Celtic’s u-17 side opened the Loch Lomond Tournament with an entertaining 2-2 draw with Sheffield United at Stirling University.
The young hoops found themselves two goals down but battled back to take a point thanks to goals from Broque Watson and Ross McLaughlin.
Coach Michael O’Halloran made three changes to the side that defeated Vale of Clyde on Sunday with Aidan McAdams replacing Alex Crean in goals, Robbie Deas in for Ciaran McKenna in central defence with Kenny Mearns taking over from Tony Ralston wide on the right.
Sheffield United got off to a great start in the 13th minute with their left winger cutting in from the wing before drilling a low shot past McAdams.
Celtic had a couple of opportunities to level the scores but fell further behind in the 25th minute when their defence was opened up allowing the visitors to go 2-0 up.
Just before half time, in the 29th minute Celtic pulled a goal back when a well worked free kick saw Jack Aitchison smack a shot against the crossbar with Watson following up to tap in the rebound.
The second half was played out mainly in the Sheffield half but it looked like the English side would hold out for a win until McLaughlin headed a free kick home at the near post with 10 minutes left to play.
Celtic had a couple of chances to win the match but had to settle for a point ahead of tomorrow’s 10am kick off against the Fife Elite Academy who drew their match with Partick Thistle 1-1.
Meanwhile in Durban Celtic’s u-19 side drew 2-2 with AC Milan with Innes Murray and Aidan Nesbitt scoring for Stevie Frail’s side.
CELTIC: Aidan McAdams; Sean Bowers, Robbie Deas, Wallace Duffy, Daniel Church; Lewis Bell, Ross McLaughlin; Kenny Mearns (Kieran Divers 36), Michael Johnston, Broque Watson; Jack Aitchison
