Celtic’s u-17 side emphasised their superiority over Sevco with a convincing 3-1 win at Murray Park tonight.
The result provided little reflection on the 90 minutes with Celtic striking the woodwork twice and superior in every area of the pitch.
Celtic’s 6-0 win at Aberdeen last Wednesday and Hamilton’s draw at away to Hibs effectively gave the hoops the title with only a 60 goal swing in their remaining three matches able to deny Michael O’Halloran’s side the title.
A 3-0 home defeat to Hamilton on Friday night trimmed a little off the goal difference but tonight’s points put the issue way beyond doubt.
Ewan Henderson saw a snap shot come off the woodwork in the tenth minute before the home side netted to scenes reminiscent of Joey Garner’s last minute winner against Partick Thistle at Firhill.
Celtic were back on level terms in the 38th minute when Ciaran Diver showed good composure to control a pass then drill a 15 yard shot under the advancing goalkeeper.
Shortly before the break Tom Caffrey scored the outstanding goal of the night with a strike that Scott Sinclair would have been proud of. Coming in off the left flank he let go with a brilliant dipping right foot shot that flew over the keeper into the net.
It looked like a rout could be on the cards when a fresh air effort from Diver fell to Kieran Campbell who netted from 15 yards 11 minutes into the second half but there was to be no further scoring.
Celtic enjoyed some incredible periods of possession that left their opponents chasing shadows but the closest that they came to a fourth goal was when a Kerr McInroy free kick hit the post.
In terms of skill, application, understanding of the game and teamwork Celtic were miles in front with Billy Gilmore knowing that there are no further derby day defeats before he escapes to Chelsea.
CELTIC: Mullen; Potter, Deas, Welsh, Church; Marku (Forrest 60), McInroy; Campbell, Henderson, Caffrey (Savoury); Diver
SUBS: Rae, Robertson, Savoury, Paterson, Kennedy, McGrath