Stranraer 3-4 Celtic B: Celtic's young guns edge seven-goal cup classic

One of the most dramatic results in the Scottish Bells Challenge Cup on 2 September 2026 saw Celtic B edge out Stranraer 4-3 in a barnstorming encounter at Stair Park. The scoreline suggested a chaotic evening, and it did not disappoint, with the match swinging one way and then the other before Celtic’s development side eventually prevailed.

For Stranraer, this was a gut-wrenching exit from a cup competition they targeted as a route to silverware. For Celtic B, it was a thrilling advertisement for the club’s academy and a massive confidence boost for a young squad facing senior, physical opposition.

Match overview: non-stop attacking drama

The game exploded into life from the opening exchanges. Stranraer took the lead inside the first ten minutes, rattling the young visitors with a well-directed header from a corner. Celtic B responded impressively, equalising through a composed first-time finish from striker Daniel Cummings before adding a second to turn the tie on its head by the 35th minute.

Stranraer refused to wilt in front of their home support. They clawed one back before the interval to make it 2-2, setting the stage for an unforgettable second half. Just after the hour mark, Celtic B regained control with a third goal, but Stranraer equalised once more with a spectacular long-range strike that sent the Stair Park crowd into raptures.

With extra time looming, Celtic B produced the decisive moment. A swift counter-attack in the 83rd minute was finished emphatically at the back post, making it 4-3 and silencing the home fans. Stranraer pushed everything forward in the closing minutes but Celtic B held on through five tense minutes of stoppage time.

Key moments from a classic cup tie

• 9' — Stranraer stun Celtic B: An early set-piece goal gives the home side the perfect start.
• 25' — Celtic B equalise: Daniel Cummings slots home after a slick passing move.
• 35' — Celtic B lead: A deflected shot puts the young Hoops in front.
• 43' — Stranraer hit back: A scrappy finish makes it 2-2 at half-time.
• 64' — Celtic B edge ahead again: A twisting run and precise finish restores the visitors' lead.
• 71' — Stranraer equalise again: A stunning strike from distance makes it 3-3.
• 83' — Celtic B win it: A rapid counter-attack is finished with authority.

Tactical story: youth vs experience

Celtic B’s young side showed remarkable maturity, especially in the way they responded to falling behind twice. Rather than letting the physicality of the occasion intimidate them, they kept playing through the thirds, using quick passing combinations to unpick Stranraer’s resolute defensive lines.

Stranraer, meanwhile, played their part in a brilliant cup tie. Their set-piece threat and desire to get men forward made them dangerous throughout. The home side’s equalisers came from patient build-up and moments of individual quality, and they may rightly feel disappointed to come away with nothing.

What the result means

For Celtic B, this famous win gives the academy side real momentum in the Scottish Bells Challenge Cup, proving they can compete with established senior teams. It also highlight the depth of talent at Celtic’s development setup.

For Stranraer, the cup exit will hurt, but the performance showed plenty of fighting spirit. If they carry that attacking intent into their league campaign, there is every chance they will be in the mix at the right end of the table come the end of the season.