Hearts lift Scottish Youth Cup after 4-0 victory against Queen’s Park

Hampden was the stage for the grandest occasion in the YFS calendar, as Queen’s Park met Hearts in the Scottish FA Youth Cup Final.

Under the early evening sun, some two and a half thousand people came to the national stadium, eager to see which group of youngsters would claim the prestigious trophy.

It was the Edinburgh club who asserted themselves from the first whistle, moving the ball sharply through midfield and maintaining control. Early corners from Keir McMeekin aimed for Hearts captain Alfie Osborne, as Queen’s Park defenders scrambled to deal with his colossal presence in the box.

From the left hand side, Euan Banks flighted a pass beyond the Spiders’ back line, plucked out of the sky by Jaedon Donkor whose shot went high of the bar. The electrifying right winger had beaten left back Harris Afzal to the ball – the first of many enticing duels between the pair.

After 10 minutes, the early Jambos dominance briefly subsided, with Queen’s Park midfielder Caiden Wright orchestrating some progressive play up the park, but they lacked threat around the box. Any danger posed to Hearts was quickly tidied up and dealt with by the composed Osborne at centre back – a player who looks more than ready for senior football.

Just before the half hour mark, Hearts came again through midfielder Stanley Wilson – the architect of many slick attacking moves. The ball was switched wide to Donkor who glided into the box and cut it back across, finding Wilson at the edge of the area, but the midfielder’s shot soared well above the target. It was now looking like just a matter of time for Hearts to find the first goal. 

Donkor was ever more enterprising, showing beautiful technique and pace against Afzal, but the Queen’s Park left back stood firm and blocked several crosses, showing why Southampton have secured his services.

With 10 minutes to go in the half, Hearts crafted a fast team move down the left, playing in Connor Dow. The striker fired in a low cross that goalkeeper Archie Aitchison desperately blocked, but Banks rampaged into the area and smashed the lose ball into the roof of the net, and Hearts took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

The boys in maroon began the second half with the same momentum and quicksilver passing, further overwhelming Queen’s Park with an intense press. Just 2 minutes in, Tommy North jinked into the box and was brought down by the trailing leg of Lewis Smith, and the decision was penalty. North stepped up and coolly slid his spot kick into the bottom right corner. The moment felt harsh for Queen’s Park supporters and a shame for the contest, with hopes of a fight back seeming to have all but faded.

It was clear the Hearts players were now enjoying the occasion, sweeping forward with more intricate passing. Growing confidence lead to quicker decisions, giving them the element of surprise. Just before the hour mark, a long throw into the box was flicked on and Connor Dow reacted first, hooking a shot round his man to squeeze it under the grasp of Aitchison for the third.

Minutes later, Wright struck a sweet volley from distance bound for the top comer, forcing a flying save from Hearts keeper Jack Lyon.

In the final minutes, the Hearts subs combined. Taylor Hogarth’s cross found the perfectly timed run of Jayden Mathie in the box who nudged it home for the fourth and final goal of the final.

After 26 years, Hearts once again lifted the Scottish Youth Cup. Manager David McNeil told Hearts TV: “It was an excellent achievement and one the boys thoroughly deserve. We have set a standard in this cup – not conceding a goal, some of the goals we’ve scored and the performances. They can remember the performance levels that they can achieve when finding their way throughout their career.”

Hearts player of the match: Stanley Wilson

The midfielder showed many sides to his game. His intelligent passing was key in launching fast attacking moves, but he also showed the right levels of aggression to win several challenges.

Queen’s Park player of the match: Harris Afzal

The left back performed admirably against Donkor, sticking with his man and making several blocks. He will be a great addition to Southampton’s academy.

Hearts magic moment: In the second half, Donkor brought down a high ball with a touch of silk. It was something that would just catch the eye of any football fan.

Queen’s Park magic moment: Caiden Wright’s volley – it looked certain to find the top corner.