Reserve League: United 1 Celtic 4

Given it was quite an experienced side at St Andrews University this afternoon, losing 4-1 to Celtic was a disappointing result, especially as all the goals came in the preventable category.

By Peter Rundo

Slow coming out of the blocks, United almost immediately conceded when Hoops skipper Kerr McInroy’s effort was parried away by the United keeper Fraser Currid.

And when they did fall behind after 32 minutes, it was an own goal from Frederic Frans who, under pressure from Duffy, headed a corner into his own net.

Three minutes later, former United loanee Tony Ralston doubled the lead latching on to a loose ball following a corner to drill home.

Starting the second half brightly, United were rewarded with a goal on 51 minutes fittingly scored by the Tangerines’ top performer, Archie Thomas.

Yannick Loemba’s low cross from the right was missed by Louis Appere but not by Thomas at the back post and the midfielder rammed the ball into the roof of the net.

However, on the hour mark, Celtic restored their two-goal advantage when Jack Aitchison was quickest to pounce after Currid could only push a cross away.

Midway through the half, McInroy came to the visitors’ rescue, clearing Adam Barton's close range shot off the line.

Any doubt about the outcome. however, was removed after 78 minutes when Aitchison converted the penalty that Ralston had won. 

TEAM: Currid, Wardrop, Barton, Frans (Davidson 58)), Robson, Chalmers (Trialist 56), Murdoch, Rabitsch (Ingils 79), Appere (Watt 83), Thomas, Loemba (Banks 83).

Subs not used: Donaldson, Bollan.