Celtic B comfortably booked their place in the third round of the SPFL Trust Trophy at the Penny Cars Stadium, defeating Livingston B by a convincing scoreline of 3-0 in Airdrie.
The young Hoops started proceedings brightly, with Rocco Vata firing a swirling effort from outside the area narrowly over the bar after cutting inside from the left flank.
Bruno Davidson nearly found striker Adam Brooks with a menacing cross on ten minutes, however the Celts could not break the deadlock as of yet. Rocco Vata and Bruno Davidson linked up moments later, with the latter seeing his left-footed strike deflected out for a corner much to his frustration.
Nevertheless, it would not be too long before Celtic got themselves in front in the cup tie. In the 19th minute, from a corner-kick, the ball deflected its way into the path of Adam Brooks, who took full advantage by slamming into the net first-time giving Ivan Konovalov no chance between the Livingston sticks to give the hosts the advantage.
Celtic continued their intensity in the match as they probed for a second goal before the interval, seeing an effort from Tsoanelo Letsosa saved after some neat approach play.
Proving to be a lively presence, Bruno Davidson forced a fine save from the visiting keeper, who stooped down low to parry his effort following a solo run into the penalty area. Tobi Oluwayemi was called into action just before half-time, coming off his line sharply to deny forward Rocco Hickey-Fuggacia bearing down on goal.
Adam Brooks nearly delivered a second, only to see his shot ricochet inches wide of the target.
Half-time: Celtic B 1-0 Livingston B
In the early exchanges of the second half, Celtic found themselves two goals to the good in front of their home support.
From a crafty corner-kick routine, Bruno Davidson swept across a low ball to Bosun Lawal, who was all alone at the back post to tap into an empty net giving his side breathing space in the tie.
Substitute Joey Dawson teed up Ben Summers, who was through on goal, eventually seeing his left-footed strike saved by the Livingston keeper and diverting out of play for a corner-kick.
Kenzie Carse and Joey Dawson were next to test Ivan Konovalov, though could only direct their efforts straight into his clutches.
Celtic were to put some gloss on the scoreline before full-time, as they rounded off a professional performance with a third goal. Following a low cross from the left, Irish winger Ben Quinn was on hand to slot home from close range in the 88th minute.
Immediately before the referee brought the match to a close, Ewan Otoo won a penalty for Celtic after being fouled in the box. Joey Dawson stepped up to take the spot-kick, though couldn’t add a fourth as Ivan Konovalov got down low to his right-hand side to thwart the Englishman.
Soon after, the final whistle sounded, confirming the young Hoops’ place in the third round of the SPFL Trust Trophy.
Man of the match: Bruno Davidson
Excelling on the right-hand side, Bruno Davidson was a constant threat for Celtic and caused Livingston all sorts of problems with his direct style of play. Darren O’Dea and Stephen McManus will be delighted with his performance.
