Vale’s 16s discover the killer touch

Hutchison Vale 16s ran out 3-0 winners against a lacklustre Tynecastle in the final of the Sportsassist South East Region Cup to bring the football festival at Hallhill, Dunbar to a close for another year.

Hutchie established a 2-0 lead prior to half-time thanks to an own goal from defender Bradd Campsie and a goal from striker Jordan Combe. Tynecastle’s fate was sealed after 65 minutes when Connor Farley added a third.

Hutchie coach James Combe said: “It was fantastic as I felt we really deserved the victory. We played very well and took our chances. We’ve been a bit up and down in the league this season but have done really well in the cup competitions so this just tops it all off.”

The game began at a frantic pace with the outfield players from both sides having little time in possession of the ball in the opening 15 minutes.

Then, a long ball from Tynecastle’s Taylor Black into the Hutchie penalty box caused a moment of panic as goalkeeper Jack Roden’s hesitance could have been punished had the ball not drifted wide of the post.

A calamity then occurred at the opposite end which resulted in the opening goal and an error that reinforced the necessity for communication between defender and goalkeeper. A long searching ball intended for striker Combe should have been dealt with by either goalkeeper Cameron Tulloch, or the unfortunate Campsie, who saw his header roll past his teammate and into the net.

Hutchie doubled their advantage ten minutes later when Sean Tillot delivered a great low cross into the box and Combe was there to stab home beyond Tulloch.

Scott Taylor-MacKenzie’s rasping free-kick from 30 yards wasn’t too far away as it swerved just wide of Tulloch’s post.

Tynecastle then had a chance before half-time to find a goal and it was down to the Hutchie defence not clearing their lines. Shaun Munro picked up on a loose ball on the right flank and his accurate delivery really should have been converted by Ryan Clarke from five yards but he fired over the top.

Tynecastle returned to the field with a bit more urgency in their play but failed to carve out any clear chances that could see their fortunes change.

The outcome was secured when Hutchie added a third goal. The energetic Farley won the race to the ball and weaved himself into the box before rounding Tulloch and slotting home.

Tynecastle had a late rally with both Blake Wales and Campsie having efforts on goal but the damage was done.

Tynecastle’s Bill Crombie admitted: “The better team won on the day.”

Tynecastle: Cameron Tulloch, Taylor Black, Gavin Birrell, Scott Siegel, Bradd Campsie, James Redpath, James Lancastle, Andrew McBride, George Hunter, Ryan Clarke, Euan Lannon, Gregor Lockhart, Darren McGrath, Blake Wales, Clayton Crowther, Joseph Muzyka, Shaun Munro.

Hutchison Vale: Jack Roden, Adam Murray, Liam Henderson, Connor Farley, Warren Paterson, Scott Taylor-MacKenzie, Sean Tillot, Dylan Moore, Jordan Combe, Connor Dalziel, Reece Henderson, Mikey Hamilton.