Match reports

Partick Thistle 1 Rangers Colts 5
17th January 2023

Match details courtesy Partick Thistle FC Twitter feed

Half-time: Rangers 3-0 Partick Thistle
Thistle head into the break in the City of Glasgow Cup at The Rangers Training Centre 3 goals behind through goals from Weston and Lovelace.
Full time: Rangers 5-1 Partick Thistle
Despite gaining a goal back early into the second half, the 10 men of Thistle fall to defeat in the City of Glasgow Cup.

Celtic Colts 1 Clyde 0
21st February 2023

Report courtesy Clyde FC website

The Bully Wee kicked off their 2022-23 Glasgow Cup campaign with a narrow loss to Celtic B behind closed doors at Lennoxtown.
Jim Duffy rotated his squad with all seven substitutes from Saturday's game starting, whilst Ryan Mullen made his comeback from injury off the bench.
In an entertaining contest in which both sides created chances, the pivotal moment of the game came in first half stoppage time, when Mackenzie Carse hit a shot from the edge of the box into the top corner of Josh Bradley-Hurst's net.
The Hoops looked to extend their lead in the early stages of the second half but Clyde defended well to keep them out, with Darren Hynes clearing one effort off the line. The Bully Wee then put pressure on the hosts as the game went on but were unable to find an equaliser.
Jim Duffy commented after the game: "We don't really have the squad depth to compete in this tournament as well as we'd like to but some of the boys who haven't been playing recently came in and done well and it was good for them to get minutes under their belts. It was a really tough match against a good opponent; the Celtic side had a lot of quality, high energy levels and played at a high tempo but overall I thought we competed really well and it was a good exercise."

CELTIC: Clarke, McPherson (Dede 70), Mackenzie (Anderson 61), Agbaire, Robertson, Kelly (Thomson), Davidson, Carse, Dawson (Cummings 85), Letsosa, Quinn
Subs: Morrison, Ure, Turley
CLYDE: Bradley-Hurst (Mullen 61'), Hynes (McGeever 78'), Thicot, McLean, Lyon (Sula 46'), Scullion, Roberts (Cunningham 61'), Cameron, Salkeld (Doherty 61'), McDonald, Trialist. 

Celtic Colts 2 Queen’s Park 0
28th February 2023

Report courtesy Celtic FC website

Celtic FC B continued their strong start to the 2022/23 Glasgow Cup campaign picking up their second victory in a 2-0 win over Queen’s Park. A first-half goal from Ben Summers gave the Hoops a deserved lead, before Tsoanelo Letsosa secured the victory in the final moments of the game.
The young Hoops made a fast start to proceedings, keeping the ball very well and putting the Spiders under early pressure.
Summers was the first player to try and test the away side’s goal. But the visitors did well to get bodies in front of his powerful strike. After returning to the side this afternoon, Adam Brooks look in the mood as he aimed to cause trouble to the visitors’ backline down the right-hand side. Despite the early pressure in possession, the game settled into a more end-to-end rhythm as the half-hour mark approach.
Both sides started to enjoy strong spells on the ball, as they attempted to build each attack from defence.
With half-time approaching, the game seemed to spring into life as the two teams came within inches of opening the scoring.
Queen’s Park were first to strike the post, as a deflected effort lopped on to the inside of the post, before falling into the hands of the grateful Josh Clarke. Just moments later, Celtic retaliated by striking the Queen’s Park woodwork, as Mackenzie Carse attempted to tuck the ball into the far corner of the net.
That was a warning sign the visitors should have been wary of, and around seven minutes from the break, as Summers opened the scoring for the Celts. Some brilliant footwork from on the edge of the penalty area gave the midfielder enough room to strike a low effort into the bottom corner. The young Hoops weren’t looking to just settle into the break, and came desperately close to adding a second. A dangerous ball in from the right by Brooks was headed on to the post by a defender, who was fortunate not to turn the ball home past his own goalkeeper.
The second 45 minutes of action maintained the same impressive match speed, as the two teams battled it out for the three points. Celtic made a rapid start to the half, going close to adding a second goal on two occasions through Tsoanelo Letsosa and Joey Dawson. But, once again, Queen’s Park roared back into the proceedings, and their best chance of the game came just past the hour mark. Scott Williamson raced through on the left, rounding Clarke, before laying the ball off to his team-mate, who attempted to finish the move off, but Bosun Lawal showed great determination to clear the ball off the line and to safety.
After moving further up field, taking the place of Dawson as the leading striker, Letsosa had a number of opportunities to finish off the game. Despite missing several chances, the midfielder’s hard work was rewarded with a goal in the closing moments of the game. His half-volleyed strike was one of the final actions of the fixture, as Celtic made it two wins in a row to kick-off their Glasgow Cup campaign.

