Students edged out in British Final after giving their all

Edinburgh University lost 4-2 to Hartpury College in the final of the British Universities Championship at Bramall Lane, home of Sheffield United, despite a magnificent performance against their more experienced opponents.

Edinburgh fought with true grit and determination but found that Hartpury, winners of the trophy in three of the past five seasons, had the edge on goalscoring opportunities.

For Edinburgh head coach Douglas Samuel it was the culmination of eight years endeavour and he was naturally disappointed although very proud of his players. "I am extremely pleased for all of the players who have taken us on a wonderful journey putting Edinburgh University on the map at a national level again," said Samuel. "It was magnificent that we came from behind twice in the first half and on the back of that seized the initiative at the start of the second half.

"It was unfortunate that we lost a third goal through careless play when we were on top and that was the defining moment. Hartpury were excellent going forward and they were better than any other university team that I have faced in my eight years at Edinburgh.

"It was, however, fitting that James Craigen was voted as the Man of the Match and he showed what a technically gifted player he is."

Edinburgh fell behind after 11 minutes when David Acam finished off a great passing move. They equalised only two minutes later when Peder Beck-Friis headed on a Mark Tait clearance to Jack Beacher who scored with a left foot volley from 25 yards. A dubious offside goal from Ben Pugh put Hartpury ahead again before James Brownie equalised on the stroke of half-time.

Edinburgh dominated the opening 15 minutes of the second half but Pete Macklin again put Hartpury ahead and Isaac Shaze sealed their win.

Edinburgh University: Tait, Gair, Antoni, Main, MacKinnon, Brownie (Gray, 65), Ward, Milne (Hunter, 76), Beck-Friis (Oswald, 89), Craigen, Beacher. Subs: McMaster, Paterson.