Celtic’s B team had to dig in deep to see off Caledonian Braves in a five goal thriller at Alliance Park, inside Strathclyde Park.
Goals from Ben Wylie and Joey Dawson appeared to give Celtic a comfortable half time lead but it took a wonder goal from Tsoanelo Letsosa to secure full points with Braves refusing to give up on taking something from the match.
Tobi Oluwayemi and Dane Murray returned from the Bay Arena on Thursday night to Alliance Park at the side of the M74 as the B team continued their adventure through the Lowland League.
The young hoops were quickly on the attack with a lob from Owen Moffat not far off target in the first minute.
Ten minutes later the same player came closer when he shot against the inside of the post but the opening arrived after 21 minutes with a touch of class from Wylie.
Taking the ball 25 yards from goal he created just enough space to advance and curl a right foot shot into the postage stamp corner of the net.
Braves had their moments and chances but Celtic carried a real edge in attack with Dawson doubling the lead in the 35th minute. A reverse pass from Wylie created space with the striker sending a low shot across the keeper into the net.
Ten minutes into the second half the homeside were back in contention when Mark Kelly flicked the ball home at the front post from a corner on the right.
With 20 minutes left to play Letsosa rifled home an unstoppable shot from 25 yards but eight minutes later Braves pulled back a goal when Cameron Breadner netted after the ball had been cut back from the touchline.
CELTIC: Oluwayemi; Murphy, Murray, Paterson, Anderson (Corr 85); Letsosa, Carse; Vata (Davidson 74), Wylie, Moffat; Dawson (Brooks 74)
SUBS: Morrison, Luyeye, Summers
