CELTIC boss Steve Burr must have been delighted as his team marked his 50th league game in charge with a battling, come-from-behind win at Farsley on Saturday.

They were made to fight every inch of the way in a game that ebbed and flowed from start to finish, but kept up their remarkable away record thanks to a last-gasp winner from substitute Andy Smart.

Since Burr took the reins at the start of last season, the Celts have racked up an incredible 16 away wins out of 25 starts, and evidence of their never-say-die attitude was certainly on show at Throstle Nest.

Chris Williams had given them the lead in the 10th minute, smashing home the rebound after Farsley defender Georges Santos had turned Lee Ellington’s cross against his own post, but they then seemed to struggle to cope with the incisive running of the other Celtic’s strikeforce.

Andy Campbell drew the home team level in the 19th minute when he latched onto Stephen Downes’ deep cross and smashed home a fine half-volley.

When James Walshaw pounced on Barrie Keeling’s mistake five minutes into the second half and beat Paul Phillips from the edge of the box, the game looked to be up.

This Celtic team does not know when it is beaten though, and they set about getting back into the game with a will.

Steve Torpey was desperately unlucky to see his superb effort crash against a post and Ellington whipped a shot just over as they enjoyed their best spell of the game.

Farsley appeared to have weathered the storm, but 15 minutes from time, Ellington cut in from the left and crossed for Santos to bundle across his own line, only for the goal to be officially given to Nicky Platt despite him standing a good 10 yards away.

And so to the rousing finale. All afternoon Farsley had employed zonal marking at corners, but with Santos substituted, they criminally forgot to rearrange.

The result was that when an 89th minute flag kick was not cleared, Smart found himself all alone 10 yards out, and with no defender anywhere near, he had time to coolly pick his spot.

Attendance: 462

Keith Trudgeon

CELTIC’S youth team play their FA Youth Cup preliminary round tie against Wrexham at Bower Fold on Thursday, kick-off 7pm.

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