Workman-like performance puts Edinburgh City’s U13s into fourth round draw.

It was the home side that put their name firmly into the hat for the fourth round draw, as they ran out 2-0 winners against Syngenta Juveniles, with Joseph McGinnes scoring from the spot, and Charlie Grant scoring late on to secure the win. Their workman-like performance pushed them over the line, fighting right until the end to get through to the next round.

Blue skies created the perfect setting for a Scottish cup tie and it was the home side that began the brighter, with two half chances, one from a corner which was dealt with by the Syngenta keeper, and another which was whistled over the bar by Joseph McGinnes.

In the 14th minute, Cameron Orrock in the Syngenta goal was forced into action once again, parrying the ball out for a corner, from Ally Birk’s audacious overhead kick from just outside the box.

Syngenta Juveniles were put under the cosh, with Edinburgh piling it on with attack after attack. City’s midfield dominated the field, with Billy Birks breaking up several counter attacking attempts by the away side. It was McGinnes however, who once again found himself free 20 yards out, who came closest to scoring in that passage of play, as his shot went narrowly wide.

Just before half time, Edinburgh City were awarded a penalty, after Billy Birks was brought down inside the box. McGinnes converted cooly, to Orrock’s right, breaking the deadlock, and giving City the lead.  

It was clear what Syngenta were trying to do in the second. Try and hit that ball over the City defence and get either of the two strikers to run onto it. They started the second half brightly, with several of those balls, just evading both Jed Robinson and Jayden Johnston.

However, it was Edinburgh City, who had the first big chance in the second half. It was Ethan Johnston’s corner again which caused confusion in the box, aimed towards the front post this time, the ball found itself to Jamie Kneebone who rattled the crossbar with a venomous shot from 10 yards out.

Towards the end of the game, both sides were fighting hard for every ball in the midfield, with both playing very direct styles, hoping to catch each other’s defence out. Brody Morrison especially, was eager to get his team going, with several won tackles in the midfield.

Into the final minute of play, and it was Syngenta who switched off for a second, unaware of Ruaridh McQueenie lurking on the right hand side byline. He put in a peach of a ball straight onto Charlie Grant at the back post, who headed it home, to ensure Edinburgh City place in the Scottish Cup fourth round.

The goal was met with euphoria from the City bench, and with muffled frustration from Syngenta’s. The Falkirk based side will go home disappointed that they couldn’t quite get it done on the day.