Frail joy as u-19's beat Motherwell 4-1

Youth coach Stevie Frail was delighted to see his side battle against the elements to run out 4-1 winners over Motherwell today.

Greg Spence, Calum Bashaw and James Keating were on target for Celtic with an own goal from a Motherwell defender helping the home side to victory.

Conditions made the game difficult for both teams with Richie Towell splashing about down the right flank in the second half before the rain eased off for the final half hour.

Celtic scored three times in the last 20 minutes with Frail pleased to see his side back on the winning trail after four draws on the bounce.

He said: "There was a lot to be pleased about, the players showed some character to come back in those conditions after losing an equaliser at the start of the second half.

"The conditions worsened but I was delighted with the way that they played. They showed a lot of discipline to stick to their passing game.

COMFORTABLE
"We encourage the players all the time to pass the ball in areas where they are comfortable, the goals were excellent and very rewarding for everyone.

"The movement was pleasing, it's great to see things that you work on through the week coming to fruition on a Saturday."

Spence headed Celtic in front in the tenth minute from a Bagshaw cross with the same combination putting Celtic ahead in the 70th minute when a great pass from Bagshaw sent Spence through on goal with his pass sent into the net by a Motherwell defender.

EXHIBITION
Motherwell had equalised in the first minute of the second half with a 30 yard effort and looked as likely to win the match as the skies opened making the game an exhibition of sliding tackles for a while!

It was difficult to judge players in 'challenging' conditions but there was more than a few of the Celtic players that showed some good technique and a willingness to get on the ball, find some time and make passes.

James Forrest swapped from the right wing to the left in the second half but let himself down with some poor finishing after some trademark driving runs at the Motherwell defence.

TWARDZIK
In the centre of midfield there was plenty of creativity and workrate from the brilliantly named Bagshaw-Twardzik combination.

Filip Twardzik certainly looked the part in conditions far removed from those of the Czech Republic. Never afraid to take an extra touch on the ball Twardzik stood up well in the demanding conditions and was joined on the park by his brother Patrick who replaced Spence in the closing minutes.

The best goal of the day came from James Keatings in the 75th minute when he fired in a brilliant 30 yarder with Bagshaw completing the scoring four minutes later when he finished off a great passing move that cut open the Motherwell defence with a composed finish low into the net.

Celtic: Giordano, Towell; G Gallagher, D Gallagher, Brennan; Keatings, Bagshaw, F Twardzik, Santanocito; Spence, Forrest. Sub P Twardzik (Spence 88min)