View Photo Gallery | Discuss the Match | Buy Photos and Souvenirs

Tynecastle Football Club under-13s produced a remarkably good TEAM display on their way to beating a very good Loanhead combine in the final of the Peter O’Neill Cup. It is rare indeed to see such young boys play in such a way as Tynecastle did in the final at New Dundas Park in Bonnyrigg. Every player in the Tynecastle colours was exceptionally good against a hard-working Loanhead team and those of us up and early on Sunday morning to see the game being played (in the rain) in Midlothian were even treated to a spectacular display of celebration from a Tynecastle player that included a couple of backward somersaults. Oh, to be young again!

It was indeed, lovely to see, in a game played in such wonderful, genuine and honest manner. What a great credit both clubs were to youth club football. Of course, in a team game, some players were that bit better and in this final, Tynecastle had better players than Loanhead in all areas of the big pitch at Bonnyrigg. And, none, better on both sides than Tynecastle No 8, Daniel Purves. This is a boy with huge natural talent in my humble opinion. A young footballer who knows when to pass the ball and, my, how well Daniel passed the ball in this game. Loanhead, too, had good players but one or two of them could possibly take a lession from Daniel Purves and NOT get caught on the ball. Remember I said Tynecastle had an almost faultless team game, well Daniel and all the others in the maroon jerseys were streets ahead of Loanhead on this occasion.

Good football was in evidence in what was surely a great opening spell with Stuart Robertson, the referee, allowing the game to flow. Did I say it was a team game? Well to illustrate that comment, Tynecastle No 4, Jordan Purves (yes, from the same address) was brilliant in the Tynecastle defence. I just cannot remember if Jordan even wasted one ball out of defence. But, it is possibly wrong of me to pick out individuals among the boys in maroon, as they were all so good in this wonderful example of under-13 boys club football. The coaching and encouragement from both touchlines at Bonnyrigg was top class. It was indeed a brilliant wee game of football. Loanhead were caught offside in early raids on the Tynecastle goal and for a while, it was the team from the football hot-bed of talent in Midlothian who looked in the mood to go in front. But, gradually, Tynecastle forced their way in to the game with studied, brilliant football. It was, for me, a morning of enlightenment! Loanhead No 7, Matt Reitvelt, went close to opening the scoring with a shot that whizzed just wide of the Tynecastle left-hand post.

As the Midlothian outfit continued their raids on the Tynecastle goal, they came up against another star in a maroon jerseys, No 2, Robbie Telfer. Loanhead No 3, meanwhile, Matt Crosbie, was brilliant for his side and his tackles took my breath away. Great play, Matt! Oh, here I go again, Tynecastle No 10, Dylan Brown, showed up so well on attacks on the right while Matt Rietvelt, (No 7) was working his magic for Loanhead. What a super game it was to watch! Declan Glass (No 10) slammed in a good effort that was well saved by Tynecastle keeper, Jordan Brown.

Then, possibly against the run of play, Tynecastle went in front. And guess who scored the goal. Yes, it was the mercurial No 8, Daniel Purves, who scored a tremendous goal at the left-hand post to put his side 1-0 up. I have to add Loanhead had done nothing wrong up till then. On the restart, Dylan Brown (No 10) led another Tynecastle attack but, once more, Matt Crosbie, produced a well-timed tackle to win the ball and clear the danger.

The Loanhead goal survived another good attempt that flew just wide of the target. The pace of the game and the skill on view from both sets of players was quite exceptional (I think I have already said that). And so Tynecastle’s attacks built up with, ahem, you know who (Daniel Purves) looking better and better on the ball. At the other end, Kyle Brockie (No 14) was sent tumbling in a Loanhead raid on the Tynecastle goal, but the referee awarded a free kick to the chagrin of the Loanhead fans. Declan Glass sent in a good free-kick at the Tynecastle goal, but Jordan Brown saved well. A through ball for Kyle Brockie to chase went behind for a goal-kick. Loanhead had upped their game but on this occasion Tynecastle were in brilliant form as a team. Another good move at the Loanhead end saw the ball passed from Ciaran McKenzie to Callum Bremner then on to Craig Ferrier, but the Loanhead defence did well to clear and it was still only 1-0 at the half-way stage.

