Cup specialists Tynie too strong for Reds

TYNECASTLE UNDER-13s may not have been able to match rivals Hutchison Vale in the league but they compensated with success in cup competitions, adding the South East Region Lothian Buses Cup to their list of honours with a 4-0 victory over Spartans Reds at Ainslie Park.

First-half goals by Robbie Ewing and Kyzer Summers gave Tynie a two-goal lead and they built on that in the second half with Summers adding a third.

Spartans Reds, a Division 2 side, had reached the cup showpiece thanks to a remarkable 4-3 semi-final win over top-tier AC Oxgangs. But Reds were unable to replicate that sort of form against Tynecastle, with their opponents dominating from start to finish.

Spartans' diminutive goalkeeper Jack Morton was superb throughout the tie, pulling off save after save.

Tynie did plunder four goals, though, and maintained their fine goalscoring form after hitting 37 goals in 14 league games this season.

Morton brilliantly blocked Ewing's close-range shot early on as Tynie set the tone for an exhibition of attacking football. Moments later, Ewing found his range and struck a glorious effort from around 20 yards on the right of the penalty area, the ball sailing over Morton and into the far corner of the net.

On 20 minutes, Tynie scored their second when Angus Luff's cross from the right found Summers and he netted the rebound after Morton had blocked his first effort.

After half-time, Summers got his second with a simple finish as Tynecastle finally settled into their rhythm.

Morton was again the hero with a great display of bravery on 63 minutes, diving at the feet of Greg Kerr and pouncing on the loose ball before Callum Sutherland could reach it.

In the latter stages, Tynie added a fourth goal through Danny Brooks for a scoreline that was perhaps slightly harsh on Reds.

Winning coach Simon Kinghorn praised his opponents' endeavour but was delighted with his own side's triumph. He said, "I thought we struggled initially today, but eventually we got going. Once we scored the first goal, we began to settle down. Spartans continued to play good football and tried to get the ball on the ground and pass it, but I thought we matched them."

Peter Sargent, a representative of Lothian Buses who was instrumental in securing sponsorship of the competition, presented the trophy to Tynie captain Sutherland.

He said: "I would like to congratulate everyone associated with the South East Region Youth FA.

"The sponsorship Lothian Buses has provided over the years has assisted the association in fulfilling its administration of member clubs and we are proud, especially at such difficult financial times, to be associated with the many communities throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians in encouraging youth football.

"The trophy and medals presented are keepsakes for the years which lie ahead and we wish everyone well for the future.

"Lothian Buses has now completed several years of sponsorship and encourages other companies throughout the Lothians to pursue a similar role."

Tynecastle: Sean Brennan, Angus Luff, Max Michie, Danny Brooks, Blair Kinghorn, Callum Sutherland, Robbie Ewing, Mark Shiells, Kyle Mitchell, Sam Daniel, Euan Small, Jay Sturgeon, Jamie Troup, Jason Kerr, Kyzer Summers, Greg Kerr.

Spartans: Jack Morton, Chris Pringle, Alex Connolly, William Shepherdson, Fergus Clelland, Calum Paton, Jordan Lock, Josh King, Joe Newman, Scott Easton, Conor Whalen, Calum Cowan, Ryan Langmuir, Conal Henderson, Craig Russell.