Sligo Rovers fall to late defeat against Scottish champs Celtic

Sligo Rovers fell to a late 3-2 defeat against Celtic at the Showgrounds last night in a friendly match.

Rovers held the lead at half time despite going behind to a Luis Palma goal early on. Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers fielded a team with a mix of youth and first team fringe players such as Palma, Scott Bain, Stephen Walsh and Luke McCowan.

Two goals in four minutes from Kailin Barlow and Simon Power put the hosts back in front. However, Palma would finish the game with a hat-trick to seal the win for the Hoops. The Honduran scored in the 89th and 90th minute to claim the match ball and victory for his team.

Despite defeat, the game was a success in a number of other ways for the Bit O’Red, managed by John Russell.

The Showgrounds was sold out, a huge boost for their fundraising efforts and the clubs profile, having also hosted Premier League club Everton in recent months.Additionally, Russell was able to finish the match with 11 academy graduates on the field.