Celtic’s u-17 side continued their impressive scoring form with a 4-1 win over Motherwell on Tuesday night.
Following a 5-0 win over Hibs, 6-0 over Kilmarnock and 3-2 win away to Aberdeen there was a surprise when Motherwell took the lead in the first half but second half goals from Mikey Johnston (2), Innes Murray and Ross McLaughlin earned Celtic their 19th win from 21 league matches.
The league table is something of a mystery but it looks like the destination of the title will come down to two matches against Hamilton Accies.
Wallace Duffy made his return to central defence after a short injury and teamed up well with Stephen Welsh while Ewan Henderson, watched by Liam, played in the central attacking role in the first half before switching to the left during the second half.
Johnston cut in from the left in the fifth minute to crack a ferocious shot off the crossbar but against the run of play it was the visitors that took the lead in the 16th minute with a raid down the left and clinical finish when the ball was delivered into the penalty area.
Celtic created a number of chances but found the Motherwell keeper in impressive form with the normally reliable Jack Aitchison failing to connect with a cut-back from McLaughlin midway through the first half.
Within ten minutes of the restart Celtic were in front with the Motherwell defence finally caving in.
In the 51st minute Aitchison broke down the left, when he cut inside he timed his pass into the penalty ox perfectly for Murray who didn’t hesitate as he sent his shot past the keeper from 15 yards out.
Three minutes later Johnston, celebrating his 17th birthday, was fouled just inside the box, picked himself up then sent his penalty low past the Motherwell keeper.
Despite the first half set-back Celtic stuck to their beliefs with plenty of variation and movement to their play as the deployed the 4-2-3-1 system to perfection.
Captain Lewis Bell and Murray provided a solid midfield base allowing Henderson, McLaughlin and Johnston to support Aitchison while full-backs Shaun Bowers and Daniel Church joined in at every opportunity.
Just past the hour mark McLaughlin put the match beyond Motherwell when he got the break of the ball in the penalty box, took a step wide of the keeper before netting from eight yards out.
Johnston completed an impressive performance by knocking the fourth goal high into the net from the edge of the box with the 4-1 scoreline just about doing justice to Celtic’s superiority.
CELTIC: McAdams; Bowers, Welsh, Duffy, Church; Bell (McInroy 71), Murray; McLaughlin (Antonazzi 82), Henderson, Johnston; Aitchison (Campbell 75)