Celtic’s Colt side were taught a brutal lesson as they crashed out of the Irn Bru Cup at Livingston.
Tommy McIntyre’s side were 3-0 down after 17 minutes and looked vulnerable and exposed almost every time the League One side pushed forward. Livi did carry some luck in front of goal during the first half but there was a clear gulf in ability between the two teams.
David Hopkins’ side did had a physical edge over the Colts but also looked to have a stronger sense of belief although being three goals up within 20 minutes does have that sort of effect.
Celtic were able to bring back Joe Thomson and Aidan Nesbitt from their loan deals at Dumbarton and Morton but neither player did themselves justice with Livi taking the lead in the fourth minute through Liam Buchanan.
The same player scored from the penalty spot in the 14th minute before Sean Crichton headed the home side’s third goal in the 17th minute.
Celtic had conceded the opening goal in their previous ties against Annan Athletic and Cowdenbeath but even this early there was no way back with damage limitation the watcchword.
The hoops defence was opened up again for Danny Mullen to score in the 35th minute with a shot from Buchanan deflecting off Jackson Longride five minutes later before squirming past Ross Doohan in the Celtic goal.
There was one moment of consolation in the first half when Regan Hendry drove home a 25 yard effort but the midfielder barely acknowledged his effort finding the net.
Celtic did compete better after the interval but with a 5-1 lead the home side had no need to extend themselves any further.
There wasn’t a four goal gulf between the teams but there’s no denying that the home side were worthy of their win.
CELTIC: Doohan: Ralston, Wardrop, McCart, McIlduff; Nesbitt, Thomson, Hill, Hendry; Crossan (Aitchison 55), Miller.
SUBS: Hazard, Higgins, Kerr, Archibald, Johnston, Payne.