Lethal Liam sees off young Celts by half-time
CELTIC’S Under-20s saw their IrnBru Cup campaign come to an end after they were thumped by Livingston.
On a day of goals galore in the competition, the League One side continued the theme in the evening kick-off by scoring five first-half goals as they eased into the last 16.
Tommy McIntyre’s young Bhoys were the last Under-20s team remaining in the tournament. Wins in the previous rounds against Annan and Cowdenbeath were impressive but this was a step up in difficulty and they could not deal with Livvy.
The match was all but over inside 45 minutes as the experience of David Hopkin’s men shone through.
‘The game was finished at halftime,’ said McIntyre. ‘It was all about how my players responded. Fair play to Livingston, they did their homework.
‘It was a really good test for us but I’m disappointed we didn’t give them a bigger challenge.
‘We expected Livingston to be ruthless. We never got started and were uncharacteristic with some of the mistakes we made.
‘It’s unusual for us but it’s a lesson learned for everyone.
‘That’s why we were in the competition, to get that challenge and for the players to see what senior football is all about.
‘You hope this stands the boys in good stead. It has been a great vehicle for us. As much as they take the plaudits for the wins against Annan and Cowdenbeath, they have to take the criticism for the defeats. Not just the players, but the staff as well.’
It took just five minutes for Livingston to take the lead.
Alan Lithgow’s through pass found Josh Mullin, who laid the ball off to striker Liam Buchanan and he fired low into the bottom-left corner from the edge of the box.
Buchanan bagged his brace from the spot nine minutes later after Celtic defender Anthony Ralston lost possession on the left side of the box and tripped Danny Mullen.
Buchanan took the responsibility and slotted the ball into the bottomright corner.
Things got worse for the Bhoys as Livvy made it 3-0 on 17 minutes when defender Sean Crighton headed home unchallenged from Mullin’s corner.
The game was over as a contest ten minutes before half-time and it was a dreadful goal for Celtic to lose.
A slack back pass gifted the ball to Buchanan. Instead of shooting, he had time to set up Mullen to fire a low shot beyond Celtic goalkeeper Ross Doohan.
Livvy’s five-goal first half was complete on 40 minutes when Buchanan, who saw an effort well saved, eventually received the ball again and his shot deflected off team-mate Jackson Longridge and into the net. It didn’t stop Buchanan claiming his hat-trick.
The most positive moment of the game for Celtic came on the stroke of half-time when Regan Hendry picked up the ball 25 yards out and fired a delightful effort into the topleft corner.
In a quieter second half, Scott Pittman’s cross from the left found Buchanan but his close-range volley was well saved by Doohan.
As Celtic searched for a second goal, substitute Jack Aitchison slipped the ball to Calvin Miller on the left but his fierce shot was saved by Livingston keeper Gary Maley.
‘It was a professional job,’ said Hopkin. ‘I’ve watched Celtic and some of the football they play is a joy to watch.
‘Celtic have some talented players who are going to have a great future.’