SFA Youth Cup R4: Celtic 5 – 0 Raith Rovers

Match Report

Lennoxtown, November 26th 2017

Celtic 5 – 0 Raith Rovers

Rovers kicked off in front of the backdrop of the Campsie hills but had no time to admire the view as they were tormented for 45 minutes by a strong Celtic youth side fresh from experience playing in the UEFA Youth League.

The home side seemed to have the freedom of the park at times, punctuated with several headers which sailed over the bar and balls from distance which went ridiculously over the bar.

The first real chance of the half fell to No.11, the recipient of a 30-yard pass chose to scoop the ball over Brian and the bar when scoring appeared the easier option.
Brian kept a clean sheet in the first half, palming shots from close in and distance which frustrated the young hoops.
The last play of the half saw Brian and then Valentine throw themselves at the ball to take the sides into the dressing room level at the break.

The breakthrough for the hosts came within a minute of the restart.
Celtic won a free kick six yards out near the corner, it was driven in low and their No.2 side footed the ball in at the near post 1-0

The second goal arrived four minutes later, Celtic playing the ball across the Rover’s 18-yard line and the No.3 pounced with a low shot which eluded the diving Brian at the back post 2-0

Just after the hour, with Celtic looking comfortable passing the ball across the box the No.9 cut in and fired the ball into the bottom left-hand corner past Brian whose dive was a split second too late 3-0

The 65th minute saw Smith and Dall being replaced with Collins and McCann, the change in personnel paid immediate benefits with Rovers able to take the ball to Celtic and were unlucky seeing play break down with some passes falling short.
Berry and Collins combined on several plays but the Celtic defence stood firm and coped easily to clear.

On 80 minutes Craig Easton made the last change, swapping Stevenson with Hain and from the restart, Hain released Osei on the left, his cut in then cross found Collins who went for a spectacular scissor kick just outside the box which went narrowly over the bar.

Nearing the last stages of the game Celtic continued to press and on the 83rd minute a diagonal cross from the right found No.10 who drove the ball low from 16 yards in at the back post 4-0

The pace didn’t ease despite the size of the advantage, moments after the 4th goal Celtic pressed forward, first hitting the post, then Brian blocking the rebound.
In the last-minute Celtic rounded off a good day at the office with Sub No.12 chipping the ball in at the near post from 4 yards out 5-0

Dall (65), ​

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