Half Time: Loanhead Miners 0-1 Tynecastle FC

On the restart, Tynecastle scored a second goal when a mistake in the Loanhead defence left the goalie exposed and Craig Ferrier sent a well-controlled header in to the empty net and Tynecastle were then two goals in front. More brilliant play from Tynecastle almost produced another goal as play zipped along. When Loanhead broke, Ciaran McKenzie (No 5) was on hand for the Edinburgh side to clear the danger. Another super young talent, dare I say! Loanhead set up their own good passing moves and, in the process, won several free-kicks. Two corners as well, but no goals.

Then it was the turn of the Loanhead keeper, Bryan Cairns, to be under pressure again when Tynecastle attacked in force. In a bizarre moment, Dylan Brown, sent a soaring shot away over the Loanhead crossbar and the only living beings in danger were some birds flying over New Dundas Park. Enter stage right again, No 8 Daniel Purves, with a cracker of a shot that was blocked by the Loanhead defenders. Aaron was prominent in the next Tynecastle attack while Matt Reitvelt (No 7) shot wide from a good position at the other end.

What a superb game! Then another mistake in the Loanhead rearguard allowed Dylan Brown to fire in a good effort - straighht at goalie - Bryan Cairns. The fortunes in this final changed again when Declan Glass sent a 26 yard rocket of a shot in to the Tynecastle net to make it 2-1. That was followed with another great attempt from No Matt Reitvelt who brought out the best from Tynecastle keeper, Jordan Brown. And play, simply, roared on. Lots of free-kicks to both sides but no more goals. Callum Bremner it was who sent in a good shot at the Loanhead keeper while Declan Glass produced another magic moment with his close skills and he let fly with a powerful shot that belted up against a team-mate. It was that kind of day for Loanhead.

Then Glass won a corner but that was also cleared by the on-form Tynecastle defence. Something had to break and it was the Loanhead defence once again. A real sucker punch of a goal it was, too, with a Loanhead free-kick cleared away up the left and the ball was taken on a run by Craig Ferrier who then sent over a truly precise cross to the back post for Dylan Brown to score with a great header. Surely, a goal fit to win any game of football?

There was a moment of light relief when referee’s assistant, Philip Duncan, went flying on the far touchline and he looked to have hurt himself. But it was only Philip’s pride that was bruised in the fall, although his outfit was mud-splattered! Nice one, Philip, my boy! Hee, hee, hee, ho, ho ho! Just before the final whistle, Tynecastle won a corner on the right and No 12, Aaron Wilson sent over a great in swinger of a ball that appeared to me to go right in to the back of the net without any assistance. But No 16, Lewis Alexander, claimed the last touch.

Whatever, that made if 4-1 at the final whistle at this exemplary game of under-13 football. It was a sheer pleasure to watch all the players in action. A great game of football indeed. Well done, Tynecastle and so, too, Loanhead. It was a day when all the players could walk tall and be proud of their input in to such a good Peter O’Neill final and each team got a bag of goodies for the players from sponsor John Green (Edinburgh City). Yes, indeed, it was quite a wonderful Sunday morning for everyone at New Dundas Park.

Full Time: Loanhead Miners 1-4 Tynecastle FC 

View Photo Galleries - Pre Match | First Half | Second Half | Post Match
View Video Highlights | Discuss the Match | Buy Photos and Souvenirs | Player Profiles
Return to the YFS SYFA Challenge Cup Finals Match Centre (coverage of all finals)


Tynecastle FC Under 16’s made it a Scottish Cup double, to add to the victory of their Under 14 side who had won earlier in the day. The side which has reached four Scottish Cup finals as a team since Under 13 level, made it their third national cup victory with a rampant second half performance which reaped four goals.

Tynecastle started the brighter of the two sides in the opening minutes; they were intent on getting the ball down and playing it on the deck of the slick surface. Their first opportunity came when Kyle Mitchell did well to keep the ball in and passed back to Liam Thomson who floated a cross into the back post but it just went over the head of Greg Kerr.

Tynie captain Craig Russell was very vocal at the back, encouraging his side and taking them through the motions from his centre back berth.

The first corner of the match went to Clydebank after Calum Cowan slid in to prevent Kane O’Neil getting his cross into the box. The resulting corner was cleared however.

On the counter attack Thomson crossed from the left but Greg Kerr could only get a slight touch on the header and was unable to divert it on target.

Tynie got the first shot on target after ten minutes. On the counter attack Mitchell picked it up on the left and cut inside but his shot was straight at Clydebank goalkeeper Ben Collinson.

