Five-star Salvesen tame the Red Lions to move up league table

Lions, who occupy bottom position in the ERYFA table, have yet to get off the mark this season in the league, with opponents Salvesen also  struggling for consistency.

Salvesen went ahead after just two minutes. Danny Brown collected the ball deep inside Lions’ territory and drove forward before unleashing a powerful strike which zipped into the back of the net.

Ben Hughes then finished off a fine team move when he fired into the corner to make it 2-0 at half-time.

Jak Townsley made it three and Niall Doherty’s rasping drive from the edge of the box oozed class as it flew into the back of the net.

Zander Paget then completed the rout with a fifth in what was a day to forget for the Lions.

Salvesen coach Rankin  Laing was pleased with his side’s performance as they  secured a precious three points.

Laing said: “We could have had a couple of goals more but they (Lions) should have had a few goals themselves. We are struggling for players at the moment but it would be good to get ourselves back up the league table.”

Lions coach Lukasz Zuk said: “Our fitness levels look much better so I am happy to see some progress.

“Most of our players have never really played on a full-size pitch so they are trying to adjust. We need to start scoring goals but the movement is much better.”

Hutchie 16s into quarters

Hutchison VALE 16s are through to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup after a hard-fought 2-0 victory over divisional rivals Loanhead Miners Youth at Poltonhall 3G. Both sides have proved to be competitive this season, with solid performances in both league and cup fixtures.

However, on this occasion, it was visitors Hutchie who were the more clinical in front of goal, which proved to be  decisive.

Terrific build-up play from Ethan Nicholson provided an easy chance for team-mate Adam Forrest, who put Hutchie ahead from close range.

Ross McCann then doubled the lead before the break when he produced an excellent finish into the top corner to put Hutchie in the ascendancy. Hutchie goalkeeper Chris Burt did produce a number of crucial stops in the opening 40 minutes to keep his side’s lead intact.

The second half produced further opportunities for both Loanhead and Hutchie but neither could find the finishing touch.

Hutchie’s Martin Fitheridge was pleased to get through in what he conceded was a tricky tie.

Fitheridge said: “The game could have gone either way if I am being honest. It quite easily could have been 5-5 at half-time, there were that many chances. We go into every competition thinking we can win it but with Tynecastle a wee bit ahead of us in the league, the Scottish Cup is certainly a main priority for us this season.”

Edina 14s too hot for Rose

Edina HIBS 14s eased their way through to the semi-finals of the Willie Bauld Memorial Trophy with a 3-0 triumph over Bonnyrigg Rose at Bingham Park.

Edina will now face either Hutchison Vale or Tynecastle, who have yet to play their quarter-final tie, for a place in the final next spring.

Edina opened the scoring in the first half when Ross Hope got on the end of a Lee Linton free-kick to head home and give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break.

Thomas Purves then made it two when his left-footed drive went in at the far post from inside the box and Hope added his second and Edina’s third when he chipped in to complete a comprehensive victory.

Edina coach Grant Fleming said: “We played well – it was one of our better performances of the season, with Bonnyrigg causing us very few problems.

“We will now play either Hutchie or Tynecastle in the semi-finals so they are always favourites.

“But if we turn up on the day and put in a performance then you never know.”