Celtic B 2-1 Hearts B

Celtic B 2-1 Hearts B

Lowland League

Friday 19th April 2024

With runners-up spot in the Lowland League already guaranteed, this was something of a disappointing end to the season for the Hearts B Team as they were beaten by their counterparts from Celtic.

The Wee Jambos went into this game at the Excelsior Stadium seeking to extend their winning streak to nine and also complete a league ‘double’ over Celtic after the win at Ainslie Park back in October, but the damage was done before half-time as the boys in maroon found themselves 2-0 down at the break.

After a tight opening in which Celtic showed flashes of what they were about and Harry Gordon, Adam Forrester and then Callum Sandilands were all forced to make important interceptions in or around their own box - plus Bobby McLuckie dragging a shot wide at the other end in a rare foray forward, Celtic’s opener came just after the quarter-mark.

Matty Gillies’ clearance out of defence was only partial. The Hoops were quick to get the ball and recycled it quickly to stretch Hearts with Ben Quinn receiving it and then squaring a pass across the face of goal for a stretching Lewis Dobbie to tap home.

Just like that it was 1-0. Swift, sweeping, ruthless - and straight from the resulting re-start, Hearts didn’t switch on, lost the ball and were fortunate that things didn’t get a whole heap worse as Bruno Davidson found himself in-behind and through on goal only for Liam McFarlane to rush off his line and make an important save with his knee.

Despite that let off, Celtic continued to move the ball around purposefully and impose their ideas. You could see what they wanted to do and just past 30 minutes, they got their reward with Colby Donovan lashing home a powerful shot from the edge of the box.

Hearts really did have work to do now and the grimace at being 1-0 down was replaced by a forlorn sense that this could be one of those nights at 2-0.

To make matters worse, Finlay Pollock then picked up a knock and was limping around for a couple of minutes before being substituted towards the end of the first half. A big loss in the context of the game itself as he’d been involved in probably Hearts’ best move of the half when he brilliantly burst past his man on the right and cut the ball back for Bobby McLuckie only for the chance to fizzle out. 

And as he left the pitch, you could feel his worry and disappointment. The shirt over his face to hide a few tears, the anguish and worry clearly evident and straight down the tunnel - and my only hope if he’s done any damage then it’s minor rather than anything long-term again, because he deserves a break from the rotten luck he’s endured over the past year or so!

Mack Ross replaced him and in the second half, to begin with for the first 10 minutes, Celtic remained on top - continuing to dictate possession and territory, and look the more likely side to score the next goal.

A third goal would have rammed home and emphasised their superiority but within the blink of an eye, Hearts found a way back into the game - breaking quickly on the counter-attack from a Celtic corner via Harry Gordon to James Wilson, who in-turn slotted a pass through to the feet of Bobby McLuckie who raced in-behind and lifted the ball over an oncoming ‘keeper and into the net for a really composed finish on his favoured left-foot.

The game suddenly felt alive again yet Celtic almost exacted immediate revenge with big Liam McFarlane this time thwarting Colby Donovan before the ball ended up in the net from the resulting corner, only for the hosts to be denied due to the referee’s whistle.

Big Liam soon pulled off another save to underline his importance; this time as a relatively close-range header from an inviting right-sided cross was straight at him, before Hearts then got a foothold in the remaining 25-30 minutes as they tried to end the season with something to show for their efforts.

Gus Stevenson forced a save with a pile-driver from the edge of the box and Bobby McLuckie also had a chance soon after that but for all Hearts endeavour in the closing stages, Celtic were very difficult to break down. Lenny Agbaire was really good and marshalled things well at the back, Jude Bonnar was cool and composed in what he did in midfield, the Hoops ‘keeper did a really good job of running the clock down - they managed the game well as a collective unit and ultimately no more goals were to be scored.

On the whole, I’ve not got any complaints about the end result. Celtic were the better team on the night, they created more chances and deserved to win. It’s as simple as that.

