East Kilbride 3-3 Celtic B — the Scottish Bells Challenge Cup produced a six-goal classic on Wednesday 23 September 2026, with East Kilbride and Celtic B playing out a breathless 3-3 draw that was eventually settled in the visitors' favour on penalties.

It was the standout tie of the round: three times the lead changed hands or was cancelled out, both goalkeepers were kept busy, and the outcome remained uncertain until the very final kick of the shootout.

Match overview

East Kilbride started brightly and took the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour through Dylan Rennie, who capitalised on a hesitant piece of defending to slot the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. Celtic B responded with the composed, possession-heavy football their academy sides are known for, and levelled before the break when Ewan Carse finished off a flowing move involving four players.

The second half was frantic. East Kilbride restored their lead through a towering Scott Templeton header from a corner, only for Celtic B to hit back almost immediately with a low drive from Jayden Moffat. When Grant Anderson curled in a third for the home side, it looked as though the tie was settled — but Celtic B found one more answer, with Sean Loughran finishing from close range to make it 3-3.

Key moments

• 14' — Dylan Rennie puts East Kilbride ahead after a defensive error.
• 39' — Ewan Carse equalises with a slick team goal for Celtic B.
• 57' — Scott Templeton heads East Kilbride back in front from a corner.
• 62' — Jayden Moffat levels again with a powerful strike from the edge of the box.
• 79' — Grant Anderson curls in a third for the hosts.
• 86' — Sean Loughran makes it 3-3 to force extra time and penalties.
• Shootout — Celtic B hold their nerve to edge through.

Tactical story

The tactical battle was fascinating. Celtic B monopolised possession, building patiently from the back and using their full-backs high and wide to stretch East Kilbride's midfield block. East Kilbride, in contrast, were happy to defend in a compact shape and attack in rapid, vertical bursts — a strategy that produced three goals and very nearly a famous result.

The home side's set-piece threat was a persistent issue for Celtic B. Two of East Kilbride's goals originated from dead-ball situations or second phases following corners, an area the visitors never fully solved. At the other end, Celtic B's movement in the final third was exceptional, but their defensive concentration wavered at precisely the wrong moments.

Standout performers

Grant Anderson was East Kilbride's most dangerous player, capping a driving performance with a beautifully taken goal. Scott Templeton was dominant in the air at both ends of the pitch, and the goalkeeper made two outstanding saves to keep the tie alive into extra time.

For Celtic B, Ewan Carse dictated the rhythm of the game from midfield and took his goal superbly, while Sean Loughran showed excellent instincts to be in the right place for the late equaliser. Jayden Moffat carried a constant threat from distance.

What it means

Celtic B advance in the Scottish Bells Challenge Cup, but only just — and they will know a repeat of this defensive display could prove costly against more clinical opposition. East Kilbride exit the competition unbeaten in normal play, having pushed one of the strongest academy sides in the country all the way. On this evidence, they belong at this level.