Scottish Youth Cup Final
Wednesday 27th April 2022
The result might not have been what they wanted but memories of this night - playing under the floodlights at Hampden Park in a Cup Final, will last forever for the Hearts boys who battled courageously until the last whistle against Rangers.
Trailing 2-0 at half-time following relatively quickfire goals from Darren McInally and Rory Wilson, and with ‘keeper Liam McFarlane having made a string of saves to stop the damage being greater, a few heads might have dropped given the difficult scenario.
But instead of sinking, the Jambos expressed themselves positively in the second half - getting on the front foot and playing with a particular freedom which paid dividends as Murray Thomas swept the ball into the net with a curling strike from edge the area to halve their deficit and set up a grandstand finish.
And with Rangers rattled, the boys in Maroon almost snatched what would have been a dramatic equaliser when Mackenzie Ross' work took him to the byline and his low cut-back for James Wilson was somehow or another smothered by the ‘keeper at point-blank range.
Ultimately, there was to be no last-gasp leveler and after four intense minutes of stoppage-time, it was the team from Ibrox who hoisted the trophy aloft - with the Hearts players watching on from the touchline pondering what might have been, what could have been done differently, what areas needed to be better and contemplating where they went wrong.
In that very moment, the lads will have no doubt felt a multitude of raw emotions (which is football sometimes) and any feelings of disappointment or negativity should be used to fuel a burning inner desire to be on the winning team the next time they’re involved in such a momentous game.
This Hearts team is younger in comparison with some of the boys still at school and the majority of players who featured will form the crux of the next season's squad.
Each player will improve through knowledge, experience, good coaching and exposure to tests of this magnitude infront of a watching crowd - and there's certainly enough potential within the team to be back at Hampden for another date with destiny this time next year!
Match Report
With so much at stake, this night probably couldn't come along quickly enough for everyone involved!
Hearts prepared for the occasion with a visit to Hampden in an attempt to familiarise themselves whilst some lads went and watched the first team's recent Semi-Final win over Hibernian.
The blood will have no doubt been pumping amidst a mixture of emotions such as eagerness, excitement, determination, focus, realisation (and even probably a bit of trepidation) as the two teams emerged onto the immaculate pitch. This was it! This was the moment they'd waited weeks for! And the stage was set with the BBC Scotland cameras broadcasting the game live across the country.
As was the case in overcoming Inverness in the Semi-Finals, Hearts began by looking more nervous than their opponents and it was only some outstanding saves from Liam McFarlane which prevented them from going behind during the early minutes.
The big 'keeper used every inch of his formidable frame to thwart both Rory Wilson and Robbie Ure in just the second minute after Wilson intercepted Callum Flatman's nervy pass-back and got a shot away before Ure's cleanly struck follow-up was blocked too.
Moments later, McFarlane was at it once more as Wilson was again denied at the expense of a corner which got cleared, then recycled a couple of times with Flatman eventually being forced to make a last-ditch sliding challenge inside the area to deny Wilson a certain shooting opportunity.
Rangers had by far more possession and territory in the opening 20 minutes; Charlie Lindsay often being the instigator (and standing out) as he popped teasing balls around left, right and centre, and McFarlane made yet another save - this time from Mackenzie Strachan's free-kick when Wilson was uphended around 30 yards out. Macauley Tait was there to scramble away the resulting loose ball.
Already by this point, the Gers could have been comfortably out of sight - and Darren McInally was next to try his luck when he flashed a low drive from the edge of the box narrowly wide of McFarlane's left-hand post in the second wave of play after a corner.
Had things carried on in this vein then it would have been impossible for Hearts to stay on level terms for much longer. However, the lads gradually settled themselves and stemmed the near-constant tidal wave of pressure that they'd been under since the first whistle.
As the first half midway point came and went, the Jambos began to express themselves in attacking areas and they carved out a few openings of their own which, on another night, might have resulted in something to seriously put the cat amongst the pigeons.
A well-worked short-corner routine almost produced the goods as Tait and Ewan Simpson combined -
with the latter floating a ball towards the back-post area where a stretching Callum Sandilands couldn't quite got enough on it to seriously test Jack McConnell.
