Cleator Moor Celtic had virtually a full team of players missing for their Macron Cup second round trip to Prestwich Heys on Saturday.

They had already inflicted a 3-0 reversal on the Cumbrians at the end of August so manager John George was up against it travelling without ten players through suspension, injury or work.

Despite the 5-0 scoreline George expressed his pride in the efforts of his young side which included a 16-year-old and three 18-year-olds.

The majority had to step-up from the County League to the North West Counties League – and against a side who look potential top four candidates.

Although the hosts started brightly they never really troubled Craig Rule in the Celtic goal until the 13th minute.

Man of the match Christopher Baguley, who last week turned out for FC United, turned a cross past Rule.

It was then end to end for a while and Celtic had their moments. Leigh Dunn fired a free-kick into the wall; Bradley Rooney was over the top with a shot and he also had another goal-bound effort blocked by defender.

Celtic almost drew level from a Rooney corner but Brad Tatton’s flick at the near post was brilliantly saved by Michael Smith.

It proved the game changer for, right on half-time, Heys were awarded a penalty and Baguley stroked home his second from the spot.

The second half was then just seconds old when Baguley completed his hat-trick, and, although he was substituted on the hour mark, by then he had done enough damage.

The home side scored twice more before the final whistle to book their place in the third round, and although beaten Celtic’s youngsters had picked up some valuable experience.

“All 13 who made the trip deserve credit,” said manager George.

“I was very proud of them and they kept going to the very end against a talented side who had 20 players warming-up at the start.”

On Saturday Celtic host AFC Blackpool , ko 3pm and then AFC Liverpool are the visitors on Tuesday, ko 8pm.