Hearts U20s 4-2 Motherwell U20s

13.11.2012

A rampant Hearts U20s put a sluggish opening 20 minutes behind them as they roared back from a two-goal deficit to overpower their Motherwell counterparts and ultimately run out 4-2 winners.

Inspired by a simply stunning individual display from hat-trick hero Jamie Walker, the Jambos scored four on the night but could have doubled that tally as they threatened to score at will in what proved to be their 4th consecutive win in the SPL U20 league.

With the fixture moved to Tynecastle in an attempt to boost fund-raising efforts, the 935 fans who attended were deservedly rewarded with a thrilling end-to-end game and a glimpse at some truly exciting stars of the future.

Despite a positive final result, however, Motherwell did threaten to spoil the party atmosphere. The Steelmen prowled around the pitch confidently, and took a deserved lead after 12 minutes when a well-worked set piece found Axel Bossekota, who slipped a neat finish past the returning Mark Ridgers in goal.

Shortly after, 'Well doubled their lead. Some neat passing in the centre of the park found Robert McHugh, with the striker's threaded ball finding Craig Moore who drilled the ball past Ridgers into the corner.

Hearts were stunned and took a few minutes to regain their composure, but when they did it was a joy to behold. With nothing on, Walker cut inside from the left flank and unleashed a wonderful rising shot that flew past Lee Hollis and into the top corner.

Almost immediately, another ball into the box caused confusion and panic, and Hollis kicked the ball off his own defender only to see it roll just wide of the post, much to the goalkeeper's relief.

The half ended with chances at both ends. Firstly, McHugh muscled his way through three defenders but Ridgers rushed out to block with his feet. Then, at the other end of the park, a long-range Denis Prychynenko effort was well held by Hollis.

Although Motherwell started the second period the better team, they were caught out by a fine passing move. Walker dropped his shoulder to evade his marker, slid in Adam King who found brother Billy King on the penalty spot, and the young forward smashed the ball home to level up.

Soon after, the Jambos finally took the lead. After yet more exemplary build-up play in midfield, the rampaging Adam King hit the byline once more. His low cross was nudged on by Gordon Smith to the on-rushing Walker at the back post, who had the easiest of tasks to roll the ball into the empty net.

From hereon, the match turned into a game of counter attack. While dealing excellently with Motherwell pressure, Hearts were content to break at will. One occasion saw Walker slide the ball to Smith, but the striker's shot shanked off his boot and drifted harmlessly wide.

Next, Billy King carried the ball from the half-way line, but with three team-mates in support, the youngster's inexperience showed as he went for goal himself, and saw his effort blocked.

Finally, the relentless Hearts pressure told. Collecting the ball on the right flank, Jamie Walker danced past one defender, then another and one more, before exploding a stunning left-foot drive into the top corner from fully 25 yards. It completed the winger's hat-trick, and a finer individual performance at Tynecastle this season will be hard to find.

Hearts had chances to extend their lead further, but the luckless Smith found Hollis in good form, as did Sam Nicholson whose lovely pirouette and run deserved a better end result.

With that last chance, an excellent night at Tynecastle drew to a close. Despite a ropey opening quarter to the game, the Wee Jambos found their rhythm and simply blew Motherwell away in the second half.

Hearts: Ridgers, A. King, Mullen, Prychynenko, McGhee, Tapping, B. King, Robinson, G. Smith, Nicholson, Walker. Subs not used: Hamilton, Scott, Oliver, Gordon, Scott, Beith, Keegan.

Motherwell: Hollis, Ashgar, Francis-Angol, Murray, Kerr, Hetherington, Moore, Carswell (Leitch 80'), McHugh, Daley, Bossekota (Thomas 65'). Subs not used: Stewart, Green, Johnstone, McCafferty, Neill.

Referee: Michael Taylor

Top man: Jamie Walker

Hearts World