Celtic who continued to look more threatening, with Davidson having an effort well held after being played through on the right.

Then with eight minutes to go the Caledonian pressure began to mount. First, Butterworth produced an outstanding stop from Mullen, with Dylan Corr getting back to block the rebounded effort that looked certain to end in the back of the net.

Then substitute Lewis McLear almost volleyed in a superb consolation for the visitors, but his effort dipped just over the bar.

As the clock ticked down Davidson nearly sealed the victory as he cut in from the right to test Henry in the Braves goal, but in the end, the two first-half goals were enough to keep the Hoops winning run going.

CELTIC: Mullen, Murphy, Paterson, Otoo (MacKenzie 46’), Corr, Carse (Luyeye 75’), Davidson, Wylie (Deane 46’), Dawson, Summers, Brooks.

Subs: Morrison, Quinn, Agbaire, Kelly.

CALEDONIAN BRAVES: Henry, Brown, Breadner, Miller, Forrester, Main, Butterworth, Lindsay, Watson, Kelly, Armstrong.

Subs: Guthrie, McLear, Testa, Patterson, Duffy.

B team continue their winning run with two goal win over Caledonian Braves