Scottish Lowland League
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Christie Gilles Park

CIVIL SERVICE STROLLERS... 3
(Girdwood 14, Duffy 74, Lawson 82)

CELTIC... 1
(Vata 77)

Celtic FC B suffered defeat in the capital this afternoon (Saturday), losing out 3-1 to Civil Service Strollers.

After falling behind early on in the match, the Celts couldn’t find a way back into proceedings as the home side grabbed the all-important second goal of the game.

Inside the last 15 minutes, the Hoops did have a glimmer of hope as Rocco Vata produced a tidy finish to bring the score back to 2-1, but Strollers quickly regained their two-goal advantage, and sealed all three points at Christie Gilles Park.

As the Bhoys looked to build on last weekend’s impressive 5-0 win over Gala Fairydean Rovers, they started the game positively, and both Daniel Kelly and Lewis Dobbie had long-range efforts, forcing Jacob Pazikas into two early saves.

However, despite some positive play in the opening few minutes, it was Civil Service Strollers who would take the lead in the 14th minute.

A corner into the box made its way to the edge of the Celtic penalty area, before an effort was struck on goal, going through a host of bodies.

Josh Clarke did well to save the initial effort, but he could only palm the ball into the path of Harry Girdwood who tapped the ball home from close-range.

The Celts enjoyed much of the possession in the opening 45 minutes of the match, remaining patient and looking to create some more openings in dangerous areas.

The best opportunity of the half fell the way of Rocco Vata who almost found the top corner with a first-time volley, but it was well saved by Pazikas.

The home side did enjoy some chances of their own, with their game-plan being to try and win the ball back, before hitting the Celts on the break.

Although Clarke was forced into a couple of saves, they were comfortable enough for the Celtic goalkeeper.

As the half time break approached, the Bhoys came close once again, this time via Mackenzie Carse. The midfielder’s low strike looked to be heading for the bottom corner, but it was tipped round the post and away for a corner.

Going into the second half, the Hoops made two changes at the break, introducing Justin Osagie and Thomas Hatton to the game on the right-hand side.

The latter of the two substitutes almost had an instant impact, with some direct play down the right but he just couldn’t pick out a team-mate inside the area.

Vata was also continuing to try and cause danger for the opposition backline, creating space for another strike. However, his low effort was well saved once again.

As the Celts attempted to push for a way back into the game, it was the home side who were able to take advantage in front of goal.

A low ball across the six-yard box landed at the feet of Lewis Duffy, who had the simple task of slotting the ball home.

With the game entering the closing stages, the Bhoys did eventually look to have found a way back into the game as Vata found the bottom corner with a well-taken first-time finish

However, just minutes later, Strollers would find the back of the net once more, as Innes Lawson rounded of the scoring.

After losing out on their travels in the capital this afternoon (Saturday), the young Hoops will aim to bounce back with another away visit to take on Berwick Rangers next weekend.

CELTIC: Clarke, Dede (Bonnar 62), Frame, Robertson, Agbaire, Ure (Osagie 46), Thomson, Kelly, Vata, Carse, Dobbie (Hatton 46).
Subs: Morrison, Hale

Disappointment for Celtic B team as they lose league clash