YFS
As the sun beamed down on a beautiful Spring afternoon at New Victoria Park, it was Tynecastle FC who emerged victorious over Portobello CFA to reach the 2017 SYFA Scottish Cup final, thanks to a brace from striker John Robertson.
It was a cagey start from both sides, the magnitude of the occasion clearly not lost on the players. In the early stages, neither teams' midfield could take control of the game, and it was Portobello who had the best of the minimal chances.
Space opened up in the middle of the park for Diste Camara Silva, but his strike from distance went wide of the Tynecastle goal. Moments later, winger Tadgh Flanagan-Woodhead found striker Aidan MacKenzie with a smart pass, but Tynie 'keeper Kyle Wilson was quick off his line to quell any possible danger.
Tynecastle's first chance came from a dead ball situation, as Alassan Jones' free kick went just wide of the post. Robertson's considerable skill helped Tynecastle take a foothold in the game. The striker glided past several Portobello players, although he was unable to create any clear cut chances.
However, it wasn't just Robertson's skill that stood out. As MacKenzie attempted to break through the Tynecastle defence, goalkeeper Wilson received a high back pass from his backline, which he took down exquisetly onto his chest, evoking a large round of applause from the crowd.
The tempo of the game picked up following a Tynecastle penalty claim that was initially awarded by the referee. Robertson once again showed off his quick feet in the box before falling to the ground, with the referee subsequently pointing to the spot, before changing his mind after talking to his assistant.
Tynecastle ended the half with another chance, with Portobello centre half Jordan Keenan doing well to block the shot of Charlie Green.
