Match Report
𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗪 𝟯 - 𝟱 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗕
Renfrew FC produced a spirited performance at New Western Park, but a devastating spell of attacking football from a talented young Celtic FC B side ultimately proved decisive in an entertaining eight-goal encounter.
Renfrew made the better start, playing some excellent football while maintaining a disciplined defensive shape that kept Celtic at bay during the opening stages. Their positive approach was rewarded with a superb early goal to give the home side a deserved lead, and they came agonisingly close to doubling their advantage moments later. Celtic, however, responded quickly. Renfrew failed to clear their lines and the visitors capitalised to draw level before the game took another turn on 26 minutes, when Celtic were awarded a penalty which was calmly converted to put them 2–1 ahead.
Renfrew refused to let their heads drop. Some excellent work down the right-hand side created the opportunity for a deserved equaliser, bringing the contest back to 2–2 and giving the home support renewed belief. But the young Celtic academy side then began to demonstrate their quality. Increasing the tempo and putting Renfrew under sustained pressure, Celtic regained the lead before quickly adding a fourth. With the visitors now dominating possession and stretching the Renfrew defence, they struck again on the stroke of half-time, a superb free header from a corner making it 5–2 and leaving Renfrew with a mountain to climb.
To their credit, the home side emerged for the second half with renewed determination. A number of changes brought fresh energy and Renfrew once again began taking the game to Celtic. Their persistence was rewarded when striker Argyll McCoist was brought down inside the penalty area. The resulting spot kick was safely dispatched, reducing the deficit to 3–5 and giving Renfrew hope of finding a route back into the contest.
While the scoreline ultimately reflected Celtic's devastating attacking spell during the first half, Renfrew can take encouragement from the character they showed against a technically impressive young Celtic side. Their opening spell demonstrated what they are capable of, while their second-half response showed plenty of fight despite facing a significant deficit.