Tynie had another chance to open the scoring and they really should’ve taken advantage of Collinson’s mistake. Thomson curled in a corner, Collinson went to gather the ball in the box but flapped at it, Tynie couldn’t capitalise though and it was cleared.

Experienced SYFA Challenge Cup finalists Tynecastle were mounting pressure on Clydebank with Thomson creating an abundance of chances down the left, but they keep getting themselves caught for offside in the first half, to the frustration of their vocal support.

Scott Holms had the Glasgow side’s first real chance, his shot from just outside the box, drifting wide of Tynecastle goalkeeper Billy Talor’s left hand post.

Clydebank didn’t offer much in the opening 40 minutes going forward, resorting to long balls to their strike force as they looked to break the deadlock.

Just short of half-time a hopeful ball over the defence fed in Greg Kerr, who looked to round Collinson and finish, but Collinson advanced out of his goal to quell the danger and slid in wonderfully to prevent Kerr from getting round him.

Half Time: Clydebank United 0-0 Tynecastle FC

David Wright conceded possession to Clydebank five minutes into the second half, with Holms picking it up just outside the area. His first time shot, curled towards the bottom corner, looked to be heading in but just drifted wide of the post.

Tynecastle, boosted by their near escape, went straight up field and grabbed the opener, Mitchell with an audacious chip which sailed over the head of Collinson and into the net.

Kyle Rafferty almost caught out Taylor with a long range free-kick for Clydebank; the goalkeeper looked as if he was going to leave it, but grasped it above his head at the last minute. Then Greg Kerr almost doubled Tynecastle’s lead midway through the second-half, after being teed up by Matthew Quinn, his half volley went just wide of the post with Collinson stranded.

Tynecastle introduced influential midfielder Ryan Currie and striker Ciaron Small into the fray with fifteen minutes remaining and they provided the much needed spark to secure Tynie’s second of the match.

A corner was played in and Jason Kerr was at the back post to produce a composed finish into the bottom corner after Quinn had got a nick onto the initial ball in at the front post.

Tynecastle made it three when a dangerous free-kick played in by captain Russell was met by the diving torso of Quinn who got a head onto the ball to divert it into the net. It was what the big centre back deserved after an assured display at the back and as an imposing attacking force from set pieces.

Euan Graham, on as a second half substitute made it four, his strong finish into the bottom corner after the ball broke to him in the box, highlighting the strength in depth of the Tynecastle squad.

Clydebank seemed a bit star struck by the ruthless finishing from their opponents and after matching Tynecastle in the first half, they let the occasion get to them after the interval, coming off second best.

In the end Tynecastle were worthy winners, a bright future lies ahead for the fruitful batch of youngsters who, for many, secured their third SYFA Challenge Cup victory in five attempts. 

Full Time: Clydebank United 0-4 Tynecastle FC

View Photo Galleries - Pre Match | First Half | Second Half | Post Match
View Video Highlights | Discuss the Match | Buy Photos and Souvenirs | Player Profiles
Return to the YFS SYFA Challenge Cup Finals Match Centre (coverage of all finals)


Hutchison Vale emerged victorious after a five goal Scottish cup final thriller at the Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie. In a match packed with incident throughout they were able to recover quickly from going a goal behind to win the cup. Dundee United contributed massively to what was a terrific advert for youth football but Hutchie went back to Edinburgh with the silverware.

United got the game underway with the rain having relented slightly. Conditions could hardly be described as tropical however and were not of the sort normally associated with cup finals. United started the match on the front foot, Nathan Tosh flagged offside with their first attack. Kieron Gardiner was then wasteful with a free kick but early attacking intent had been signified by the Tayside outfit.

Both sides were passing the ball well and making appropriate use of the surface. Tosh had a half chance but was unable to connect after Alex Gibb had pulled the ball back towards him. Gibb was causing Hutchie problems with some neat hold up play, looking to link with Jordan Hornby on the left when possible. Tosh was also working to narrow the front three but the Hutchie defence continued to marshall this successfully in the opening exchanges.

Hutchies Feachen Hamilton was able to force the play down the left which led to a brief period of pressure on the United goal. Neither side was really creating anything, and, as tends to be the case when two good sides meet, were cancelling each other out. Hamilton continued to look threatening, forcing the first shot at goal with his left foot after working an opening in the box. This came after twelve minutes but it was straight at Clarkson who comfortably gathered.

