Scottish Lowland League
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie

CELTIC…1
(Bonnar 78)

UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING... 0

Celtic FC B returned to winning ways in the Lowland League after defeating University of Stirling 1-0 at the Excelsior Stadium this afternoon (Saturday).

Jude Bonnar’s late second-half strike was enough to separate the sides and see the Bhoys seal another three points.

The young Hoops made a positive start to proceedings, and were on the front foot early on in the match.

Right from the off, Bruno Davidson almost created a gilt-edge chance for Daniel Cummings within a few minutes, but the winger’s cross was cut out.

For much of the first half, the Celts continued to dominate much of possession as they looked to find a way to goal.

The best chance of the opening 45 minutes fell the way of Daniel Kelly after some fantastic work down the left-hand side from Magnus Mackenzie.

Cutting the ball back to the midfielder, Kelly attempted a clever finish, but it was well saved by the visiting shot-stopper.

Although arguably the best chance of the half came Kelly’s way, it was Rocco Vata who came desperately close to opening the scoring.

Picking up the ball around 30 yards from goal, the forward attempted to audaciously chip the goalkeeper and came within inches of doing so as his effort struck the crossbar.

At stages in the first half, the away side did look to trouble the Bhoys. However, Kai McLean was rarely troubled between the sticks and only had to save tame efforts on goal.

Heading into the second half, the Celts once again made a positive start after Darren O’Dea and Stephen McManus introduced Corey Thomson and Lewis Dobbie to the match at the break.

The latter of the two players look to cause the away side plenty of trouble, showcasing some fantastic hold-up play.

The substitute almost did brilliantly to set up Rocco Vata, who came close once again to opening the scoring. However, the young Irishman saw his effort cleared off the line.

With the game entering the closing stages, the Hoops continued to look for the all-important opening goal of the fixture and it finally fell their way with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Two substitutes combined to set up what would ultimately be the winning goal of the game as Mitchel Frame’s cross to the back post was headed home into the back of the net by Jude Bonnar.

Although the away side looked to fightback late on, the Celts ultimately held out and returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over East Stirlingshire.

The young Hoops are quickly back in action this midweek as they take on Lazio in their second UEFA Youth League fixture at The City Stadium this Wednesday afternoon.

CELTIC: McLean, Bonetig (Bonnar 75), Robertson, Ure (Thomson 46), Agbaire, Carse, Davidson (Frame 61), Kelly (Quinn 61), Cummings (Dobbie 46), Vata, Mackenzie.
Subs: Morrison, Osagie

Celtic B team deliver late victory over University of Stirling