Scottish Lowland League

Raydale Park, Gretna

Saturday, January 15, 2022

GRETNA 2008… 3

(Luissant 19, 55, McDonald 40)

CELTIC… 3

(Murray 47, Dawson 52, Wylie 68)

The ball coming off the post in the final minute of the game from a shot from skipper, Brody Paterson stopped the young Celts from claiming a 4-3 win in what would have marked a memorable comeback.

As it was though, there was still merit as Celtic B fought back from 2-0 down to eventually draw 3-3 against Gretna 2008 and secure an important point.

The Hoops went behind after 19 minutes when Gretna were awarded a penalty. Ben Luissint sent the keeper the wrong way to give the home side an early advantage.

In the 25^th minute, though, Ben Wylie had the ball in the back of the net but the goal was disallowed for a handball in the build-up play.

Celtic were busy creating chances and trying to find a goal, but Gretna netted their second in the 40^th minute as Luissint played the ball into Oliver McDonald who angled his shot past Ryan Mullen.

The young Celts came out in the second half looking determined from the outset to change the game’s fate and after just two minutes, they gave themselves a lifeline with Dane Murray heading in Wylie’s corner.

The momentum continued and five minutes later the B team got themselves level with Joey Dawson getting a touch on Mathew Anderson’s cross.

But Luissint was proving to be a dangerous competitor, scoring on the counter attack in the 55^th minute to make it 3-2 to the home side.

The match continued to liven up as again and Celtic were on the chase to find another equaliser with Adam Brooks, Ben Summers, Murray and Wylie all taking aim.

Celtic scored their third goal - making the scoreline even once again – in the 68^th minute.

Brooks flicked the ball on to Wylie who smashed it past the Gretna keeper from the middle of the box.

Celtic continued to push for the three points with Dawson and Wylie trying to make their link ups count.

Gretna were reduced to 10 men for the last 15 minutes when Conor Duffy was sent off after receiving a second yellow.

Then came the moment when Paterson was almost the hero but his 90^th-minute shot rebounded off the post.

The match finished even with Celtic taking home a well-earned point.

CELTIC: Mullen, Corr, Anderson, Paterson, Murray, Carse, Davidson (Luyeye), Wylie, Dawson, Summers, Brooks.

SUBS: Luyeye, McLean, Deane, Bonnar, Mackenzie.

Woodwork foils last-minute glory for battling B team in Gretna