13s colts vs Tynecastle, Saughton Park, Sunday 16th November 08

'When the leagues were drawn up at the start of the season, Tynecastle along with Edina Hibs and maybe North Merchiston and Salvesen looked like the favourites for the title and although Leith Athletic were an unknown unquantity, so were, for other reasons, the untested Hutchison Vale Colts. Now with only North Merchiston to play, it is clear that our pre season expectations were not far off the mark, but we can add the Colts into the mix in this highly competitive league.

With a full squad to pick from including last weeks missing pair Mark and Darren, the Colts kicked off with the sun at their backs but up the Saughton slope. The opening exchanges were tentative but it was Tynecastle who got the first sight of goal and Rian was equal to the challenge with a great save from the centre forward. As the Colts struggled to create chances of their own, Rian was called into action when he blocked a powewrful shot and Dean was on hand to hook the ball clear. However Fraser picked up a midfield ball and clearing two tackles strode into the box, but was denied by a good tackle in the box before he could pull the trigger. Then in a great sweeping move which started in their own half, Grant played the ball to Nick who interchanged passes with Lee before he played the ball into the box to Tony who had lost his marker and with great composure, he tucked the ball away and the Colts were 1-0 up.

From a Tynecastle attack from the restart, Rian made another great save and the battle for midfield dominance battle resumed but with the Colts shading it. Fraser again broke through and powered his way into the box before guiding a low shot into the back of the net for 2-0. The half played out with the Colts with their tails up and the pressure on Tynecastle began to tell when a free kick was conceded on the edge of the box. Dean strode up but his shot was low and wide. Half time 2-0.

Although the Colts had the benefit of the slope in the second half it was a re energised Tynecastle which came out and laid siege to the Colts goal. Ben had a chance when he turned and shot but the keeper was well positioned. Rian then made another fantastic save from the midfielder's bottom corner bound shot but a full dive tipped the ball round the post, and while the corner was initially dealt with, the loose ball was driven across goal, onto the post and eventually scrambled clear. Fraser lifted the siege with another rampaging run which resulted in a corner which came to nothing. However the pressure was forcing the Colts midfield deeper and at times there seemed to be no out ball. The defence marshalled by Gavin, Dean and Rian aided and abetted by Mark, Chris, Billy, Ben, Darren and Grant were simply outstanding and there was nothing that anyone could do when Tynecastle pulled one back. Grant in particular timed one tackle in the box perfectly as the Tynecastle player was about to strike. With time running down the Colts were back on the attack when a loose ball was picked up by Tynecastle and played early to their forward. As everyone waited for the ref to blow for offside, he strode into the box and slid the ball beyond Rian for the equaliser. Incensed by the injustice the Colts mounted one last attack and Nick broke into the box where he was taken down and the ref pointed to the spot. With seconds remaining Nick's penalty was saved, and there was no denying that the draw felt very much like a defeat.'