Battle for bragging rights at Tynie won

IT was a battle for pride as Tynecastle faced up to their club rivals Tynecastle Colts in the final of the Lothian Buses East Region Youth FA under-16 Jackie Faichney Memorial Cup with the "first team" securing the honours with a 4-1 victory.

Despite this season's end drawing ever closer, Tynecastle still have their eyes on a further two cup final appearances in addition to their challenge for the league title.

As for the Colts, this defeat epitomised their season, which has seen them win only four league games.

A fast and entertaining opening saw the first chance of the game fall to the Colts. With Tynecastle's defensive four pressing forward, Colts striker Joseph Greig latched on to a superb lofted pass from Ryan Ross but he failed to make the impact desired as his shot went narrowly wide of Tynecastle goalkeeper Lyle Sloan's far post.

However, it was Tynecastle who came closest to scoring after 20 minutes when Robbie McIntyre rattled the frame of the goal from just inside the box after a cross from the right.

The Colts were struggling to contain the athleticism of full-back Connor McDonald's surging runs and one of his crosses should have seen the deadlock broken.

The youngster picked the ball up midway inside his own half and drove deep into Colts territory before delivering an inch-perfect cross for Callum Paterson, who could only direct his header over the bar.

The opening goal arrived on the half-hour mark. The Colts failure to clear the ball left Jonathan Bisset in on goal and he sent a rasping drive into the top left-hand corner to give Tynecastle a deserved lead.

Tynecastle didn't have to wait long for their next opportunity in front of goal and, again, Colts goalkeeper Danyal Walthew was left picking the ball out of the net – for the second time in as many minutes. A move carved out down the left-hand side involving McDonald and McIntyre provided Jack Downie with time to control the ball before firing it past the stranded Colts goalkeeper.

Tynecastle's third goal prior to the half-time interval ensured cup glory for the yellowed-jersey outfit.

Lewis Hawkins picked the ball up fully 25 yards out before sending in a low, crisp drive which gave Walthew no chance, despite the goalie's valiant attempt to stop it from going into the net.

If Colts were to have any chance of overturning the disappointing scoreline, they required a gritty performance in the second-half.

They gave themselves every chance with a goal in the opening few seconds after the interval. Striker Ross opted to try his luck from the edge of the box and sent a left-footed half-volley across goal which went in off the post and beyond a startled Sloan. It was the perfect start for a side that had been starved of goal-scoring opportunities.

The goal appeared to re-energise a Colts side that began to enjoy the majority of possession with the influential Ross causing some concern to the Tynecastle coaches on the sidelines.

The striker showed his agility by holding off the challenge of two defenders on his way into the box but elected to go alone when a pass to an unmarked Greig would have been a better alternative.

Despite Colts applying some much-needed pressure on Tynecastle's goal, their opponents still looked dangerous on the break. The result was put beyond doubt with 15 minutes remaining, however, when a looping cross from the right was turned into the net by unfortunate Colts defender Dean McKenzie.

The chairman of both clubs, Douglas Dalgleish, spoke of his delight at seeing both Tynecastle sides battle it out for cup glory and commended the passion and determination on show.

He said: "I'm delighted with the first team's win because we have worked hard over the course of the season and we played some good football. But I am also delighted for the Colts that they bounced back in the second half and showed great character. Nobody wanted to win the game handsomely, we wanted a good clean, close contest and I think we got that over the 80 minutes."

Tynecastle Colts: Danyal Walthew, Dean McKenzie, Elliot Grieve, Adam McCraw, Alistair Elliot, Steven Flett, Jordan Gunning, Daniel Mason, Kevin Airlie, Joshua Rogers, Ryan Ross, Joseph Greig, Robbie Jack, Christopher Nairn, Ross Gunning, Bradley Black, Cameron Rooney.

Tynecastle: Lyle Sloan, Josh Riddell, Connor McDonald, Lewis Hawkins, Frazer Galloway, Jake Stevenson, Callum Paterson, Fergus Lockhart, Jonathan Bisset, Dale Finnie, Jamie Forsyth, Jack Downie, Liam Flecher, Robbie McIntyre, Douglas McKenzie.