U19s on top
20.02.2012

Hearts U19s resumed their league campaign after an extended winter break with a fine away win against Aberdeen.

Top scorer Billy King got Hearts off to the best possible start with a cool finish from a Callum Paterson pass after just five minutes. The young Dons equalised five minutes into the 2nd half but the never say die attitude of the Hearts side saw them score a late winner through Dale Carrick with just three minutes left.
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Despite the layoff the Hearts players looked sharp from the off, although Brad McKay was careless in possession after two minutes, conceding a free kick at the edge of the box, but the danger was cleared without alarm. Two minutes later Callum Paterson was first to try his luck at goal with a shot from 25 yards that went over the top.

Aberdeen went close on five minutes with a shot from McManus that appeared to be blocked on the line by his own player. As the ball was cleared Hearts launched an immediate counter attack as the ball was fed to Callum Paterson on the right side and he drove forward at pace down the flank, outpacing the defence in the process. He looked up and squared the ball to the unmarked Billy King 10 yards out, who stroked the ball past the helpless Danny Rogers in the Aberdeen goal.

The game was end to end, but Hearts were more assured in possession. Ryan Stewart and Chris Tobin just missed the target from distance as Hearts sought to extend their lead. Meanwhile, Aberdeen - with good pace up front - managed to get in a few crosses but failed to test Jack Hamilton in the Hearts goal.

Dale Carrick missed a good chance to double Hearts' lead after 39 minutes when he mis-timed his header from close in and the danger cleared.

Half time came with Hearts fully meriting their advantage.

Aberdeen started the second half in a much more determined fashion and were quickly rewarded. Jamie Masson beat his man on the right and crossed for Cameron Smith to volley home from close range five minutes into the second half.

On the hour mark Hearts had a claim for a penalty turned down when the keeper appeared to impede Ryan Stewart, but it didn't help the winger's case that he went down in installments.

Darren Murray made a change after 71 minutes, bringing Sam Nicholson on for the injured Ryan Stewart. Sam's presence gave Hearts the edge in the closing minutes as he showed that he had the beating of the full back and made some telling crosses.

The winning goal finally came with just three minutes left, although there was a little good fortune involved. Fraser Mullen took possession 20 yards out and sought to create space for a shot, but his attempt was deflected into the path of Dale Carrick who showed good composure to hit the ball low past the keeper from 10 yards.

Taken from the Scotsman