U18s Report: Celtic 5 Hibs 3
The wee Hibees fell to 5-3 defeat to Celtic in their final game of the CAS Elite U18 League on Friday evening.
Darren McGregor’s side came out second best in what was an entertaining game at Lennoxtown – the result meaning we finish the campaign in sixth spot.
The wee Hibees created plenty of chances in action-packed first half, but it was the home side who raced into a four-goal lead at the break.
Celtic opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark from the penalty spot. The Hibees nearly bounced back straight away with Josh Landers hitting the woodwork from inside the six-yard box after the ball was cut back to him.
The hosts then headed home a second moments later, before an unfortunate deflection led to a third after 37 minutes.
The Hoops added a fourth just before the break with a fine finish from another set-piece, giving the wee Hibees a mountain to climb at half-time.
Credit to Darren McGregor’s young side who showed good spirit in the second 45 and came out fighting. Reuben McAllister pulled one back with an expertly placed free-kick from the edge of the area – firing the ball low to the goalkeeper's left and into the bottom corner.
The hosts hit back shortly after however, capitalising on a defence mistake to add a fifth. Jamie McMurdo then smashed home a volley from just inside the area to reduce the deficit, before Harry Wright grabbed a third goal for the Hibees with an excellent solo effort – twisting past two defenders before slotting the ball in at the near post.
That was the last action of note, with the hosts seeing out the game to claim the points at Lennoxtown.
Hibs squad: Vickery, Wright, Bulloch, McAllister, Cleland, Landers, McDonald, Smith, Calder, Burns, McGrath, McMurdo, Gillie, Buckley, McSporran.
Full time: Celtic 5 Hibs 3