ROUTED HOOPS WILL MAN UP
Livingston boss David Hopkin told Celtic’s hurting kids they will heal and have big futures in the game.
The Hoops Colts were destroyed in a whirlwind first half as a Liam Buchanan hat- trick and goals from skipper Sean Crighton and Danny Mullen sent them out of the IRN-BRU Cup.
Regan Hendry’s thrilling strike was a crumb of comfort but Hopkin said: “Celtic’s 20s are often a joy to watch but we played a back three and told the other seven to press the ball. It worked and we did a professional job on them.
“I know they wi l l be hurting but there are some really talented players in that Celtic dressing room who will have a big future.”
Tommy’s McIntyre’s Colts were behind in five minutes when Buchanan danced away from two tackles to shoot home. Next Anthony Ralston’s rash tackle on
Mullen gifted Livi a penalty and Buchanan sent Celtic keeper Ross Doohan the wrong way.
Josh Mullin’s corner was then met with a towering header from Crighton for 3- 0 just 16 minutes in.
Ten minutes from the break more sloppy Hoops play saw Buchanan break free and Mullen side-footed home the cutback.
Buchanan then saw a shot blocked before his rebound def lected in off Jackson Longridge.
Celtic refused to give up and Hendry showed his class to rifle a 25-yarder into the top corner before the end of a goal-laden first 45.
After the break Celtic refused to buckle and concede again. And boss McIntyre said: “We’re disappointed we didn’t give them a bigger challenge.
“They are a fit full-time t eam a nd we made uncharacteristic mistakes.”