Celtic FC recorded a 3-2 victory over Sligo Rovers layed in Wednesday night’s friendly at a sold-out Showgrounds.
Luis Palma gave Celtic an early lead in the ninth minute – but Rovers struck twice after that through strikes from Kailin Barlow and Simon Power.
Both efforts profited from errors by Celtic keeper Scott Bain.
Rovers looked like they might hold on for a famous win but Celtic’s Palma struck twiced in the dying moments of the match to complete a hat-trick and give Celtic the win.
Rovers used several of the academy players in this game – and one of the biggest cheers of the night was for Rovers defender John Mahon, who was introduced in the closing quarter of the game – for his first piece of action since rupturing his achilles tendon during pre-season at the start of the year.
Former Sligo Rovers boss Willie McStay and Sean Fallon Junior were among the special guests tonight.
The match was also in memory of the late Tommie Gorman – with his son Joe making a presentation of €10,000 to the club from donations given at Tommie’s funeral towards the club’s stadium redevelopment fund.