United should have taken the lead moments later but Gibb headed over in front of goal after a great cross by Jack Hogarth. Gibb beat the ground in frustration but chances were now materialising. From a Hogarth corner in the fifteenth minute Byron Gibb in the Hutchie goal was able to punch clear. Gibb was then shut down at close range to prevent a tap in. United were on top and hoping to capitalise before too long. Cameron McAlpine then reminded United of Hutchies threat, breaking clear down the right and forcing a fine one handed save from Clarkson. The resulting corner was cleared but Hutchie were growing in confidence, quickly creating another chance for Ryan Fox but his rushed effort went wide.

Regan Hendry was beginning to get his foot on the ball for Hutchie, upping the tempo and keeping the ball well for his side. He also hit the top of the crossbar with a header following a period of pressure. If United were felt to have slightly the better of the opening exchanges, it was Hutchie who now looked the most likely to open the scoring. Hendry had a long range effort but this was again easily held by Clarkson.

It was United however who took the lead and it was with a goal fit to grace any cup final. Gibb had been involved in a couple of near things for them but when he picked the ball up just to the right of the box and a good twenty five yards out there seemed little danger. Gibb however was not interested in such predictions as he fired a spectacular effort high into the goal, the ball nestling in the net after hitting the inside of the post before nestling in the net. United ahead and Hutchie would now need to respond.

And respond they most certainly did. Hamilton broke down the left one again, forcing a save from the United keeper. There was a bit of a scramble but Hutchie number fourteen Gabrie Auriemma was able to keep calm to slot home. A fantastic response from Vale who rather than being downhearted at conceding the opener took the opposite approach to equalise. This fantastic action brought the first half to an end with everybody hoping for similar in the second half.rst half report.

Half Time: Dundee United SC 1-1 Hutchison Vale

United had a new man in goals as the second half got started, Ethan Glennie replacing Clarkson. Unfortunately for Glennie his first task was to pick the ball out of the back of the net after Hamilton rifled a fine, low, left footed effort into the corner of the net. The ball skidded on its fair in but it was a very measured and controlled effort from the ever dangerous Hamilton. Hutchie ahead and now up to United to respond to the early set back.

Hutchie were playing with a renewed vigour and confidence, making things difficult for United. As well as the threat being offered by Hamilton and Taylor, Cameron McAlpine was getting on the ball to drive down the right.

United gave notice of their intention to get back into the game however when Hornby dragged an effort wide when well placed. There was still plenty of time to go and both teams would be aware that momentum can often change over the course of any game.

Hamilton fired over a very dangerous corner for Hutchie after fifty five minutes but it somehow eluded everybody and was cleared. The old football cliché of the next goal being crucial was being mentioned by those watching the game. In an effort to get this United were looking to get the diminutive Derryn Kesson more involved, as when he was he showed a neatness of touch and poise that could be utilised to bring them level.

It was Hutchie though that made it three one and potentially game over in the fifty eighth minute. Terrific footwork and composure from Hamilton allowed him to release the galloping Fraser Paton through the middle. Paton did terrifically well to keep his cool to round the keeper and roll the ball into the net. A fantastic quick counter from Hutchie and they were now well in command. Gibb reminded them of his danger with a couple of long range efforts but these did not trouble his namesake Byron.

At least not initially. Gibb picked the ball up for United in space and never frightened to shoot, he did so again. This was not nearly as clean a strike as his opening goal but it found its way past the despairing dive of the Hutchie keeper. United were not going away and were right back in this cup final. They would certainly feel there would be further twists in this game.

Hutchie missed a great chance to seal it when after some slick passing play Cal Sheridan was unable to find the right pass to an unmarked teammate in the middle. The subsequent corner was cleared and United survived. Time was running out for the tangerines and their frustrations increased when Cameron McMahon had an effort ruled out for offside with ten minutes remaining. A tight call but further proof that they were not out of this.

Hutchie saw the game out in expert fashion however to emerge deserved victors. The match was a fantastic spectacle despite the inclement weather with both sides contributing to the entertainment on show. Hutchie edged it in terms of forward play, showing superb pace and poise to score goals at vital times. Their players were quite happy to brave the rain to lift the Scottish Cup trophy. 

Full Time: Dundee United SC 2-3 Hutchison Vale