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Debut goal for new Bhoy Murphy

NEW Bhoy Daryl Murphy opened his scoring account for the Hoops as Celtic came from behind to comfortably beat Lincoln City 4-1 and lift the John Reames Memorial Trophy.

The visitors managed to overcome an early scare and enjoy a goals fest against Chris Sutton’s English League Two side.

Ben Hutchinson grabbed a double while Simon Ferry also got on the scoresheet in the fast-paced match which saw eight players make their first-team debuts.

Neil Lennon handed starts to Murphy, along with youngsters Ritchie Towell and Paul Slane, with six more earning their first appearance from the bench.

Paul McGowan had an ambitious effort curl over the bar on 11 minutes after Slane provided for him on the edge of the box. But the former Motherwell striker had to make an early exit almost immediately after failing to overcome a tackle minutes previous.

That handed James Keatings a debut appearance in the first-team as he slotted straight into Slane’s position on the right wing.

The home side took the lead on 17 minutes after midfielder, Albert Jarrett, was allowed time to control a cross into the box at his feet and slot past Dominic Cervi’s left post from close range.

Ryan Conroy, who started the match on the left wing, moved into the left-back role on 25 minutes, allowing the versatile Cillian Sheridan to leave the centre-half position and move onto the flank.

The tactical change looked to have paid off as Celtic began to pile more pressure on Lincoln’s half, but still couldn’t get the final touch on any chances they created in front of goal.

However, some fantastic passing play in midfield allowed Celtic to keep possession, and good link-up play on the left wing between Sheridan and Murphy saw the ball fed to the feet of Keatings, but his low drive didn’t trouble Lincoln keeper, Joe Anyon.

But the Hoops didn’t have to wait long for the floodgates to open as two goals in quick succession put the visitors ahead just three minutes before the break.

The first came on 38 minutes when Murphy picked up a Sheridan pass on the edge of the box. With superb control, he turned with ease and cracked the ball off the inside of the keeper’s left post and into the back of the net.

Just four minutes later, Hutchinson reacted quickly to a loose ball only yards from the goal line. Anyon parried a Keatings shot straight into the path of the English striker who slammed it home with impressive power, sending Celtic into the break with a 2-1 lead.

Lincoln came out with all guns blazing at the start of the second half, with Josh O’Keefe forcing Dominic Cervi into a fantastic diving save.

But Celtic, and in particular, Ferry, broke the home side down quickly, slicing their defence apart with a crisp attempt which was unfortunate to go just high of target.

Hutchinson doubled his tally on 65 minutes when he pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty box and curled it above the grounded keeper to extend Celtic’s lead.

But the Hoops weren’t finished and two minutes later Ferry controlled the ball 28-yards out and with no one closing him down, unleashed a swerving shot around Anyon.

Despite his best efforts, Hutchinson couldn’t find his third of the afternoon and as the match progressed, substitutes Daniele Giordano, Declan Gallacher, Filip Twardzick, Sean Fitzharris and Jordan Lowdon also came on for their debut appearances in the first-team.

First half sub, Keatings, made a good run into the box on the 90th minute but failed to convert a final goal as the match finished 4-1 in Celtic’s favour.