A goal by Ryan Ross 5 minutes into extra-time capped an amazing comeback by Tynecastle Colts at Danderhall this morning. The Tynecastle outfit trailed 6-2 at half time but a superb second half performance, inspired by captain Eliot Grieve, saw the high-flying second division side progress into the second round and another chance to test themselves against first division opposition, this time in the shape of Hutchison Vale.

Tynecastle arrived at Danderhall keen to see how they would stand up to their higher league opponents. The table-topping second division team sensed a potential upset but it took them fully 35 minutes to get their game into gear. You could sense during the pre-game preparations that Salvesen were the confident side. As Tynecastle arrived onto the pitch you could almost touch the tension of the young players and this transferred itself into the opening half of this open and hugely entertaining cup tie.

It took Salvesen just 3 minutes to go ahead. A long kick by Jackson Bell was flicked onto the very impressive Hadyn Crane. He fed big Sam MacNab in the left channel and he swept home coolly into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

And yet Tynecastle could have been ahead themselves only a minute earlier when a long free kick was missed by the Salvesen defence and the resultant loose ball was stabbed onto the post by Bruce Galloway.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with both sides intent on passing the ball on the grass. The emphasis was very much on the attacking side of the game with Tynecastle in particular playing almost 2-4-4 when on the offensive.

On 16 minutes Salvesen almost made it two. Hadyn Crane was again at the centre of things as he danced his way around the Tynecastle defence with only a last minute smother by Bradley Reid in the Tynecastle goal stopping the young forward from doubling the lead.

A minute later and Tynecastle were at the other end. A corner on the right was only half cleared and the loose ball was swept home by Robbie Jack to give Colts the equaliser.

But the lead only lasted 2 minutes. Crane fed the ball out wide and a cross cum shot was fumbled by the Tynecastle goalkeeper. And Salvesen's captain Tom Holligan was on hand to knock the ball home from inside the 6 yard box.

5 minutes later and it was 3-1. A corner was swung in from the left and it was headed home by Daniel Mayhew off the underside of the bar.

There was barely time to get the congratulations out of the way and Tynecastle had pulled another back, this time in controversial fashion. A free kick from fully 35 yards was palmed out from under the bar by Salvesen keeper Jackson Bell. The ball spun into the air and the Salvesen goalie was challenged by 2 Tynecastle attackers. There appeared to be a foul but nothing was given and Joshua Rogers was first to react to head the loose ball home into the empty net.

Suddenly Tynecastle found themselves back in the game but they went on to lose 3 goals in the final 7 minutes of this half that appeared to put Salvesen  onto easy street. The fourth was scored from the penalty spot. Hadyn Crane was sent clear on the right and as he moved in on goal he was pulled down and Tom Holligan sent the keeper the wrong way for his second of the match. Despite loud protests from the Tynecastle touchline it appeared that the referee got it spot on.

Young Hadyn Crane scored the goal of the game on 30 minutes to make it 5-2. He picked the ball up 30 yards out and beat four defenders before slotting the ball under the advancing keeper. It was a really terrific solo goal by the Salvesen number 11.

And he was on hand again to make it 6-2 just 3 minutes later when his shot from just inside the box was deflected past the helpless Bradley Reid.

There then followed a short period of unsavoury "noise" from the Tynecastle support directed at Crane who they clearly felt dived for the penalty award 5 minutes earlier. That led to some "tousy" challenges  involving Crane - both on him and by him - and it was a huge pity given his magnificent first half performance. A sensible word from young referee Scot Gilchrist as they walked off at half time was enough to calm things down.

This young player was man of the match in the opening 35 minutes. His setting up play, link up and general movement was terrific. Added to that his quick feet and brilliant solo goal and he was the clear footballing stand out on the pitch. Unfortunately we didn't see the same from him in the second period. Whether this was down to the effect of the last 2-3 minutes of the first half or just Salvesen's general demise from the game one can't tell. Surely though we should all be encouraging rather than abusing players of this calibre?

The Tynecastle players were given an extended half time talk by the coaching team and the words certainly seemed to have an impact as the game changed beyond all recognition in the second 35 minutes. Part of it seemed to be a confidence issue that took its time to surface. In truth the opening period wasn't fully reflective of the scoreline. The game was more even than 6-2 but Salvesen simply took every chance that fell their way.

After 41 minutes Colts pulled one back. Captain Eliot Grieve collected the ball 22 yards out and sent a high shot over the outstretched arms of Jackson Bell. 7 minutes later and it was 6-4. This time it was the Salvesen goalkeeper's turn to fumble and Jonnie Bisset was on hand to turn the ball into the empty net.

5 minutes later and it was 6-5. Bisset broke free and his shot hit the right hand post. It fell to Ryan Ross who cleverly feinted past the defender and lifted the ball high into the top left hand corner. It was a great finish from the Tynecastle centre forward.

Salvesen had completely fallen out of this game now and Tynecastle were surging forward at every opportunity. At the centre of things was captain Eliot Grieve who was driving his team on from the centre of the pitch. Probing, passing and tackling he turned in a magnificent second half performance to lead his team to the verge of a great comeback.

That comeback was completed on 63 minutes. A poor goal kick was quickly fed through to Jonnie Bisset to sweep the ball past Jackson Bell from 12 yards sending the large Tynecastle support into celebrations on the touchline. It was a truly amazing turnaround and you felt that Colts would go on to win the game in normal time. But the remainder of the match was tensely played out and referee Scot Gilchrist blew for full time on a hugely entertaining match.

The winning goal was scored early in the first 10 minute period of extra time. It all started from a Salvesen corner. The set-piece fell to Jordan Neave at the back post and he sent a clearance down the pitch. The ball was fed onto Ryan Ross who suddenly found himself clear on goal. And the young Tynecastle striker made no mistake as he finished brilliantly to give Tynecastle Colts an unlikely victory but one which they richly deserved. Indeed it took several outstanding saves from Jackson Bell in the Salvesen goal to keep the score at seven.

Best for Salvesen were their two big wide players, Sam MacNab and captain Tom Holligan. Hadyn Crane had a magnificent first half and scored the goal of the game.

For Tynecastle, Bruce Galloway showed some great touches on the left hand side and Jordan Neave, Jonnie Bisset and Robbie Jack all had good games. Ryan Ross showed great finishing composure and Eliot Grieve had a quite inspirational second half as he led his team to victory.

A tough call this week for man of the match because no-one individual played their part for the full game, such was the change in fortunes from the opening period to the second 35. But The Pink Man of the Match goes to Hadyn Crane who was undoubtedly the best footballing player on the pitch.

Hadyn Crane