What impressed me most was the way they implemented their ideas and dictated the game. They kept the ball well which meant it was very difficult for Hearts to win it back quite a lot of the time. Out of possession, they pressed exceptionally well (knowing when to do it and when not to do it - clearly something they’ve worked on in training and transferred into a game-situation), they were strong in midfield and the fact they didn’t win by a bigger scoreline was mainly down to Liam McFarlane who pulled off all the saves mentioned previously to ensure Hearts remained in with a chance of pinching a point right up until the last kick.

Individually, Lenny Agbaire and Jude Bonnar were the stand-out performers for Celtic. Agbaire being strong and resolute and even dancing out of defence with the ball at his feet at one point in the second half which got the crowd going, whilst Bonnar was good in possession and looked a very tidy player.

For Hearts, Bobby McLuckie was the most threatening. He deserved a goal and took it well when the chance came along and his value was there for all to see. When he’s got confidence and plays with a swagger, he’s a joy to watch - and my only wish is that he’d take on his man a bit more and not cut back as there were a couple of times he could have done it (and if he’d done so, he’d have had his man on toast and flew past him). But a good performance by Bobby and with every game he plays, he’s getting better and better!

Harry Gordon also put a shift in as is so often the case - being full of running and working tirelessly all night to try and make something happen right up until the last whistle. In the latter stages, you could literally see the sweat dripping off him - that’s how hard he worked. He’s got to be in contention for the B Team Players’ Player of the Year award (always the best one to get when it’s from your own team-mates), and I’ve got nothing but the utmost respect for what he offers to a team in all the games I’ve seen!

Whether he’ll be at the club next year… who knows considering he’s now 20 and essentially has Aiden Denholm and Mac Tait ahead of him, but if he does leave Tynecastle then my advice for anyone who might happen to read this is just go and sign him. He’s a good player. He nips in, wins lots of things, always works hard - does the nitty-gritty stuff so effectively, and effects a game both defensively as a No.4 and offensively with his passing. He can play a part in things further up the pitch - as was proven here given that he set the move going for Hearts to get a goal back. In the games I’ve watched him this year, I’ve sometimes lost count of the number of times I say ‘That’s Good’ and of the 100+ games I’ve seen in England, Scotland, abroad and elsewhere involving young players recently, he’s consistently been impressive. I admire his value and I hope he has a brilliant career because it’s been a pleasure seeing him thrive in this team and hear about the recognition he’s got from his team-mates.

Then, in goal - as mentioned in the report, Liam McFarlane showed what he’s all about and it was another good performance by him with his saves to keep Hearts in the game. The only disappointment was they couldn’t get a corner in injury-time because I’d have loved to have seen him trot up the pitch and cause some mayhem in the opposition box but having played every game (I think) this season, it’s be so beneficial for him at his age. Experience is vital and he’s shown his value too - along with consistent improvement!

This result put to one side, the B Team as a collective group should be proud of everything they’ve achieved this season - and I hope they smile when they think back about the journey, the away days, the big wins, goals they’ve scored and all the fun they’ve had in the process!

Everyone has had good and bad games (that’s football) but everyone has contributed at different times. 

Mak Kirk with all his goals - including the one against his old man’s team in August too. I’m not sure if he finished as the Lowland League’s top scorer but I doubt you’ll find a striker with a better goals to minutes ratio anywhere in the country this season. 

Callum Sandilands with his goals and assists - including that naughty chip against Berwick Rangers in October which was as sumptuous and sweet as it was sublime. 

Liam McFarlane with his clean-sheets (not sure how many in total) but the improvement has been very evident and he’s a lot to be proud about. 

Harry Gordon in the engine room and being consistently good and a player I’ve grown to love to bits - what a boy. 

Murray Thomas who can be class at times and will still have a wry smile when he thinks back to his goal at Hampden a few years ago (definitely one to tell the kids about in a couple of decades). 

