The prolific James Keatings was back on target today as Celtic’s u-19 side eased their way to a 3-0 win over Hibs at Lennoxtown.
A classical header from the striker in the 29th minute put Celtic two up after Bahrudin Atajic had opened the scoring in the 10th minute before a deflected free kick from Filip Twardzik completed the scoring in the second half.
Keats failed to find the net in the 2-2 draw with Aberdeen 11 days ago but took his tally to 20 in the SPL helping narrow Rangers lead down to three points after the Ibrox side were held to a 1-1 draw away to St Johnstone.
“We work on the players to improve them,” Stevie Frail explained. “As a striker James needs to hold the ball up, we sometimes play with one up front and that allows us to get support to him.
“A couple of times he could have done better today but his movement and energy were good and I’m pleased that he got a goal. It was a fantastic cross and James did well to get on the end of it.
“The first two goals were very pleasing. We moved the ball quickly down the right, the movement was impressive and there was a good finish by Bahrudin from Stephen O’Donnell’s delivery.
“The second goal was more direct from a Matty Hughes pass. Filip put in a great cross and it was a good finish from James.”
Some hefty early challenges from the visitors set the tone for the match but they had no answer to the pace and movement involved in the first goal.
Keatings sent O’Donnell racing down the right flank with the full-back’s early cross into the danger area met by Atajic who dispatched the ball into the net without any fuss.
Celtic enjoyed good possession without creating many clear cut chances but doubled their lead just past the half hour.
After heading a long pass from Hughes left to Filip Twardzik Keatings raced into the penalty box and was perfectly placed to head cleanly into the net from 8 yards out.
Hibs didn’t present Nick Feely with too much to do on his competitive debut with the Australian forming a good understanding with the usual back four of O’Donnell, Lewis Toshney, Hughes and Kieran Brennan.
There was a drop in tempo after the break that allowed Hibs greater possession but there was no real threat to Feely’s goal.
In the 61st minute a Twardzik free kick took a deflection of the Hibs wall into the net to seal the points for the home team.
CELTIC: Feely; O’Donnell, Hughes, Toshney, Brennan; P Twardzik (Gormley 80), Bagshaw (Herron), McGregor, F Twardzik; Keatings, Atajic (Watt 73)
SUBS: Thompson, Lowdon, Jones, Feruz
The double standards of the SFA.
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Hi Joe.
Another crackin report. Well done.
Highlights of the game for me today were the crosses into the box for the first two goals – a beauty from the right low and hard by Stephen O’Donnell and one from the left, inch-perfect, again at pace from Filip Twardzik.
My friend Michael and I were discussing who was Man of the Match – we found it difficult to choose. But I will go for captain Matty Hughes this time round as he was calm and steady at the back and praised his team mates frequently giving them confidence which then swept throughout the team.
Cheers again Joe. Tony.
Well done to the bhoys and its good to see James still has his shooting bhoots on.
We always have so many promising youngsters heading through the youth ranks @ celtic.
I
can remember a young Bryan Prunty scoring a goal or two in nearly every game of a certian season for our youth team. he could not break into the MON squad, was sold and came back to haunt us giving Aberdeen their first victory @ Paradise in 77 years.
The wee man now plays with Alloa.