CELTIC: Clarke, McPherson, Anderson (MacKenzie 87), Lawal, Robertson (Kelly 80’), Brooks (Quinn 61), Carse, Dawson (Murphy 61), Summers, Letsosa.
Subs: Morrison, Murphy, Thomson.

Rangers Colts 1 Celtic Colts 3
7th March 2023

Report courtesy Celtic FC website

Celtic FC B secured their second Glasgow derby victory of the season with a superb performance to beat Rangers 3-1 on Tuesday afternoon. Quick-fire second half goals from Mackenzie Carse and a double from Joey Dawson put the Hoops on their way to another three points in the Glasgow Cup.
Clear-cut opportunities were few and far between in the opening 45 minutes for both teams, but right from kick-off Celtic were looking to impose themselves on the game and were confident in possession, building through the thirds well. The Hoops were also doing well to push the home side back when they attempted to play out from the back, as they tried to win the ball back high up the pitch. All that was missing was an opening in front of goal or the final pass, with a lot of good work being done down either flank.
The Hoops forced the Rangers backline into a number of blocks and clearances inside the area, with Jon Souttar stooping low to stop Joey Dawson from having a tap-in at the back post. Similarly for the home side, Celtic goalkeeper Josh Clarke was rarely tested, with most efforts coming from long-range being dealt with comfortably. The Hoops' best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes came moments before the break as Carse whistled an effort just over the crossbar.
After the strong first-half showing, Celtic came out flying after the break, scoring twice within five minutes of the restart. Dawson slotted home the opening goal before Carse made it 2-0 just two minutes later. After a cross into the box was cleared, the ball made its way to the edge of the area, where Carse sprinted on to the ball, smashing it into the bottom corner of the net. 
In the last game between the two sides, a quick-fire Dawson double broke Rangers hearts in the 5-2 victory at Celtic Park. And the striker was at it again, scoring another Glasgow Derby double, popping up in the centre of the box to tap the ball home from a few yards out after a corner made its way through the box.
Rangers did manage to pull a goal back through Ross McCausland with around 15 minutes left to play, but Celtic continued to play well and comfortably saw out the game to make it three wins from three in the Glasgow Cup.

CELTIC: Clarke, McPherson, Anderson, Lawal, Robertson, Carse, Brooks (Dede 78), Summers (Kelly 63), Dawson, Letsosa, Quinn (Thomson 70).
Subs: Morrison, Mackenzie, Murphy, Cummings

City of Glasgow Cup - semi-final
Partick Thistle 0 Celtic Colts 4
11th April 2023

Match details & photo courtesy Partick Thistle FC Twitter feed

Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Celtic FC Training Centre, Lennoxtown

Half-time: Celtic Colts 2 Partick Thistle 0
Two goals from Tsoanelo Letsosa have the hosts in front at the break.
Full time: Celtic Colts 4 Partick Thistle 0 
The Jags are left ruing a missed penalty at 2-0 as Celtic claim victory with further goals by Thomson and McPherson.

Match report couretesy Celtic FC website, celticfc.com

Celtic FC B booked their place in the final of the Glasgow Cup as they defeated Partick Thistle 4-0 at Lennoxtown. A first-half brace from Tsoanelo Letsosa was followed by late strikes from Corey Thomson and Ben McPherson to secure victory.
Having named a strong side, which included the likes of Ben Summers and Rocco Vata, the Celts dominated much of possession, and there was also a full return to action for Dane Murray, who started his first game since sustaining a serious knee injury in April 2022.
The Hoops were on front foot from the off, and almost took the lead inside the first 10 minutes. A well-timed cross into the box by Vata was met by Adam Brooks, but his header struck the post.
After such a positive start to proceedings, the Celts didn’t have to wait much longer to take the lead as Tsoanelo Letsosa scored his first of two goals in the game.
The midfielder was causing trouble for the opposition backline all afternoon, and won the ball back high up the pitch to create his first opportunity. Despite facing the pressure of a Thistle defender, and being one-on-one with the goalkeeper, Letsosa made no mistake slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
Just before the half hour mark, the 18-year-old managed to double Celtic’s advantage with another clinical finish inside the box.
A well-worked move down the left-hand side made its way to Letsosa, who tucked the ball past the Thistle shot-stopper.

