CIVIL Service Strollers Colts clinched their place in the second round of the Dunfermline Building Society Scottish Under-13 Cup with a 1-0 win against a very hard-working Currie Star side in their replay at the sun-bathed Civil Service Sports Ground in Muirhouse. Whatever the financial difficulties surrounding this venue, it looked in magnificent condition for this game and all the others that took place there on Sunday.




Civil Service Strollers Colts Under 13's

Jamie Horne scored the only goal of the game against Currie Star to ensure Civil Service Strollers Colts a place in the second round draw of the national event organised by the Scottish Youth FA at Hampden Park. This game was another non-stop clash between two well- matched teams, and the game was, again, an example of good sporting behaviour and also an example of how enjoyable football is at this level when the coaches and players from the clubs involved set out to enjoy themselves 

Two other youth club fixtures followed on at this venue in the afternoon, with the start of the under-16 game between Edinburgh City and Cavalry Park coinciding with a fierce fire burning on the pathway that separates the Civil Service Ground with wasteground that used to be used for horse-riding.

On the pitch, it was the home side that was fired-up from the start of this game and they ran out 8-0 winners with goals coming from Paul Morgan, Ryan Wilson, James Lamb, Ross Gunn, Matthew Duncan with Craig Thomson the star of the show with a hat-trick. In an under-15 Scottish Cup tie on the adjoining pitch, it was the Edinburgh City contingent that were celebrating another win, the club's younger side hammering a very sporting Dunbar United Colts 12-1 to book their slot in the second round draw. Edinburgh City's goals came from Stuart Ogilvie (4), Brian McColgan (3), Bryce Reynolds (2), Allan Hamilton (2) and Mark Mitchell (1). Stephen Blaikie was on the mark for the losers in this game. In all three games, the teams taking part were a credit to youth club football. The coaches at these games must get much of the praise for this, their sporting approach ensuring the players enjoyed themselves.

Over the past two weekends, I have turned up at other venues to cover games from the fixture lists that appear in the Evening News. I have had to switch to other games taking place due to games being switched, without any notice appearing in the paper. Sunday was another example of a wasted journey for me, as I had previously been at Pinkie Sports Ground in Musselburgh. The pitch was ready for a game, but the teams were not there. I then left to try and find a game, going to Portobello Park, then on to Duddingston, without any success. Fortunately, the Civil Service Sports Ground was full of games taking place, both on full-sized and small pitches. It would be helpful if notice of venues being switched and kick-off times were to be included in match details. Apart from the cost of petrol to travel to different places in order to spread the cover to clubs, it is frustrating to find out when arriving that the games are being played elsewhere, or starting times have been put back.

                                        Currie Star U13's

Meanwhile, this Sunday, Spartans FC under-19s and Whitehill Welfare clash in the first round of the SFA Youth Cup at City Park. The kick-off is at 2.00pm and a good crowd should turn up to see these two crack outfits representing their East of Scotland Seniors clubs in action. Gary McClelland is pulling out the stops to ensure this is a big occasion for both squads taking part. He said: "I plan to put out the advertising boards etc and their will also be a raffle and programmes will also be available."

This Saturday, Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic under-17s entertain Roseburn Boys Club in a first-round replay in the Dunfermline Building Society Scottish Cup. On Sunday, another crack Midlothian team, Dalkeith CYP host Leith Athletic in an under-16 first-round replay. I was at the first clash at Leith Links and it was a wonderful game between two very good sides. A repeat performance this Sunday will give youth club football another tremendous boost.

In the under-15 age group of the national event for youth football clubs, Inch Colts and Eskmills meet in their replay at Double Hedges, while Edinburgh South and Roseburn Colts face each other in yet another first-round replay in this age group while North Berwick Colts and Musselburgh Windsor Colts will play to finish to get a result in their replay, too.