Scottish Lowland Football League
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie

CELTIC… 2
(O.G 18, Quinn 56)

TRANENT… 1
(Miller 24)

Celtic FC B made it seven wins on the bounce as they delivered a 2-1 victory over Tranent at the Excelsior Stadium.

After the Hoops took an early lead, the away side managed to level the scoring through a wonder strike before the break.

However, a second half goal by Ben Quinn from close-range was enough to seal all three points as the Bhoys made a winning return to action.

After a week away from league duties, the young Hoops returned to the Excelsior Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Taking on Tranent for the first time this campaign, Darren O’Dea and Stephen McManus’ side would have been looking to continue their strong vein of form in 2024.

And they made a bright start to proceedings in Airdrie as they looked to open the scoring early on in the match.

Right from kick-off, Bruno Davidson and Magnus Mackenzie were threatening down the flanks, sending dangerous balls into the penalty area.

The first shot on target of the afternoon fell to Celtic as Lewis Dobbie tried his luck with a shot from the edge of the area, but it was comfortably held by the goalkeeper.

However, the Bhoys wouldn’t have to wait much longer to open the scoring, with the first goal of the game coming just before the 20th-minute mark.

A cross into the box from Daniel Cummings was ultimately knocked into his own net by a Tranent defender, handing the Hoops an early advantage.

But, despite offering very little in the way of chances, it took just over five minutes for the away side to get back on level terms thanks to a wonder strike from forward Ben Miller.

Picking up the ball around 30 yards from the goal, he smashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner off the post, giving Joe Morrison no chance between the sticks.

After suffering that setback, the Celts quickly pushed on to try and put themselves ahead once more.

A floated cross from Colby Donovan was met by Ben Quinn inside the area, forcing the goalkeeper into a top save as he tipped the ball over the crossbar.

Heading into the break, there was nothing to separate the two sides despite another strong first half showing from the young Hoops.

Early in the second half, it was Tranent who had the first chance to score the all-important second goal as a cross into the box was volleyed towards goal, whistling just passed the post.

However, from that point onwards it was Celtic who were pushing forward, and it took just nine minutes in the second half for the Bhoys to take the lead.

Following some good work down the right hand side by Bruno Davidson, Ben Quinn was on hand to smash the ball home from close range and make the score 2-1.

The Celts continued their domination for the remainder of the second half, working the ball well and enjoying the majority of possession.

Quinn came closest to grabbing Celtic’s third goal of the match, striking from just outside the area, but it went narrowly wide of the target.

Ultimately, Quinn’s strike was enough to secure victory for the young Celtic side who made it 13games unbeaten, and taking their recent run of wins to seven games in a row.

The Bhoys will be aiming to continue that run with another league match on the horizon next Saturday as they travel to take on Albion Rovers.

CELTIC: Morrison, Donovan, Mackenzie (Kyle 76), Robertson, Agbaire, Ure, Davidson (Hatton 59), Bonnar (Turley 59), Dobbie, Cummings, Quinn.
Subs: McLean, Bonetig, Osagie, McArdle

Quinn on target as Celtic B team continue impressive run of wins