HUTCHISON VALE TOO STRONG FOR EDINA HIBS

EDINBURGH Academy sports ground in Inverleith has, arguably, the most beautiful football pitches in Edinburgh - and it was the perfect setting for the under-12 game between Hutchison Vale and Edina Hibs.

The quality of the pitch at this glorious place which has a marvellous view of Edinburgh Castle over Inverleith Park was in outstanding condition and it suited, perfectly, the passing game of Hutchison Vale's latest in the long line of brilliant wee teams. For this game, all spectators were told to stand on one side of the pitch, while the coaches were stationed on the other touchline. To everyone's credit, they all behaved perfectly and the kids were coached from the touchlines in a very acceptable manner.

Vale, playing with a strong wind behind their backs in the first half, gave the Edina defence a torrid time of it with their fast-moving and precise football a class above their opponents from the famous east Edinburgh club. Goals came at regular intervals for Vale, starting with Chris Henrie, followed in quick succession by others from Jason Cummings, Harry Moore, Cummings (again), before Ryan Ward hit the target for Edina. Further goals from Mike Reid and Hendrie took the score to 6-1 at the break in Vale's favour.

Edina fared better in the second half, but the pressure put on them by the opposition put the wee Hibees off their own passing game, leading to more goals for Vale from Jason Cummings (2) Lewis Ross and Jamie Tubby. Liam Elder was on the mark twice for Edina and they could have had two more goals. They were denied by superb saves from home keeper, Jordan Hunter. Hutchison Vale appear to have unearthed another team of super stars in the making. Professional clubs will soon have their representatives lurking on the sidelines in a bid to lure the kids away.

The coaches at youth clubs put in a lot of hard work to get these young players to the standard they want, then professional clubs step in and take them away, destroying youth club teams in the process. Meanwhile, some coaches complain about kids at this age playing on full-sized pitches, etc. But these competitive games are just part of the coaching given to young kids within their own club structures. The kids are coached twice or three times a week and taking part in competitive 11-a-side games on Sundays is the highlight of the week for most of them. The enthusiasm and commitment of the young players on the pitch at this venue was evident for everyone to see.  

Hutchison Vale - Jordan Hunter, Evan Terry, Thomas Docherty, Mike Reid, Lewis Ross, Jason Cummings, Jamie Tubby, Ben McInally, Sam Nicholson, Brad Rixon, Harry Moore, Glenn Baxter, Daniel Rixon, Chris Henrie, Connor McGregor.

Edina Hibs - Ross Paterson, Liam Peden, Frank Pratt, Sean Reid, Cammy Reid, Scott Wilson, Liam Conaghan, Ryan Ward, Scott Bonnar, Lewis Kerr, Liam Elder.