Premier League International Cup
Friday, November 24, 2023
American Express Stadium, Brighton

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION…4

(Kavanagh 4, O’Mahony 11, 27, Flower 90+6)

CELTIC…3

(Carse 40, Vata 55, Kelly 81)

Celtic FC B narrowly missed out on their first point in this season’s Premier League International Cup as a late stoppage-time strike sealed victory for Brighton at the American Express Stadium.

After falling three goals down inside half an hour, the Bhoys roared back to level up with scoring with just under 10 minutes left to play.

However, there was late heartache for the Hoops as the home side went on to score in the dying stages of the match.

After three wins on the bounce in the Lowland League, the Celts were looking to bounce back from a disappointing start in the competition.

But, the match got off to the worst possible start with the English Premier League Academy side storming into an early lead.

The hosts opened the scoring inside the first four minutes as Leigh Kavanagh jumped highest to power the ball home from the first corner of the match.

It didn’t take long for Brighton to grab a second in the match as Mark O’Hahony rounded off a well-worked move down the left, tapping the ball from close range.

Despite the home side’s dominant start to the match, the young Hoops passed up a guilt edge opportunity to pull one back, not long after conceding the second.

Some good play from Mitchel Frame on the left saw the full-back pick out Daniel Cummings at the back post, who just couldn’t convert from a few yards out.

The home side looked to punish the Celts for that missed opportunity, and they were able to score a third just before the half-hour mark.

Grabbing his second and Brighton’s third of the match, O’Mahony was a little fortunate with his goal, with the ball falling into his path at the back post, but he made no mistake with the finish.

As the half grew on, the Celts began to gain more confidence and were enjoying more periods of possession.

Just before the break, the Bhoys were able to pull one back as Mackenzie Carse remained composed, tucking the ball into the far bottom corner with a first-time finish on his left foot.

Following the half-time break, Celtic seemed to take control of the match and were creating more openings in front of goal.

Continuing their momentum into the second 45 minutes, Rocco Vata got himself on the scoresheet inside the opening 10 minutes of the half.

A well-weighted ball over the top found the run of the Irishman, who still had plenty to do with his finish. However, he did well to find a gap beside the goalkeeper and make the score 3-2.

The Bhoys continued to pile on the pressure in the second half, and the comeback was complete with less than 10 minutes to play in well-deserved fashion.

Once again down the left, Mitchel Frame did well to pick out Daniel Kelly with his cross, who produces an emphatic finish to complete the comeback from three goals down.

After finding a way back into the game with a terrific second half performance, the young Hoops were looking to see things out and seal their first point of their Premier League International Cup campaign.

However, there was late heartache for the Bhoys as the home side took advantage of the seven minutes additional time, scoring in the 96^th minute.

Despite the disappointment of losing out so late on, it was a performance that the Celts can be proud of, going up against the English side.

CELTIC: Clarke, Dede (Davidson 58), Frame, Bonetig, Agbaire, Mackenzie, Ure (Thomson 80), Carse, Kelly, Vata, Cummings (Dobbie 65).

Subs: Morrison, Osagie, McArdle, Bonnar.

Last-gasp goal undoes great comeback from B Team in Brighton