The famous black and yellow stripes of Hutchison Vale met the tangerine of unbeaten Dundee United the Under 14 SYFA Cup Final at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie. With both teams coming to with outstanding records, the final was set to be a great match.

The first big chance of the match fell to Hutchison Vale, with Feachen meeting McKirdy’s through ball then forcing a save from the United keeper, with poaching striker Fox nearly scoring on the rebound.

Dundee United then had an early chance when Gibb’s powerful shot was saved by the Hutchie keeper. United then continued to press forward, notably Hornby’s early cross nearly meeting a striker, causing problems behind the defensive line for Vale.

Hutchie pair Feachen and Fox were  linking up well in the box throughout the match, on one occasion forcing talented United keeper Clarkson to block a shot from inside the 6 yard box.  As Hutchison stepped up a gear going forward, the United defence dug deep and held strong, clearing the ball from inside the six yard box again.

Hutchison’s continual pressure finally earned them the opener. Hendry’s smart through ball found Feachen on the left flank, who crossed the ball low in to the path of Cameron McAlpine who was never going to miss from point blank range.

Dundee United nearly replied instantly when Hogarth’s cross was not fully dealt with. McMahon managed to take control of the loose ball, sending it just over the bar from the penalty spot.

The Tangerine’s keeper  Clarkson was outstanding throughout the 70 minutes, denying Hendry in a one on one chance.

Hutchison continued to control the game at the start of the second half. Feachen lost his marker and forces another exquisite save from Clarkson to win his side the first corner of the half.

Dundee United were struggling to cope with Vale’s relentless waves of attack, and midfield maestro Hendry’s sublime pass split the centre backs, leaving Clarkson with no chance as Fox converts to make it 2-0.

This spurred Dundee United on, the Tayside club nearly found their first of the match quickly after. Striker Gibb was flagged offside just as he controlled Hornby’s low cross.

Hutchie then started to dominate possession towards the end of the match, with Hendry’s long range effort saved well by Clarkson. Feachen also managed to break free in the box again, setting up McAlpine whose shot sailed inches wide. Hendry then came close from distance again, hitting the woodwork from the left of the area.

Both sides continued to battle for the remaining minutes of regulation and injury time, but no further goals came and Hutchison Vale celebrated being crowned champions of Scotland. Both sides deserve a huge amount of credit for making the match a national final Scotland could be proud of.