Celtic B booked their place in the semi-final of the Glasgow Cup earlier today, running out 5-0 winners against Partick Thistle in what comprehensive victory at the Penny Cars Stadium.
Tommy McIntyre fielded a strong side for the Glasgow Derby of sorts, with first-team stars Mikey Johnston and Karamoko Dembele featuring alongside new January signing Johnny Kenny.
Celtic B started the tie in strong fashion, as Karamoko Dembele swung over a right-footed cross for Dylan Corr who headed over from inside the area. Hoops goalkeeper Tobi Oluyawemi was called into action soon after, parrying a strike from the edge of the area from Thistle youngster James Lyon.
Tsoanelo Letsosa was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet in the following minutes, firing just wide of the target after a low ball from senior-team regular Mikey Johnston. Celtic were beginning to turn the screw on the opposition, as efforts going close from Johnny Kenny and Dembele gave an indication of what was to come for a youthful Partick Thistle side.
Lively throughout, it was Dembele who played a crucial part in the opening goal. Jinking past two men, the 19-year-old then launched an angled strike at goal, which the Thistle goalkeeper could only into the path of striker Kenny who duly headed home from close range.
Less than a minute later, the Bhoys had their second of the match. Mikey Johnston brilliantly nutmegged his marker before switching the ball crossfield to Dembele, who jinked inside then outside before slamming a low shot into the far corner on 32 minutes.
Dane Murray had the ball in the net just before the interval after a whipped free-kick by MacKenzie Carse, however, the referee disallowed the goal and awarded the Jags a free-kick.
Half-time: Celtic B 2-0 Partick Thistle
Celtic started the second half with the same intensity as the first and would soon have a third goal to put the game to bed. Stepping up his comeback from injury, Mikey Johnston cut inside from the left before unleashing an expertly taken curling shot which sailed into the far corner to make it 3-0.
Substitute Joey Dawson should’ve made it four, dragging a good opportunity wide from eight yards after some skillful approach play from the menacing Dembele, whilst Carse fired a volley wide in the succeeding passage of play.
Nevertheless, they would soon have some icing on the cake in the form of a fourth strike, as Dembele dribbled infield onto the edge of the box, placing a beautifully executed effort well beyond the reach of the Thistle keeper.
The visitors came close to getting a consolation, with Oluyawemi clinging on to a left-footed effort from 12 yards. Owen Moffat came close to a fifth, though it was only a matter of time before the Celts rounded off the scoreline.
Fellow substitute Rocco Vata powered his way down the left, getting to the byline then squaring to Dawson, who scrambled the ball in despite the keeper’s best efforts on minute 89.
The referee put a stop to the action a minute later, finalizing the young Hoops’ place in the semi-final of the Glasgow Cup.
Overall, Celtic B manager Tommy McIntyre will be delighted after a clinical performance from his side this afternoon.
Man of the match: Mikey Johnston
It is no secret that the 22-year-old has endured a tough period with injuries in recent times, however, Mikey Johnston looked to be back to his free-flowing best today, getting a goal and assisting in the process.
Hopefully, he can take heart from his positive display and get himself some more minutes in the first team as he vyes to become an important player under Ange Postecoglou at Celtic.
