Hibernian (U18s) 4-2 Hearts (U18s)

Hibernian (U18s) 4-2 Hearts (U18s)

CAS Development League

Friday 27th January 2023

This Friday night Edinburgh Derby ended in delight for the young Hibees thanks to goals from Jamie Bulloch (2), Dean Clelland and Rudi Molotnikov.

In a game of two contrasting styles, Hearts definitely played the better football and scored the goal of the night through Callum Sandilands (unbelievable finish) whilst Callum Hambrook headed one in at the end, but it was Hibernian - more direct and physical by comparison, who accomplished the all-important task of putting the ball in the net more often and being ruthless when it mattered.

Having come out on top in the last Edinburgh Derby, Hibs probably went into this game as favourites and after a decent start in which they pushed forward and imposed themselves, they took the lead thanks to Clelland’s great curling strike from the edge of the box.

Nevertheless, as the half progressed, Hearts came out of their shell a bit, showed some confidence, got the ball down and posed a few questions.

From the opening goal up to half-time, the Jambos were just about the better team and in the first of a series of ‘bits and pieces’ that were conjured up infront of goal, Kai Smutek saw a downwards header bounce wide from Ryan Duncan’s cross, then Hambrook forced a routine save from the Hibs ‘keeper with a speculative low drive from about a minute or two later, and closer to half-time, Duncan forced a save from a 25-yard free-kick.

But the best opportunity to level fell to Sandilands just a couple of minutes before the break because he brought the ball down brilliantly inside the box thanks to some great individual technique and unleashed an instinctive and stunning volley which looked as though it was about to fly into the net, only for Freddie Owens to dive from absolutely nowhere and pull off a top quality save. It was superb goalkeeping because he had no right to make that save - and it ensured that Hibs remained 1-0 up at the midway point.

What Hearts didn’t need next was to concede a second goal but that’s precisely what happened because roughly five minutes after the re-start, Bulloch found the top corner with a powerful and accurate long-range drive that was very similar to Clelland’s earlier opener.

To their credit, the youngsters in maroon didn’t cave in at 2-0 down and gave it everything in their search to break between the lines and halve the deficit.

Duncan and Hambrook both had attempts blocked in the same attack as Hibs doggedly defended their own box, James Wilson tried his luck with a curling 20-yard strike which flew narrowly over, and when the goal that Hearts craved finally did arrive on 68 minutes, it was one that would have had any commentator screaming down the microphone with what they’d just witnessed.

Showing exactly the same technique as he did for his chance in the first period, Sandilands again brought the ball under control inside the box with his chest - this time after Rocco Friel lofted it in to him, and it was followed by a lightning-quick volley which he smashed emphatically into the net. 

Absolutely ‘wow’ and whoosh… the Jambos were now right back in the game!

Sadly, from a Hearts perspective, the goal proved to be meaningless in the context of the outcome because just a few minutes later, Zach Paris had a moment to forget down at the other end when Molotnikov’s shot slipped through his grasp and ended up in the back of the net - and, although that was disappointing, the game was quickly put to bed as Bulloch was allowed a free header from a corner and duly converted to put Hibs into a 4-1 lead.

The scoreline at this stage wasn’t reflective of the game itself because it had been a close contest but amidst a series of substitutions in the latter stages, Hearts salvaged some pride and pulled another goal back when Kenzi Nair did excellently to recycle the ball from a corner and provide a great cross which Hambrook headed in with Friel in close proximity.

Friel could have also had a goal to his name because he struck the upright right at the end of about five minutes of injury-time - and if that had gone in, the last three seconds might have been a bit nervous because that was, literally, all that was left to play!

Overall, it was quite an absorbing game to watch because there was a really good competitiveness about it. There were bits of needle - one of a few examples being when Gus Stevenson took a ball square in the face at full pelt from about three yards and things nearly escalated. There were yellow cards. There were good individual battles going on - particularly James Wilson and Ricky Waugh who were involved in a scrap all night. The game had a good intensity at times and you could tell it meant something because the determination to win (and do everything to win) stood out a mile from both sets of players. It certainly wasn’t just ‘going through the motions of academy football’ or anything as can sometimes be the case, and the Hearts boys will have learned a lot from this game.

Had Freddie Owens not saved from Callum Sandilands in the first half, or had Zach Paris not made the error which resulted in Hibs’ third goal (which happens sometimes even to the best of ‘keepers), who knows what the scoreline might have ended up? They were two big moments which went in Hibs’ favour when the game was right in the balance. 

