Tynecastle sharp-shooters rise to Challenge as Vale pay the penalty

BATTLING Tynecastle regained their title as Scottish Youth FA under-13 Challenge Cup champions in dramatic fashion after coming from behind to beat Edinburgh rivals Hutchison Vale on penalties.

The Balgreen-based side fought back at Airdrie's Excelsior Stadium after Vale took the early initiative by racing into a second-half lead through Ross McCann's scintillating strike.

But Tynecastle levelled the match three minutes later to take the all-Edinburgh affair to extra time and eventually penalty kicks, before bringing the trophy home for the second year running.

Vale didn't seem fazed by the occasion and started the brighter of the two sides.

The impressive Aaron Scott, who sparkled throughout the match, did well to shift the ball quickly to Jonni Turner, who bulleted a shot from the bye-line at Tynecastle keeper Sean Brennan on 21 minutes.

Five minutes later, Vale were on the attack again when McCann delivered a wicked cross which the Tynecastle defence failed to deal with. The ball fell invitingly to Vale's Adam Corbett, who unleashed a rasping half-volley that rifled just past the post.

However, Tynecastle created the clearest chance of the first half through the impressive Kyzer Summers. The Tynecastle forward broke free from his marker and, as he was about to cut the ball back to captain Connor Bathgate to tap home, a last-ditch tackle from Jay Sturgeon ensured the first half would end goalless.

The opening goal was not far away, however, and came three minutes into the second half thanks to a piece of brilliance from Scott. The creative midfielder threaded a perfect pass through the heart of the Tynecastle defence to the feet of McCann, who dribbled into the box before lofting a sublime effort over Brennan to send the passionate Vale support wild.

However, Vale celebrations were cut short as they surrendered the lead just three minutes later. Summers took advantage of confusion in the Vale defence between goalkeeper Jamie Shiel and Gregor Watson by nipping in between the pair and heading beyond the on-rushing Shiel to level.

Despite the late efforts of the Tynecastle forwards, the game drifted towards penalties as both sets of players struggled after a pulsating game.

Tynecastle stepped up to the spot first with Kyle Mitchell dispatching his spot-kick confidently. Vale's captain Bathgate could not do the same, however, Brennan diving low to his right to save.

Euan Small, Danny Brooks and Blair Kinghorn all converted their penalties for Tynecastle with Corbett, Daniel Mason and Aidon Renton on target for Vale.

It looked like Tynecastle's hold on the Cup was beginning to loosen when Sam Daniel's strike was saved by Shiel. However, Vale's glimmer of hope was soon extinguished as Turner's crucial penalty was expertly stopped by Brennan, ensuring the trophy would return to Tynecastle.

Simon Kinghorn, the Tynecastle manager, praised his side's endeavour after overcoming a strong resistance from their plucky opponents. "The kids realised what it is all about," said Kinghorn. "Hutchison Vale feel hard done by because they think they created more chances but it was a close game.

"They scored a great goal but we didn't give up and that shows the attitude of our lads. Today was a great advertisement for the East of Scotland and both clubs did Edinburgh proud.

"We won our semi-final against Kilsyth on penalties so I was confident going into them that we had a good keeper that could keep us in the game."

Ally Scott, the Hutchison Vale assistant coach, added: "The boys were beginning to tire towards the end of extra-time and they didn't have a lot left in the tank.

"We wanted to close the game out as quickly as we could. We had most of the game but our boys have to learn to take their chances."

The winners have won the right to represent Scotland in the Tesco British Cup to be contested by all four Home nations for the age group winners of national competitions.

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

Hutchison Vale: Jamie Shiel, Matthew Quinn, Callum McArthur, Daniel Mason, Adam Corbett, Aaron McBurnie, Ross McCann, Connor Bathgate, Aaron Scott, Jonni Turner, Jack Philp, Callum Brodie, Liam Thomson, Aidan Rednton, Gregor Watson, Nick McConnell.