Sandilands was then in the thick of the action for a second time just past the half-hour mark as he latched onto a pass following Finlay Pollock's driving run into the box but under pressure and with his back to goal, the Hearts man wasn't able to spin and get a shot away.
This was Hearts' best spell in the game up to this point and when Tait had a deflected over the upright for just the Jambos' second corner, Sandilands' perfect delivery towards the edge of the six-yard box was met with an important flick away to safety by Ure who was back carrying out defensive duties.
Despite Kevin Ciubotaru's yellow card for diving under a challenge from Pollock (and a poor attempt at trying to con the referee too), Rangers' threat was always apparent and it was they who broke the deadlock on 34 minutes after Flatman's heavy pass-back led to a corner.
Strachan's resulting ball from the set-piece was met with a headed near-post clearance by Bobby McLuckie but with the Jambos' defensive shape pierced, McInally was in the perfect position to hook the ball goalwards. This time, there was nothing McFarlane could do as the ball found the net. It was a deserved goal on the balance of play but a body blow given that Hearts had just found their way into things and now had to chase the game.
Things could have escalated quickly because after Mackenzie Kirk joined Ciubotaru in the referee's notebook due to a clumsy late tackle on McInally, Rangers had the ball in the net again when Ure converted Strachan's floated ball into him but the offside flag was raised immediately.
However, if a one-goal lead was an advance, a two-goal cushion was a charge and with Hearts probably needing the half-time whistle far more than their opponents, Scooter's 'Maria' tune was playing aloud again in Hampden just a minute before the interval as Rangers scored a critical second goal.
A ball down the line was intercepted midway inside Hearts' half by Ciubotaru. He took a touch and floated a fine ball towards Wilson who'd done well to get between the two defenders and then showed excellent composure by unleashing a first time volley which squirmed beneath McFarlane's grasp and into the back of the net.
The technique was brilliant; the timing utterly devastating for Hearts who now had it all to do!
Had that second goal not gone in when it did then Steven Naismith might have waited a few minutes into the second half before turning to his substitutes but as things transpired, Sandilands was replaced by Murray Thomas ahead of the re-start as caution was thrown to the wind.
In fairness, the change worked because the second half display by the boys in Maroon was much more aggressive, determined and flowing. They seized the initiative, had more possession and attacked Rangers; the only thing they didn't do was properly test McConnell until the closing stages.
Rocco Friel battled hard to win the first of three corners in the space of five or so minutes shortly after the interval but Michael Aitken's rising header from McLuckie's delivery was off-target.
When Pollock was able to accelerate at his man and feed Kirk during a quick turnover in possession that began via a solid challenge by Flatman soon afterwards, the frontman saw his shot deflected over the upright with the resulting corner being cleared - and actually culminating in a chance at the other end with Lindsay flashing a low drive narrowly wide.
It was much better, however, by Hearts at this point and the pressure continued beyond the hour mark.
Thomas' hopes of making an impact increased as he brought the ball forward on a good run but under pressure upon entering the box, he couldn't quite carve out a shot and McConnell was able to grasp a hold of the ball. McLuckie, likewise, had a burst forward from the left flank that ended with an effort being deflected wide for another corner where a near-post delivery was met with a firm clearance.
Tait also saw an attempt blocked on 65 minutes prior to a stoppage where Rangers' Tyler Pasnik suffered what seemed to be an ankle injury after a rising snap-shot and he left the pitch on a stretcher with James Graham being his replacement.
Hearts also made their second change around this point with Mackenzie Ross entering for Friel before Flatman became the fourth Hearts player (and fifth overall) to be booked with a late tackle on McInally on the far touchline. Rathie and Friel were booked either side of half-time.
Rangers knew a third goal would wrap things up from their perspective and they almost got it on 73 minutes when Graham, not long since his introduction, dispossessed McLuckie out wide and fed a pass to Ure whose sweetly-struck curling effort from just outside the box only just cleared the upright.
Both teams then made further changes with Leyton Dunlop's fresh legs replacing McInally for Rangers, whilst James Wilson was favoured for Kirk in another attacking move by Hearts.