Celtic’s first half dominance continued well into the second half, with the visitors being stuck inside their own half for much of the game. However, with around 20 minutes left to play, Partick Thistle were given a big opportunity to get back into the game when they were awarded a penalty after Letsosa, was adjudged to have handled the ball by the referee. Thankfully, for Celtic, Josh Clarke produced a fantastic save to maintain the Bhoys' two-goal advantage.
As the match headed into the closing stages, victory was secured for the Hoops as substitute Corey Thomson grabbed the third goal of the game. The young midfielder produced a fantastic individual finish, slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
There was also time for one more Celtic goal as the full-time whistle approached, with Ben McPherson getting in on the act. The Scotland Under-19 internationalist played a lovely one-two on the right, before slamming a finish underneath the away side’s goalkeeper.
Tuesday’s emphatic result means that Celtic have now advanced to the final of the City of Glasgow Cup, where they will face off either Queen's Park or Rangers B.

CELTIC B: Clarke, McPherson, Anderson, Lawal (Corr 65), Murray (Robertson 65), Carse, Davidson (Thomson 74), Summers (Kelly 46), Brooks, Letsosa, Vata (Quinn 46)
Subs: Morrison, Mackenzie

City of Glasgow Cup - semi-final
Queen’s Park 0 Rangers Colts 4
18th April 2023

Top photo courtesy Queen’s Park FC website, queensparkfc.co.uk
Second and third photos courtesy Rangers FC website, rangers.co.uk

Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Rangers Training Centre

Match report courtesy Queen’s Park FC website, queensparkfc.co.uk

Queen’s Park could not repeat last season’s feat of reaching The City of Glasgow Cup Final as they exited at the semi-final stage after a 4-0 defeat to Rangers at the Rangers Training Ground in Milngavie.
The young Spiders lost two goals in each half with penalty decisions denying them the chance to get a foothold in the game at key times.
Aaron Healy was given a run-out in the tie and he combined with Gregor Nicol to create danger after just two minutes however the hosts got players back to cover.
With 11 minutes played Rangers threatened when Robbie Ure slipped a pass through to Anthony Weston however Callan McKenna spread himself to save with the shot-stopper doing well again two minutes later when Cole McKinnon drilled in a shot after a Ure knockdown.
McKenna then found himself in the right place at the right time to clutch a shot from Weston after the visitors had failed to clear their lines.
Midway through the half a fine cross-field move involving Nicol and Calum Biggar freed Healy on the left with the winger’s cross flashing across the Rangers goalmouth before being cleared.
On 25 minutes Rangers took the lead when Ure turned on the spot and sent a right wing cross past McKenna.

Queen’s were still trying to get to grips with being behind when Thompson Ishaka tumbled to the ground on 30 minutes with referee Murdoch pointing to the spot. It looked a soft award however that did not trouble Ishaka who drilled home from the spot.
Four minutes later a second penalty was awarded after a challenge on Ishaka however this time McKenna stuck up a hand and saved the striker’s effort from 12 yards.
Before the break Healy caused danger on the left again however his deft cross found no takers.

Eight minutes into the restart Cameron Bruce kicked clear after Ishaka had slipped the ball past McKenna with Queen’s Park giving Rangers a reminder they were still in the game on 55 minutes with a fine drive from Gregor Nicol that Lewis Budinauckas needed two attempts to hold.
Just after the hour mark it looked like the visitors might get a route back into the game from the penalty spot when Liam McLeish appeared to be nudged off the ball as he rose to win a header.
No whistle came and Rangers broke up to the other end and McKenna had to leap to his left to push away a shot from Zak Lovelace.
With 19 minutes left substitute Tyrece McDonnell darted down the left to get into a good position only for the Rangers defence to regroup and crowd him out as he looked for team-mates.

