Gretna U19s 1-4 Hearts U19s

The Youth Team’s Scottish Cup adventure is over for another year after a clinical Hearts side won the Fourth Round tie at Raydale. 

They had to come from behind however, as Gretna took the lead with the first attack of the game on 2 minutes.

Matthew Poulson’s free-kick into the box was only partially cleared and Nathan Taylor took full advantage of the space afforded to him to fire the ball into the net from 8 yards.

The lead only last four minutes though, as Rocky Visconte equalised for Hearts with a thunderous shot from the corner of the penalty area that struck the post on its way into the net.

And on 10 minutes, Paul Mulrooney met Jonathan Brown’s cross at the far post and headed past Conor Grant to complete a quick turnaround for the visitors.

The frantic pace relented as Gretna battled hard to get back on level terms but they found themselves further behind at half-time when Hearts broke on the counter attack.

Slovenian Matej Rapik made strides into the box and squared the ball to Scott Robinson, who had the simple task of tapping home from close range.

Iain Scott introduced Joe Hughes after the break and he almost made an immediate impact when Poulson’s corner found its way through to the substitute at the far post, although his shot lacked conviction and was saved by Bjurnsson.

The Icelandic keeper was beaten on 65 minutes when another terrific corner delivery from Poulson found the net but referee Brian Templeton blew for an infringement. It was a harsh decision and Nathan Taylor was booked for his protests to the official.

Worse was to follow for the goalscorer, as less than two minutes later, he was given his marching orders after picking up a second yellow for a late challenge.

And Gretna’s misery was compounded on 76 minutes when the visitors added a fourth goal from the penalty spot. Nicholas Faulds brought down substitute Mark Cowan as he bore down on goal and Jonathan Brown converted the resultant kick, despite the best efforts of Conor Grant who got a hand to the ball.

Gretna: Grant, Pattison (Fisher), Poulson, Campagna, Faulds, Sharples, Robinson, Smee (Hughes), Taylor, Cusack (Moffett), O’Hara. Subs not used: Cunningham, Easton.