Local Heroes: Last-minute strike secures Seton's second silverware

TWO evenly-matched teams were separated only by a single goal as Seton BC defeated Hutchison Vale in the final of the South East Region under-17 Craig Gowans Memorial Trophy at Ainslie Park.

Irrespective of the low goal tally, the game proved a thoroughly entertaining spectacle.

Seton coach Jim Lamond displayed great relief at securing a second accolade for season 2010/11 but admitted the tie could have gone either way.

He said: "It was great to get the goal when we did. We were preparing for extra time but I always felt one goal would be enough to win it. We've won both cup finals we've competed in this year so it's been a great season."

Vale's Darryl McLaren was presented with the game's first clear cut opportunity after 15 minutes. Haydn Crane showed great composure to slip McLaren clear, but the number 5 delayed his shot and Seton's Thomas Stevenson showed his commitment with a tremendous last-ditch block.Crane was beginning to inject his influence with a combination of individual flair and ability to bring others into play. The striker showed great finesse to create space on the edge of the box but his shot went harmlessly over.

Seton's Jack Kennedy was presented with his side's best opportunity of the opening period. An expertly weighted pass from Nicky Garrity found Kennedy in space to drive in on goal but his shot lacked any conviction as it trickled wide.

Scoring a last-minute goal in any match with the scores level provides an enormous outburst of exhilaration - and it is all the sweeter when silverware is at stake. With little more than a minute left, Fraser MacKinnon's corner appeared to deceive Kerr McLernon in the Vale goal, which resulted in the ball ricocheting off a number of players before being bundled over by defender Stevenson.

Presenting the trophy were Shelia and John Gowans, parents of the late Craig, who died in a freak training ground accident in July 2005. John said: "It was a great spectacle for football at this level and some of the players were great to watch."

Seton BC: Joshua MacFarlane, Jack Kennedy, Jack Wheatley, David Lamond, Ben Millar, Thomas Stevenson, Fraser MacKinnon, Chris Jamieson, Greg Lauder, Aaron Stenhouse, Nicky Garrity, Dean Riddell, Fraser Johnstone, Scott MacPherson, Nicholas Pearson, Calum McClure, Taylor McKillop, Ryan Cossettini.

Hutchison Vale FC: Kerr McLernon, Mark Lawrie, Ryan Scott, Bradley Crane, Darryl McLaren, Allan Hay, Lee Brown, Liam Fellenger, Haydn Crane, Dean Crane, Christopher McCartney, Jon McInally, Taylor Aitchison, Callum Gilzean, Christopher Deignon, Lewis Grant.

nThe Craig Gowans Memorial Challenge Charity Match between Hutchison Vale FC and a Scotland Select led by Craig Levein will take place at Saughton Enclosure tomorrow, with a 2pm kick-off. Some of the players on show include former Hearts players Henry Smith, Neil McCann, and Tosh McKinley. Paul Kane, John Collins, John Hughes, Darren Jackson and Gordon Hunter are amongst a Hibs contingent, with ex-Hibees midfielder Scott Brown scheduled to attend. Jackson said: "It's an absolute honour to be involved with the Craig Gowans Memorial Trophy Challenge Charity Match. Craig's mum and dad are an inspiration. They have worked tirelessly to increase awareness of the Craig Gowans Memorial Fund and have raised thousands of pounds for charity."

The match is sponsored by Central Taxis in Edinburgh and the stadium will open at midday with family entertainment and games planned.