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

CELTIC... 4
(Letsosa 17 & 29, Thomson 77, McPherson 88)

PARTICK THISTLE... 0

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 Glasgow Cup, where they will face off either Queens Park or Rangers.

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

Celtic book Glasgow Cup final place with impressive win over Partick Thistle