Reading · The Celtic Underground Substack

Team Sheet:

Goals:Dalbeattie Star:
Higgins 74’

Celtic B:
C. Daly 23’
F. Turley 31’
L. Clearie 47’ & 55’
C.Keenan 81’

The B Team continue a run of really positive form, having scored 20 goals in their last five games (four wins and one draw) across all competitions. They are now the top scorers in the league by some distance and have moved up into second place.

It has to be said that, while I’m critical of many elements of the academy setup, Johnny Hayes and Steven Hammell have at least given this group a licence to express themselves and show their ability this season. It was something that was often missing over the previous two seasons.

The players look significantly more engaged and willing to open up the toolbox, using a variety of skills and passing techniques to get at teams in the final third.

Lucas Clearie continues to show a desire to get between the posts, along with a composure in front of goal that should see him fighting it out for the top goalscorer award at the end of the season if he stays with the B Team throughout.

Emmanuel Obidiwe and Rhys Dargie continue to look like threats down the sides.

The midfield three of Liam Kennedy (captain), Conor Daly and Fra Turley have worked well this season. Kennedy tending to be the deeper of the three, with Daly and Turley looking to drive into the lanes inside the wingers.

Defensively, I give huge credit to young Sammy Sedwell, who, after multiple position shifts, has now found himself playing as a central defender in the back four. He’s looking more like the Sammy I saw the first time I went to Lennoxtown, confident and making good decisions on the ball.

Also a nod to Jacob Cameron, who has stepped in well following the injury to Mikey Charlton, and to Hassan Dembele and Joseph Haney in the full-back positions.

The Bhoys off the bench are doing some work as well. I love the way Lennon Watt takes a nudge through the back to win a free kick, but within seconds he’s back up, has seen the space and delivers a ball in behind for Calvin Keenan to burst onto and slot home. Great awareness and desire to help the team get more goals from the young man.

The goal conceded... cracking free kick. One of those where you just have to hold your hands up and say, “well hit.”

Goals Video:

League Table:

5 played - 3 wins / 1 draw / 1 loss = 10 points with +10 gd

A change at the top of our goal scoring chart with Clearie finally nipping into top spot ahead of Dargie.

Top Scorers:Lucas Clearie - 6Rhys Dargie - 4

Conor Daly - 3

Francis Turley - 2
Joseph Haney - 1
Mikey Charlton - 1
Calvin Keenan - 1

Own Goal - 1Next Game:
Home vs Cumnock Junior > Fri 21st Aug (7.45pm KO) Albert Bartlett Stadium

Previous Game (Just incase you missed it)

Hamilton 1 Celtic B 3 (KDM Trophy)
Other Notes:
It looks like Kyle Ure is about to depart the club on loan to Crewe Alexandra (England - League 2). His talent isn’t in question, a previous winner of our academy POTY and a player who has a genuine in-game intelligence. I genuinely hope he goes and smashes it down there.

Young goalkeeper Aidan Rice (loan to Dumbarton) played the full game vs Edinburgh City. Sadly they lost 3-0. No sign of Owen Hartington in the line-up.

On a personal note, I want to thank the people who messaged me during the week about the B team article (directly or indirectly). The messages were appreciated.

No posts

Dalbeattie Star 1 Celtic B 5

Comments