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Kayal and Berget goals not enough to stop Villarreal

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Joe ThomsonA very youthful Celtic side lost 5-2 tonight in a charity match at Villarreal.

First half goals from Beram Kayal and Jo Inge Berget followed on from an opening minute goal by Villarreal guest Gohan but after the break Gerard scored four goals to give the homeside victory.

John Collins took charge of the Celtic side, assisted  by John Kennedy and Stevie Frail, as a host of the clubs youngest professionals were given a chance due to international commitments at full,  u-19 and u-21 level.

With a central defensive partnership of Filip Twardzik and Emilio Izaguirre there was certainly a novel approach to defending although there were more familiar faces in the shape of Beram Kayal, Jo Inge Berget and Leigh Griffiths for the ex-pat Celtic fans to cheer.

It was a disastrous start for the hoops as 12-year-old Gohan waltzed through the hoops defence, drew Lucasz Zaluska from his goal and rolled the ball into the empty net before departing to a great reception.

Villarreal were enjoying most of the possession and chances but were given a lesson in finishing in the 27th minute when Kayal scored for the visitors.

Griffiths sent an in-swinging free kick deep into the penalty box with Kayal heading the ball high into the air and into the net off the underside of the crossbar beyond the bemused Sanchez in the Villarreal goal.

Nine minutes later Celtic went in front when Berget unleashed an incredible 30 yard right foot drive high into the net with Sanchez again left helpless.

Either side of those goals Villarreal carved out a number of chances but at the interval it was Celtic that were in the lead.

The Celtic goal continued to enjoy a charmed life after the break with Villarreal substitute Vietto sent through one on one with Zaluska in the 47th minute only to beat the keeper but see his shot slide inches round the post.

Ten minutes into the second half Villarreal did find the net when Vietto made good ground down the left with his pass into the penalty box met by Gerard who rolled the ball into the net from 10 yards out.

On the hour mark the home side edged in front when Gerard netted from within the six yard box after Galas had raced down the left flank.

Shortly afterwards Kayal was replaced by Calvin Miller fresh from Monday night’s u-17 win over Sevco with the youngster taking up position on the right wing.

Gerard completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute sweeping a low drive across substitute keeper Leo Fasan after another damaging Galas raid down the left.

Ten minutes from time Gerard completed the scoring this time finishing off a move down the right wing.

VILLARREAL 25 Sanchez, 2 Maria, 4 Pina, 6 Santos, 12 Gohan, 16 Dorado, 19 Gomez, 20 Gabriel, 23 Gerard, 24 Espinosa, 33 Galas, 24 Zaluska

CELTIC: Zaluska (Fasan 65); Breslin (Dan Higgins 73), Twardzik, Izaguirre, Tierney (McIlduff 65); Lindsay, Kayal (Miller 62); Thomson, Berget (Hendry 73), Boerrigter (McCart 74); Griffiths

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