Celtic 4 - 0 Aberdeen

Both sides fielded strong starting elevens, Aberdeen including new boy Mark Gallagher in their side with Celtic fielding January window signing Ismaila Soro.

Frank Ross celebrated his 22nd birthday as he made only his second start of the season.

The home side made a fast start and were on the scoresheet after only five minutes as Dembele's cross from the left found Cameron Harper at the far post and he bundled the ball past Jackson from close range.

Four minutes later it was 2-0 as a curling effort from Arzani was spilled by Jackson with Dembele on hand to turn the rebound into the net.

The impressive Dembele came close to adding to the tally on 22 minutes when he danced his way past several defenders before drawing a fine save from Jackson.

However, it was three nil on 33 minutes when Shved met Church's left wing cross to head past Jackson. That concluded the scoring in a first half totally dominated by a sharp, incisive Celtic side.

Half time - Celtic Reserves 3 Aberdeen Reserves 0

After some stern words from coaches Paul Sheerin and Barry Robson the Dons showed a lot more spirit in the second half without putting any sustained pressure on the Celtic goal.

Lloyd Robertson was unlucky with a header from sub Chris Antoniazzi's cross as the Dons chased a goal which might have given them some impetus.

Oko-flex shot into the side net for the home side while Hughes saved well from David Dangana before Kevin Hanratty saw a free kick slip just past.

On 83 minutes Celtic's Barry Coffey was sent off after punching Jack Mackenzie following a tussle between the two players.

With two minutes to play Celtic added a fourth goal. The Dons defence was drawn to the left side of the field opening up space which Dembele used to good advantage slipping the ball through for Oko-flex to finish clinically and set the seal on a well-merited victory.

Despite the at times awful weather conditions, it was an entertaining tussle but Celtic's first half blitz proved too big an obstacle on the day for the Dons.

Paul Sheerin's side are next in action against Motherwell on Monday in the Reserve League Cup semi-final at Broadwood Stadium.