Celtic B reach Glasgow Cup Final with demolition of Thistle

A strong and dominant performance put the Celtic B team into the final of the City of Glasgow Cup after they overcame Partick Thistle 4-0 yesterday afternoon.

Coming into this game, the sides had opposite lucks in form. Celtic B began their campaign began with a close 1-0 win against Clyde, followed by a 2-0 win versus Queens Park before they outshone Rangers B 3-1 in a youthful Glasgow Derby.

A 2-1 loss to Queens Park back in November kicked off Thistle’s campaign before they fell again to the hands of Rangers Colts. Clyde’s forfeit from the tournament though, gifted the Firhill side a place in the semis.

Partick Thistle kicked the game off, but it was Celtic who started stronger, being patient on the ball and waiting for the correct passes. This paid off as Tsoanelo Letsosa grabbed the opener after winning the ball just outside the box, taking a couple of touches and then finishing past the keeper in the 17th minute.

Just 13 minutes later on the half-hour, Letsosa grabbed his second – a great passing move down the left got the ball to Rocco Vata who found Letsosa, and he curled it brilliantly into the goal.

Before the half concluded, Celtic could’ve scored another goal with brilliant press putting the Thistle defence under the cosh, but two easy chances were passed up by the Hoops.

In the first half, Partick Thistle had their efforts despite not retaining possession well. Jamie Taggart had a good chance to get a goal for his side when he knocked the ball past his marker before cutting inside and getting a shot off to test Josh Clarke, but the Celtic keeper met his attempt well.

Not much happened in the opening 15 minutes of the second half as chances were squandered from both sides.

In the 67th minute, Adam Brookes had a shot from close range clatter the crossbar for the first real action of the half.

Five minutes later a penalty was given to Partick Thistle and their first clear-cut opportunity since Taggart’s attempt in the first half. Taggart stepped up to take it he could not beat Clarke who saved the spot-kick superbly.

To wrap up the game, two more goals were scored from Celtic B. Substitute Corey Thomson made a great individual run which he finished with a sleek shot into the back of the net before Ben McPherson put the cherry on top, scoring after a clever one-two with his teammate.

Overall, it was a dominant performance from the Lowland League Celtic B. It was not a bad showing from Thistle either, on the ball they were strong but couldn’t find the extra pass to open the game up.

Congratulations to Celtic B on making it to the Glasgow Cup final. They will face either Queen’s Park or Rangers B who will battle it out in the other semi-final next Tuesday.

Partick Thistle Player of the Match: Jamie Taggart

Storey had a good game in goals, pulling off strong saves and keeping the score at a respectable level but Taggart was the standout. He was an absolute handful with the ball at his feet and involved in every Thistle attack from his favoured left wing.

Celtic B Player of the Match: Tsoaleno Letsosa

Along with the two goals, he connected well with his teammates and helped create other chances. Bruno Davidson also had a really good game on the right wing.

Partick Thistle Magic Moment: Taggart Brilliance

Taggart made himself a glorious chance in the first half with a great knock past the Celtic full-back and a magical cut-in to set up a good shot on goal. Congratulations to Celtic B on making it to the Glasgow Cup final. They will face either Queen’s Park or Rangers B who will battle it out in the other semi-final next Tuesday.

Celtic B Magic Moment: Letsosa’s Opener

The forward capitalising on a defensive mistake to open the game up was the spawn of the momentum they played with for the full 90.