It proved to be an incredible afternoon of action on Saturday as Celtic FC B ran out 4-3 winners against Gala Fairydean Rovers.

Last time the two teams met at the Netherdale Stadium in October of 2022, it finished in the same scoreline, with the Hoops scoring what would be the eventual winner in the last minute of normal time.

Not many could have predicted it would be an even more dramatic afternoon of action on this occasion in the Scottish Borders as the Bhoys rallied to maintain their unbeaten start to 2024.

After a bright start to the match the Celts found themselves go down to 10 men as Lenny Agbaire was given his marking orders just 15 minutes into the match.

Finding themselves 3-1 down heading into the break, it looked like a long way back for the young Celtic side, with Lewis Dobbie’s side giving just a tiny chance of hope.

However, putting in a second-half display, which was described as 'inspirational' by B Team coach Darren O’Dea, the Bhoys produced an impressive comeback to win the match 4-3 as Dobbie completed his hat-trick, before Daniel Cummings netted the winner.

Speaking to Celtic TV after the match, O’Dea was left blown away from watching his side, lauding the entire squad with praise for their part to play in picking up all three points.

He said: “You don’t want to go over the top, but that second-half performance was inspirational stuff.

“We changed the shape slightly at half time after being down to 10 men really early in the game. What we asked them to do is borderline naïve.

“I think the mind-set of the players when they go down to 10 men is naturally that it affects the game.

“But with us, it doesn’t have to. We’re good enough in possession to play with a man less, and we’re good enough to press with a man less.

“It was about the boys, their spirit, fitness, athleticism, and bravery. What was outstanding was that we created more chances than we did with 11 men probably nearly all season.

‘I’m blown away really. It’s as good as I have seen a half of football, it had everything you would want in a Celtic team’

“You can’t do that unless you train properly every day and you live your life right. So I’m absolutely delighted with every one of them, and they deserve every bit of credit.”

Darren O’Dea: We were blown away by inspirational second half display