On 83 minutes it became 3-0 when Ure scored a carbon copy of his first goal by sweeping in a right wing cross and as the hosts increased the pressure McKenna denied James Graham a goal.
Five minutes later Graham released Connor Allan on the left and his back post cross was thumped in by Lovelace to complete the scoring.

Queen’s Park: Callan McKenna, Cameron Bruce, Calum Biggar, Alex Fairlie (Liam McQuaid 60’), Aaron Healy (Tyrece McDonnell 60’), Gregor Nicol (Joseph Smith 80), Zach Mauchin, Kane Thomson (Archie Graham 46’), Lewis Reid, Andrew Lind (Lennon Connolly 46’), Liam McLeish.
Subs not used: Liam Russell (G/k).
Rangers B: Lewis Budinauckas, Robbie Fraser, Connor Allan, Lewis MacKinnon, Bailey Rice (Charley Lindsay 80’), Thompson Ishaka (James Graham 66’), Cole McKinnon (Mackenzie Strachan 80’), Robbie Ure, Aaron Lyall (Zakariya Lovelace 60’), Anthony Weston (Kelsey Ewen 80’).
Subs not used: Jacob Pazikas, Kevin Ciubotaru.

City of Glasgow Cup Final

Rangers B 3 Celtic B 3
Celtic B won 4-3 on penalties

Photo courtesy Celtic FC website, celticfc.com
Second and third photos courtesy Rangers FC website, rangers.co.uk

Tuesday, 10th May, 2023
Ibrox Stadium

Some copies of the Souvenir Programme for this match remain available. Click here to order your copy.


Match report courtesy Celtic FC website, celticfc.com

By Lewis Laird

RANGERS 3
(Lowry 39, Lovelace 48, Weston 88)

CELTIC 3
(Brooks 24 & 32, Vata 36)

Celtic B are the winners of the 2022/23 Glasgow Cup after defeating Rangers 4-3 on penalties at Ibrox.
The young Celts held a three-goal lead in the first half, thanks to a double from Adam Brooks and a Rocco Vata goal. However, Rangers managed to level the scoreline in the second-half, and after 90 minutes, it finished 3-3, meaning a penalty shoot-out.

The Hoops made a fantastic start to the match in the opening 45 minutes as Adam Brooks opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark. Following some determined play by Matthew Anderson who refused to give up on the lost cause, the ball was played in to the forward who made no mistake in finishing into the bottom corner.

Celtic’s rapid start to the opening 45 minutes continued as Brooks scored his second of the evening, producing a stunning finish with a shot that flew into the top corner of the net, going in off the underside of the crossbar. It didn’t take long for the Celts to grab a third when Rocco Vata got in on the act with a goal on 36 minutes. A slick counter-attacking move saw the ball make its way to the winger, who finished with the aid of a deflection. With the game approaching half-time, proceedings couldn’t having being going much better for Celtic, but Rangers were able to pull a goal back just before the break against the run of play. Alex Lowry was the man to score from the penalty spot after Mitchell Robertson was judged to have fouled a Rangers attacker inside the area.

The second half didn’t get off to the ideal start for the Hoops either, as Rangers pulled another goal back via Zac Lovelace. The forward pounced on a mistake at the back, curling the ball round Josh Clarke who had no chance from close range. Throughout the second half, Celtic faced serious pressure as the Ibrox side looked to find a way back into the game. The Hoops defence appeared to be keeping the attacking frontline at bay, with Clarke having few saves to make. However, with just two minutes of normal time left remaining, Rangers scored the leveller through Tony Weston. With the match all level after 90 minutes of action, the game immediately headed to penalties to decide who would become the winners of the Glasgow Cup.

It was a dramatic shoot-out filled with ups and downs, and after 14 efforts from 12 yards out, the two sides would finally be separated as Corey Thomson stepped up and slotted home his spot-kick to win the trophy for Celtic. The hero of the shoot-out was goalkeeper Josh Clarke, who saved a total of four penalties to help Celtic to victory.

CELTIC B: Clarke, McPherson, Anderson, Lawal, Robertson (Corr 46), Carse, Vata (Davidson 73), Letsosa, Brooks (Kelly 84), Summers, Mackenzie (Thomson 65).
Subs: Morrison, Ure, Quinn

RANGERS B: (team lineup not available)