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Celtic U20s edge out Hearts at Riccarton

Hearts 0

Celtic 1

McCart 28'
  • Thursday, 25 February 2016
  • Riccarton
  • Under 20´s
  • SPFL Development League

Blair Meikle | YFS Scottish Borders Senior Reporter
Author's Bio | Articles by Author | [email protected]
Celtic secured a narrow victory over Hearts in this SPFL Development League match thanks to a first half goal by Jamie McCart. The visitors were deserving of their slender lead at half time, but Hearts probably deserved to take something from the game after a good showing after the break.
 
After kick-off both teams immediately set about trying to play from the back, which is exactly what you want and expect to see at this level.
 
Hearts threatened first when Lewis Moore’s direct play set up Alistair Roy, but he couldn’t direct his shot goal wards.
 
Celtic soon took control and looked threatening down the right hand side in particular. Full-back Sam Wardrop rampaged up and down the wing. One cross from him was deflected behind for a corner and another set up Ciaran Lafferty for a header.
 
Just before Celtic scored, Hearts nearly got one against the run of play. Dale Baxter won the ball in midfield and slipped it to Roy whose shot was just wide.
 
The only goal came on 28 minutes from a free kick. Joseph Thomson swung a cross in from the left and McCart was at the back post to turn it in.
 
Kelby Mason kept it to 1-0, getting a firm hand behind Wardrop’s header. Ian Smith came close at the other end, cutting inside to send a strike inches wide.
  • Half Time:
  • Hearts
  • 0-1
  • Celtic
The Jambos came out with more purpose in the second half, passing the ball in more meaningful areas. Angus Beith now looked in the mood, spreading the ball from side to side.
 
Celtic though had the first opportunity of the half, Innes Murray shooting over after another burst forward by Wardrop.
 
A good passing move then ended with Beith in space in the Hoops’ penalty area but he seemed to be caught in two minds and Ross Doohan narrowed the angle and saved. Robbie Buchanan put the follow up over.
 
Doohan continued to be kept busy and he made a good stop from Moore after Liam Henderson had helped on Ian Smith’s corner.
 
A similar situation led to Russell McLean hitting the post from Leon Jones’ knockdown.
 
It was beginning to look like Hearts were not going to get the luck they needed in front of goal, and it could have been worse for them at the end.
 
Celtic twice had the opportunity to kill the game. Michael Johnston worked some space for himself but Mason tipped his effort over, and Thomson also cleared the bar after being played in by Daniel Higgins.
  • Full Time:
  • Hearts
  • 0-1
  • Celtic

Lineups

Hearts
Celtic
1. Kelby Mason
2. Liam Smith
3. Aaron Reid
4. Liam Henderson
5. Leon Jones
6. Dale Baxter
7. Ian Smith
8. Angus Beith
9. Alistair Roy
10. Robbie Buchanan
11. Lewis Moore
12. Russell McLean
13. Ben Cargill
14. Jahmal Howlett-Mundle
15. Kyle Smith
16. Anthony Mcdonald
17. Andrew Irving
1. Ross Doohan
2. Sam Wardrop
3. Aidan Mcilduff
4. Jamie Mccart
5. Fiacre Kelleher
6. Mark Hill
7. Innes Murray
8. Joseph Thomson
9. Ciaran Lafferty
10. Regan Hendry
11. Calvin Miller
12. Daniel Higgins
13. Conor Hazard
14. Michael Johnston
15. Josh Kerr
16. Blair Kidd
Star Player
Hearts
Celtic
Liam Henderson - Never flustered at the back. Strong defensively and good distribution.
Sam Wardrop - Great energy levels and got forward at will. Showed skill when in attacking areas, as well as a good delivery.
Magic Moment
Hearts
Celtic
The flowing move which led to Beith and Buchanan's double chance involved several players and was enjoyable to watch.
McCart's goal gave them victory from what was otherwise a very closely fought match.
  • Match report and photos copyright Youth Football Scotland.
Published in National Competitions
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