Fine away win as Hoops move into second spot

Manager Colin Malone made three changes from the previous game with Jonny McCarron and Nathan McConnell slotting into defence and Jason Rodgers back into midfield,

It was Celtic who had a number of early chances with the home keeper making a good save from Ryan Henderson in the ninth minute and on 17 minutes Dale Malone fired wide.

The best chance fell to Wakehurst’s Price who shot wide from the edge of the Celtic box.This Wakehurst miss seemed to spark Celtic and they gradually started to get the upper hand and dominate proceedings eventually taking the lead a minute prior to the break when Raymond Fitzpatrick deftly flicked the ball on to Henderson who raced through the home defence and lobbed the keeper.

Caolan Campbell replaced McConnell at left back as the second half started and the Hoops really began to turn the screw with the defenders moving forward at every opportunity with Declan McVeigh on the right flank outstanding and causing Wakehurst endless problems with his lung bursting runs

The lead was doubled on 52 minutes when the keeper could only parry a Henderson shot into the path of Fitzpatrick and the Hoops striker calmly slotted into the net.

As the half progressed Celtic attacks were in waves at the beleaguered Wakehurst defence as they struggled to contain the visitors and an inevitable third goal arrived on 75 minutes when one of McVeigh’s runs and crosses was latched unto by Henderson who shot home from near the penalty spot to effectively end the game as a contest

Barry Seeley and Chris Coleman then replaced Niall Lavery and John Cochrane and a minute later in a rare home attack Hoops keeper Michael Goff made a super save from Ryan Young to keep a clean sheet.

This was a comprehensive win by Celtic,with the only blip a double booking foe Campbell and Cochrane. The McLeans Man of the Match was awarded to Ryan Henderson with McVeigh pushing him close but it was a good overall team effort and more of the same will be needed this Saturday when Celtic make the shorter trip to play third placed Sport and Leisure in Belfast.

With leaders Moyola Park dropping points Celtic sit a point behind in second.

The Celtic Youth team notched up another win when they travelled to play a strong Hillsborough Boys team and won 5-3 with goals from McCann( 2) McAlinden Douglas and Connell.