Although neither 'keeper had been tested for some time, the Jambos remained on the front foot as they continued to press forward inside the last quarter-of-an-hour with the triumvirate of Ewan Simpson, Pollock and Tait looking the most likely to create that 'something special' which was needed.
Instead, the X-Factor was eventually provided on 82 minutes through Thomas. He initially looked to have been dispossessed by Strachan having initially got the ball thanks to McLuckie's neat interception but his tenacity and persistence saw him win it back and, despite having his shirt tugged by the Rangers skipper, he showed a great touch and technique to spin away, cut inside, carve out a shooting angle and finish with absolute aplomb.
It was a high quality individual goal to raise the noise levels amongst the traveling Jambos and having pulled that vital goal back, it was now very much a case of all hands to the pump for both teams as Hearts launched a full-scale onslaught to try and grab the equaliser.
There was now an 'edge' and atmosphere inside Hampden. It was 'Game On' and the belief that a comeback was possible felt almost tangible!
With just four minutes to go, Simpson's free-kick picked out a crouching McLuckie who couldn't quite get the accuracy with his connection and there was an even more golden chance just moments later. Tait threaded a ball through to Ross whose near-post cut-back was inch perfect for Wilson, but McConnell was alert to smother the eventual back-heel flick.
By this point Rangers were hanging on and happy to just 'defend out' the lead they'd established. The Jambos were almost camped exclusively inside their opponents half when four extra minutes of injury-time were signaled by the Fourth Official. It really was 'now or never' territory!
Hearts though just couldn't quite find a method to carve out that one last gilt-edged opportunity they craved. An intended clearance by McConnell ricocheted off Connor Allan and almost dropped at Wilson's feet as a result; Rathie couldn't pick anyone out with a couple of crosses and minutes soon turned into seconds with the final whistle imminent.
Having defended against a Simpson free-kick in the final minute, the whistle eventually went and the emotions couldn't have contrasted greater in that moment. The boys in Maroon glumly sunk to their knees whilst jubilation was etched across the faces of those in blue shirts.
Rangers were Youth Cup champions for 2022.
Overall Thoughts
Once the dust settles in the coming weeks and the lads are able to fully reflect, they should be proud of what they've achieved in reaching this Final.
It wasn't the desired outcome (and that will linger for some time to come) but the attitude, application and desire to dig themselves out of a hole in the second half couldn't be faulted.
On chances alone then it's difficult to argue that Rangers deserved the win and, as mentioned, they could quite feasibly have been out of sight with what they created inside the opening 10-20 minutes. In my opinion, a big midfield presence was needed in that period; someone to put in a big clattering challenge, make a mark and stop Charlie Lindsay (especially) from dictating the play - even though I suspect given the amount of yellow cards the referee dished out, any strong tackle might have been punished. Although, on the flip side, he might have let the first one go...
The first goal was preventable; from the heavy pass-back initially which resulted in the corner, or the headed clearance straight into the danger zone, to the lack of marking at that point. The quality of the finish by Darren McInally cannot be faulted but it will linger as a goal conceded in such a big game.
Likewise, the second goal may wrankle and the harsh aspect is that it's the only mistake Liam McFarlane made on a night when every other part of his game (the kicking, shot-stopping, handling or communicating) was superb. Had he not made those early saves then the game could have been theoretically over long before that goal. The technique and quality from Rory Watson for the finish itself can only be applauded but I've no doubt there's been a few fleeting thoughts back to that goal - and especially the timing of it.
Nevertheless, the second half display was spot on. Hearts were aggressive, they seized the initiative and did everything possible to effect the game. Barring snippets (such as sometimes over-trying the same corner routine or just not having a long-distance pot shot to force the Rangers 'keeper into a save) it was promising and it's a shame an equaliser couldn't have been forced in the end.
On individuals, whilst nobody was 'head and shoulders' outstanding, the best player on the night, in my opinion, was Rory Watson due to his vision, technique and movement. He seemed a 'proper' handful and it's no surprise to learn about the interest that's already been shown in him from elsewhere.
