LEE CLARK hailed the performances of two-goal striker Robbie Simpson and youngsters Jack Hunt and Aiden Chippendale as Town beat Celtic 2-1 in a private match at the Galpharm.

There was also another run-out for trialist Mark McChrystal, the former Derry City centre-back who played for the reserves in last week’s 3-2 totesport.com League East Division win over Bradford City reserves at Valley Parade.

The game against the Glasgow giants, fixed up through Town boss Lee Clark’s friendship with Celtic coach Neil Lennon in the absence of another totesport.com League game, also featured Matt Glennon, Nathan Clarke, James Berrett, Lionel Ainsworth, Michael Collins and Lee Novak.

Development coach Paul Stephenson was in charge of the Town side and explained: “It was a very good test for us and a different kind of match to the ones we usually have at reserve level in terms of the way Celtic set up.

“Celtic put out some very good technical players and their ball retention was excellent, so for us to win the game was encouraging.

“We tried a few different things in terms of shape, our lads worked very hard and I know Neil (Lennon) was pleased with the test we gave them.”

Stephenson added: “Games like this really help the younger players understand the value of good communication out on the pitch.

“The fact that they are played in a quieter environment than usual also means I can make myself heard and get my messages to individual players across that bit better.

Town’s next totesport.come League game is against Grimsby Town at AFC Emley’s Welfare Ground a week on Wednesday, October 14 (2.00).

The juniors are in FA Premier Academy League action against Middlesbrough at Storthes Hall tomorrow (12.00).