7pm 26 April 2024
Club Academy Scotland, Elite League, Top Section
Celtic U18 2 Hamilton Academical U18 3 (att 90)
From the day's earlier game I just had time to check into my hotel before heading back out in search of Celtic's impressive training centre at Lennoxtown.
I had directions, which was just as well as it's not signposted and would be hard to find if you didn't know where you were going. Eventually, after driving along a narrow private road with a 'no unauthorised vehicles' warning, I arrived.
It couldn't be more secluded and, with the Campsie Fells as a backdrop, there can't be a more scenic training ground anywhere in the UK.
As you pass the security gate there are first team training pitches on the right while on the left, close to the car park, is a synthetic pitch where Celtic play their youth team games. Spectators stand on the car park side, with dugouts on the opposite touchline.
This was an excellent game between two young sides. Unlike at senior level the Old Firm don't dominate the youth league, at least not this season. Hamilton's youngsters scored first, but Celtic hit back to lead 2-1 by half time.
That might have been a springboard for the home side to claim maximum points. But after the break they didn't take chances, and then paid for it when Hamilton scored again to make it 2-2. With a draw looking likely it was Hamilton who got a late, and unlikely, winner.
Comments
Post a Comment