In Rangers shirts, Mackenzie Strachan (owing to his quality on the ball), Charlie Lindsay (simply by virtue of his good positive start) and Darren McInally (who had lots of involvement in passages of play) all made a good impression as well.
Again, it's important to remember that this Hearts team is younger, on the whole, and EVERY player is going to get better through experience, good coaching and exposure to these types of 'big game' occasions where there is a watching crowd and an element of pressure.
Hearts' best player on the night was Finlay Pollock. He impressed me most with his energy to get around the pitch, his tracking back (which doesn't go unnoticed), his close-ball control and quality in high areas and, even during a difficult first 45 minutes, there was a maturity in how he performed. He was creative and defensive in equal measure, positionally aware and soon to graduate from youth team football, next season will be a big one in his post-18 development.
Macauley Tait also did well throughout the game. He broke up play well (especially in one instance in the run up to half-time), posed a threat (proof being his deflected shot and through ball late on), and his vision, product and quality both on and off the ball was of a high standard. Given his age, he could be a big part of the team going forward and I've enjoyed watching the game back on BBC iPlayer and spotting little facets of his game which I didn't see on the night.
Likewise, Ewan Simpson could be a key component and he got on the ball much more in the second half. Earlier in the season at East Kilbride he impressed me and (if I'm not mistaken he's eligible to play in the U18s for the next three years), he could be a fantastic player should he carry on the way he is doing. There's a rawness and sharpness about him and everything he's achieved this season - such as representing Scotland at youth level already and being in the starting line-up for this game, is on merit.
Callum Flatman, barring three lapses on the ball, was good in every other aspect of his defending. He won headers, read the game well which meant his positioning and body shape was often good and it was easy to pick up on his contribution on the night. Competing against some high quality attacking players for this level, I thought he was the best defender in this game and if he can eradicate the errors on the ball (which will come through more coaching) then he'll give himself a great chance of achieving a good career at a good standard.
Amongst the others, Rocco Friel caught my eye on a couple of occasions; notably the work on the byline in the second half where he won a corner. Possibly the youngest player in the team with Ewan Simpson, he's another with youth and enthusiasm on his side who could become a familiar name in the future.
Callum Sandilands best demonstrated what he can do by finding a clever little pocket of space to meet a cross at the back-post for his first chance of the game. That's what I like about him and testament to his talent is the fact he's got in excess of 35 direct goal contributions in terms of goals/assists this season. It's a serious contribution considering he's not actually an out-an-out striker and my only lingering thought is what he might have been able to do had he been on the pitch in the half where the game dynamic was vastly different (as it was during the second period).
Luke Rathie; another relatively youngster with more U18s football ahead of him, has a great physique which means he can be a match for any opponent. His 'bust a gut' recovery to defend against Tyler Pasnik in the second half didn't go unnoticed and barring 'diving in' a bit late on (which he'll get better at with age), he has certain qualities that are good.
Finally, despite the result, Murray Thomas will remember his goal at Hampden for a lifetime. He's now got something in common with Zinedine Zidane (arguably the greatest ever player!) in that they've both scored at Hampden in a Cup Final. He was brought on to make an impact and you can't make a better impact than scoring on the back of a good bit of jinking movement (under pressure with the shirt pull) and with good footwork and vision to smash it past the 'keeper. He deserves the plaudits!
Once again, there's so much talent in this Hearts team (including those not mentioned) and as some of them grow into becoming the 'senior' figures over the next couple of years, they have the potential to be both a good team and good footballing individuals.
In years to come, when the team-sheet is viewed through retrospective eyes, some names will stand out - that's why all the medals; irrespective of whether they’re runners-up or winners ones, should be cherished FOREVER along with the memories!
In the context of football as a whole it's just a little glimpse into the limelight of what might be and as most professional players will testify, these experiences don’t come along very often and it's certainly a world away from trips to Inverurie Locos or away days in the Lowland League (which may or may not happen in the near future). Who knows anything where the Lowland League are concerned?
Stay humble, keep working hard, grow and improve - as people and as footballers, never think you've made it or take things for granted, and who knows where your talent might take you?
Good luck!