And whilst the Hibees were physical, often direct and very good at what they do as a team (fair play to them), their trait which stood out most was just how ruthless and clinical they were because when their frontmen had the ball in a dangerous position, if they sniffed the chance for a shot, they were having a pop at goal. It was as simple as that and sometimes that’s how you win a game - this being one of those occasions!

The scoreline aside, there were players on both teams who made a good impression. 

Dean Clelland was impressive from an early stage and certainly one of Hibernian’s best players. He looked purposeful and intelligent with his runs (including one where he was just flagged offside not long after his opener), he was quick, sharp, lively and decent with the ball into his feet and created a really good impression up until his yellow card just before half-time, after which the Hibees other front players showed their quality - especially the No.11 (Jamie Bulloch) who got two goals and put in a good shift that he’ll be buzzing about.

And the whole of the Hibs defence deserves a mention with how they dealt with Hearts’ threat. There was lots of focus and organisation that was very apparent. The centre-backs were strong when they needed to be. Ricky Waugh was very combative on the left-hand side and Freddie Owens pulled off that fantastic save just before half-time which I’m sure will be going in his clips because it was such a good stop.

In the Hearts team, Callum Sanidlands will be proud of his goal because the technique and execution was so good - and it’s genuinely the best goal I’ve seen anywhere so far this year; not bad considering I’ve been in Milan, Rome and Naples recently!

Those types of goals are certainly the ones that people remember and what a pleasure to be there to witness it ‘live’ because it made the whole ‘San Siro to Sandilands’ journey over the past week feel really worthwhile. Good players produce good quality and what a hit son!

Elsewhere in the Hearts line-up, Callum Hambrook tried to make something happen all night long and deserved his goal near the end for his work-rate and persistence alone. Rocco Friel made a decent contribution with an assist and hitting the crossbar (along with playing a part in the second goal). Jamie Anderson showed some tidy things on the left flank and Gus Stevenson (nearly ko’d at one point when he got the ball square in the face on the edge of the Hibees box) offered bits and pieces of good individual skill - including a superb bit of play in injury-time where he turned well with the ball to open up space and give himself options. That kind of thing doesn’t go unnoticed. Meanwhile, Ryan Duncan (who has shaved off his little goatee since I saw him dominate the game at Haddington in the Youth Cup) got on the ball quite a bit, moved it well and tried to drive with it a few times. He was sometimes a little deep, but having seen him a few times now, I’ve got no doubts about his qualities but the credit in this game has to go to the Hibs players for limiting his impact and keeping him largely quiet.

The one player in the Hearts team who seriously impressed me was Kenzi Nair because he showed plenty of good qualities. From his positioning, anticipation and reading of situations (all very evident inside the first 30 minutes), to how comfortable he looked stepping out of defence with the ball, to his distribution - long or short, to his vocal presence and leadership qualities (picked up on that in the second half), it was all good. He’d already created a solid impression before he recycled the ball very cleverly from a corner (rather than just blasting it over the bar as quite a lot of players would) for Callum Hambrook to score his late goal.

Long may that continue because it was good to watch and I really enjoyed seeing it, just like I really enjoyed this game and learning (more in some cases) about the players on show.

Hibernian: Freddie Owens, Harry Wright, Ricky Waugh, Adam Khan, Owen Hastie, Jake McIntyre, Dean Clelland, Reuben McCallister, Jay McGarva, Rudi Molotnikov, Jamie Bulloch. Subs: Rory Whittaker, Jason Craig, Gregor Fordyce, Niall Geaney, Alfie Smith, Josh Landers, Smith Samuels.

Hearts: Zach Paris, Rocco Friel, Jamie Anderson, Kai Smutek, Callum Hambrook, Harvey Chisholm, Callum Sandilands, James Wilson, Gus Stevenson, Kenzi Nair, Ryan Duncan. Subs: Coupar Wilkie, Matt Gillies, Gregor Crookston, Mackenzie Ross, Taylor Hogarth, Gregor Burn, Owen Muirhead.

Auchinleck Talbot 3-0 Largs Thistle

Auchinleck Talbot 3-0 Largs Thistle

West Of Scotland Football League (Premier Division)

Wednesday 25th January 2023

So after a trip to the San Siro just 48 hours previously where Inter Milan were somehow beaten by Empoli, where else to go next than Beechwood Park - the home to Auchinleck Talbot.

And, bizarrely, it cost more to watch this game against Largs Thistle than the €5 (or £4.53 once the exchange rate was factored in) than I paid out in Italy.

