Shootout heartbreak

Hearts U17s suffered a penalty shootout defeat tonight as Hibs U17s lifted the East of Scotland Shield at Easter Road.

In a topsy turvy game Hearts twice took the lead, but Hibs fought back to end the match at 2-2.

The Wee Jambos enjoyed a long period of sustained pressure, forcing their hosts to utilise the long ball game. But despite some fancy flowing football, Hearts couldn't find the back of the net.

Though that changed on the half hour mark. Sam Nicholson was the victim of a two footed challenge in the Hibs penalty area and after some hesitation referee James Campbell awarded the spot kick. Adam King stepped up to drill the ball low and into Hibs 'keeper Douglas Horne's right hand corner to put Hearts one up.

Immediately after the restart, Hearts went on the search for another goal and nearly got it when Jordan McGhee struck a 30 yard thunderbolt off the crossbar.

After that Hibs began to get a foothold in the game, which culminated in Robert McFarlane scoring from a yard out, the young Hibs player ghosting in at the back door and connecting with an in-swinging cross.

That lead only lasted five minutes however, as the Wee Jambos set about going back in front. A super cross from the left saw Gary Oliver connect with a first time volley in the box which crashed into the roof of the net.

In another twist, it was Hibs who got back on level terms. Jay Doyle showed some good tenacity to follow the ball into the box and slide the ball past the despairing Blair Carswell.

No team could make the breakthrough from thereon in, so penalties took place to decide who would lift the East of Scotland Shield.

Unfortunately the Wee Jambos could not capitalise from the spot, with one miss meaning that it was Hibs who emerged victorious on home soil.

Hearts World