James Wilson who has stepped up and scored goals in the absence of Kirky and has tremendous talent for someone so young - he won’t forget his other game at Ainslie Park where he featured for the first team in the Scottish Cup. 

Bobby McLuckie on the left-wing and the good numbers he’s got at this level for the second season running. 

Luke Rathie (solid as a rock) and who has become a leader in this team - the red card at Brechin to the battle with one David Cox at Gretna, amongst other things to reflect on and remember fondly. 

Harvey Chisholm and the pieces he’s offered when he’s been involved. 

Rocco Friel who’ll never forget his rocket at Brechin in August which was ever so slightly better than the one at Gretna a few weeks ago. 

Kai Smutek who has produced bits of quality and will be eager for next season to begin knowing that he has a big part to play in the future of this B Team. 

Callum Flatman prior to his loan at FC Edinburgh (or whatever they’re calling themselves now) and how he helped in games early in the season. 

Kenzi Nair who ought to take pride in the fact he’s genuinely one of the most impressive defenders I’ve seen anywhere this year in his age group - keep it up, stay humble, and you’ll go far because the talent is obvious. 

Mac Tait and the role he performed to impress Naisy and earn his chance at first team level. 

Matty Gillies - good distribution in this game (loves a diagonal pass… and also needs a haircut) but a big unit with so much ability and a leader I love watching - a season hampered by injuries a bit, but back and showing what he can do and who I know has a bright future ahead of him. Loves a celebration against Queens Park too!

Mack Ross and scoring at Dunbar in pre-season along with illuminating games with his bright boots.

Gus Stevenson who’ll remember the game at Gretna where he was the best player on the pitch by an absolute mile - that’s what you can do and those qualities are exactly why you’ve been capped by Scotland at age-group level. 

Ryan Duncan and some of the goals he’s scored prior to his injury. 

Adam Forrester who has quietly gone about his business at RWB but been a mainstay delivering consistency and assuredness every week which doesn’t go unnoticed. 

Bailey Dall and the journey he’s had from impressing me so much at Preston Athletic, scoring at Broxburn the following week, wearing his red boots and flourishing in the past few months where he’s played some of the best ever football of his career up to now - what a guy. 

Ethan Drysdale who has so much ability (proof being the reverse game against Celtic in October) where he was steady, solid and helped massively in the win. 

Gregor Crookston, too, and the cameo appearances he’s made where he’s come on in games and helped to get games over the line - another player with good ability!

I’ll have probably missed a few names (my apologies) but, collectively, you’ve all earned the runners-up spot, you’ve done it together and you all deserve the acknowledgment for your efforts. 

The improvement on last season’s mid-table position speaks for itself and there’s been so many memories packed in along the way - whether it be smashing Gretna on the opening night of the season, putting 12 past Edinburgh University (bye bye to them), last week’s ‘clincher’ at home to Bo’ness, the way you responded to adversity at Caledonian Braves by putting an eight-game winning streak together, the crap pitch at Dumbarton when you played Broomhill, the noisy nutjob next to the dugout at Tranent (he’s probably still there barking his bullshit now), the battles in games, the banter, all the laughs and jokes and learning curves, plus Scotland’s best fed fox at Ainslie Park who keeps coming onto the pitch - they’re all things you won’t forget in a hurry!

Memories are what it’s all about and (most of the time anyway), you’ve made my trips up north enjoyable.

So thank you lads - it’s been a pleasure!

For those of you who’ve played your last game in a Hearts shirt, be assured that wherever you end up I’ll follow all your careers with interest and bring up a few ‘Remember When…’ type stories that will make you think straight back to this era!

You’ve got my support the whole time so good luck with everything!

Have a brilliant summer everyone - and after watching Scotland win the Euros this summer (well, the dream is nice) I’ll try and get to as many matches as I can next season too!

What a team!

What a journey!

What a season!

92 goals. 69 points. 21 wins!

Well done! 👏🏻