Youngsters dig deep twice to lift Tom Welsh Cup

There were chances for both teams in a busy opening half but Merchiston took a 1-0 lead into the break when Aidan  MacLeod pulled the ball back for Andrew Towns to dispatch into the back of the net.

Ryan Tomasulo then doubled his side’s advantage when he picked up the ball and rounded Star goalkeeper Sam Colley to score.

Currie reduced the deficit when Russell Cairns pulled the ball back for James Cameron who struck with a near-post finish and the match was all-square once more when Cameron converted again from close range after being set up by Robbie Campbell.

Campbell himself then completed the comeback in what appeared to be the final straw as he struck a left-footed strike into the corner to put Currie 3-2 ahead.

However, Merchiston equalised in the final minute of normal time when Jack Pickup’s drive found the far left corner to level the tie at 3-3.

Merchiston regained the lead in the first half of extra-time when Tomasulo grabbed his second of the night but  Currie’s Cairns levelled the match at 4-4.

Cairns then put Currie  5-4 ahead from the penalty spot after the striker was upended in the box and Campbell  ensured victory for Currie when he found the net from distance with a powerful strike to make it 6-4.

Reds are on the march

Edinburgh South Reds 15s are through to the last eight of the Federation of Hearts Supporters’ Clubs Cup after a terrific 2-1 victory away to  Spartans FC at Ainslie Park.

The home side appeared favourites to progress against their lower-league opponents but were met by an Edinburgh South side who appeared to relish the challenge.

Edinburgh South dictated the opening half and edged in front through Charlie Adams’ penalty after Spartans defender Tommy Duncan handled the ball on the line. Despite goalkeeper Liam Lynch initially saving Adams’ effort, the Spartans No. 1 was adjudged to have moved off his line and the striker made sure at the second time of asking.

Spartans’ Duncan was  fortunate not to see red for his actions but this didn’t appear to faze the visitors as they moved 2-0 ahead before the interval when Jordan Benzie fired into an empty net after a scramble in the Spartans penalty box.

The second half produced an evenly balanced display with both sets of players  carving out attack-after-attack but the home side’s efforts proved in vain as they only managed a solitary strike from Robbie Howie. Edinburgh South Reds coach Charlie  Adams said: “I think we  deserved our victory but  Spartans put the pressure on us in the second half. But all our players deserve credit in what was one of the best games I’ve seen for quite a while.”

Spartans coach Jimmy Scott also praised the quality of the tie and said: “It was an  excellent game of football with both teams playing well but Edinburgh South deserved their victory over the piece.”

Tynie’s six

Tynecastle 14s are through to the final of the Willie Bauld Memorial Trophy after a convincing 6-0 victory over Edina Hibs at Saughton 3G.

However, the triumphant side don’t yet know who they will face in the final as the second semi-final between Edinburgh United and Hutchison Vale  was postponed due to the weather.

A Liam Willis hat-trick, a brace from Cameron Dawson, and Murray Rose’s solitary strike clinched an emphatic  victory.

Tynecastle’s Alan Smart said: “It wasn’t as comfortable a victory as the scoreline suggests but it was a very enjoyable match so we’re pleased to get through. It’s been a good  season so far and we’re  looking forward to the rest of  the season.”