Madness!

At this point you’re probably thinking I’m slightly mad anyway for following up the finesse and glamour of Milan with a game in the more humble surroundings of Ayrshire (and if you do think I’m bonkers then you’re probably not wrong) albeit in fairness, it wasn’t planned. Being able to see this game and visit another ground in the process was something of an unexpected bonus because it was meant to be played last Wednesday only for the freezing temperatures to force a postponement - thus it was quickly re-arranged for Burns Night.

With a firm eye on toppling Darvel (shout out to them on their ‘good win’ against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup) at the top of the WOSFL Premier Division, Auchinleck knew they could ill-afford to drop points in this game and despite an early scare and a bit of frustration at times, they ultimately managed to get a decent enough win.

Largs aren’t a bad team; their results at Darvel and Glenafton Athletic already this season prove just that, and after an absorbing first 20 minutes which was decent to watch, the visitors thought they’d opened the scoring when their No.9 latched onto a through ball and finished - only for the linesman to raise his flag for what looked to be the tightest of offside calls. 

Needless to say, the visiting manager was having none of it and words were exchanged the next time the linesman was within ear-shot!

Auchinleck’s No.4 also made two decent interceptions to prevent similarly dangerous piercing through balls leading to an opener - including a brilliant one where he read the danger perfectly, slid in, and came away with the ball. Top defending!

At the other end, the hosts also applied plenty of pressure and having already gone close with a curling shot in the early stages, Ross Taylor (the best player on the pitch) was somehow thwarted just past the half-hour mark when he found space inside the box, executed his shot perfectly, only for Largs ‘keeper Jamie McGowen to pull off a brilliant save and turn the ball over the upright.

Then, shortly before half-time, McGowen was at it again as he this time produced a double save to keep the score goalless, before Largs scrambled the ball away to safety.

It’s got to be said that there was a decent quality, good intensity and fast-paced tempo about this game. Sometimes it was ‘long ball’, sometimes it was more fluid and on the ground but, regardless of style, it was certainly entertaining and after half-time Auchinleck cranked up the pressure a bit more but missed chances as the opening goal remained elusive.

That was until the 57th minute when Taylor’s low ball into the box was dummied and the No.10 (‘Mason’ according to Auchinleck’s Twitter feed - but whether that’s his surname, first name or Brazilian name, who knows?) was able to fire home. 1-0.

And, just like a dodgy bus service, only a minute later Auchinleck doubled their lead as Taylor (who else?) peeled off the shoulder of his marker to find space for the umpteenth time and he emphatically slammed the ball home from six yards - and a big beaming smile coupled with a knee slide celebration was proof that he enjoyed the moment very much.

At this point, you’d have probably been forgiven for thinking the floodgates were about to open, but there proved to be just one more goal and that came a few minutes from the end when Largs No.17 got himself in a pickle. Was he trying to clear the danger? Was he trying to play the ball back to the ‘keeper advancing towards him? Who knows… but the result was ‘Samson’ (good old Auchinleck Twitter feed) being allowed to tap the ball into an unguarded net.

Overall, the 3-0 scoreline was a fair reflection, such was Auchinleck’s quality, chances created, and dominance at times - especially in the second half which was one-way traffic.

However, Largs shouldn’t be too gutted because on another night - without a dodgy linesman’s flag or two interceptions from Talbot’s No.4 when he was forced to defend (and the importance of both shouldn’t be underestimated), they could quite easily have put the cat amongst the pigeons and even got a good result. They aren’t a poor team at all.

Without doubt, however, the best player on the pitch was Ross Taylor. Having done a bit of research, he’s only 19 and whilst there’s still certain bits he needs to improve (as you’d expect with any young player), his quality, athleticism, piercing balls, willingness to make himself available and uncanny ability to get into good positions (you can’t mark intelligent movement); it all shone through brightly in this game. It was an impressive performance in his white boots, capped off with a goal and an assist (never forget the assists!), and he ought to be really happy with how he played because he impacted things in such a positive way. There’s plenty of similarly-aged lads out there who wouldn’t last five minutes or be able to handle the intensity of mens football, never mind show quality, so it’s a big thumbs up from me! He was good to watch; he created a good impression - and I don’t know how he didn’t get a goal in the first half either where the ‘keeper somehow got down low and palmed his shot over the bar!

For anyone who has never been to Beechwood Park before, enjoy the photos. It’s not quite the San Siro but it’s a decent ground and much better than a few of the monstrosities at SPFL level.