Celtic eased their way into the second round draw of the Irn Bru Cup thanks to a 5-1 win over Annan Athletic tonight.
Tommy McIntyre’s side recovered from losing a first minute goal to turn on the style with a double from Aidan Nesbitt and strikes from Regan Hendry, Jack Aitchison and substitute PJ Crossan making the difference.
It was Celtic’s first ever match in the Challenge Cup with entry into the competition giving the young hoops the perfect outlet to develop their skills in a competitive environment.
The second round draw will bring in clubs from League One with the road to the final involving seven matches including possible ties against Hibs, Falkirk and Dundee United.
There was a shock for Celtic in the second minute when Rabin Omar volleyed in off Ross Doohan’s post but McIntyre’s side weren’t put off by that set-back.
After carving out a few chances Nesbitt equalised following a mazy run through the Annan defence before finishing with a measured shot.
Worse was to follow for the visitors just four minutes later when Hendry netted from a cut-back after impressive build up play.
Despite losing two goals in quick succession Annan weren’t downhearted and created a couple of near misses around Doohan’s goal with play flowing from end to end but four minutes from the interval Aitchison extended Celtic’s lead with a header.
Any hopes that Annan had of causing an upset were killed off in the 70th minute when Nesbitt took a cross from Miller in his stride and fired into the net from 12 yards out.
Miller was again the creator in the 82nd minute when he presented a debut goal for Crossan who shot home six minutes after replacing Aitchison.
CLICK HERE for five young hoops to sparkle in the Irn Bru Cup
CELTIC: Doohan; Ralston, McCart, Wardrop, McIlduff; Ajer, Thomson; Nesbitt, Hendry, Miller; Aitchision
SUBS: Hazard, Higgins, Hill, Archibald, Crossan, Johnston, Murray
