Celtic FC B suffered defeat on Saturday afternoon, losing to league leaders East Kilbride in their return at the Excelsior Stadium.
Despite the conditions of the first half, a quick double from the visitors just before the half-hour mark was enough to secure all three points.
Throughout the match it was an entertaining affair with both teams looking to cause problems for their opponents by playing from the back and pressing the game high.
Most of the chances came from the two teams looking to exploit the high lines and at the start of the game Rocco Vata wanted to send Daniel Kelly behind the EK defence. However, he was quickly suppressed. The away side also had some good chances early in the match, but Josh Clarke matched those efforts when he reacted quickly to some passes behind the back line.
The Celtics’ two best chances of the game came just before the 30-minute mark. Coming from the flank, James McCarthy crossed the spot to find compatriot Rocco Vata.
The young Irishman took the ball past his marker before attempting to turn his goal into the bottom corner, but could only hit the side netting.
Moments later, Daniel Kelly had the chance to score his second goal in as many games after being picked out inside the area. However, the East Kilbride shot stopper matched his shot and produced a fine stop.
After failing to convert those chances, the league leaders surged forward and capitalized on the opportunity, scoring two quick goals before the break.
East Kilbride captain Ryan Lockie cut a back ball from right to left in the area for Scott Ferguson who had the simple task of tapping home.
Just two minutes later, East Kilbride doubled their lead in similar fashion, this time down the right.
With acres of space waiting inside the six-yard box, Joao Balde was about to score from close range to give his team a 2-0 lead. The young Hoops continued to play the game in the second half as East Kilbride went man to man and tried to press the Bhoys.
Lenny Agbaire moved out of defense a few times and tried to send Vata and Mitchel Frame into wide areas. However, the Celtics could not effectively break the deadlock.
Josh Clarke was also called on a couple of times in the second half and put in a strong hand to deny the away team a third goal.
Unfortunately for a young Celtic side, they couldn’t find a way to score and suffered their first bottom league defeat since October. However, they will soon have another chance to bounce back from that disappointment in their third Premier League International Cup game when they face Chelsea next Wednesday.