Youths: Plan comes together for Leith Athletic A Team

Leith Athletic A Team 13s put their Scottish Cup final heartache behind them as they lifted the South East Region Cup at New Countess Park in Dunbar with a 2-0 victory over Edinburgh City Blacks.

Leith Athletic A Team 13s celebrate victory over Edinburgh City Blacks

The Leith side were narrowly edged out by Spartans Reds 2-1 at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium just seven days previously, but they were worthy winners against City.

City had suffered knockout disappointment against Leith in the semi-final of the Stewart Brien Cup recently, but they began this match on the front foot.

Ben Henderson’s effort from the edge of the box was on target five minutes in and replacement goalkeeper Cal Stenhouse did well to make the save.

Leith were beginning to exert themselves on the final and Cameron Kerr did well to whip in a cross for Thomas Ramage after winning possession, but City’s impressive keeper Fraser Taylor made the save.

Kerr was proving troublesome for the City defence and he created an opening for himself after a good run on 12 minutes, only for Taylor to deny him.

Kerr found himself in the right place at the right time to stroke home the opener into an empty net shortly before the break after Ben Murray had gathered possession and played him in.

Taylor produced a fine save on the stroke of half-time from Cameron Stewart to prevent his side facing an uphill task in the second half.

Leith continued to dominate against their Division 1 league rivals after the interval. Lewis Owens’ strike looked goalbound only for Taylor to produce the goods once more and make the stop.

City were struggling to get the ball forward and bring lone striker Taylor Steven into the match, with Leith’s defence enjoying a comfortable afternoon.

The crucial second goal arrived 14 minutes into the second period. Stewart provided an excellent assist for Murray, who powered a left-footed shot across Taylor and into the net.

Leith should have added to their lead in the remaining 20 minutes but City keeper Taylor was in fine form.

Ethan Wynne had the best chance in the final few minutes after a surging solo run took him into the box only for Taylor to deny him the glory.

Leith Athletic A Team 13s: Cal Stenhouse, Cameron Kerr, Daniel Turner, Cameron Stewart, Euan Howie, Adam Zajac, Ethan Wynne, Lewis Owens, Ben Murray, John Ward, Strathy Mackay, Sam Lewis, Thomas Ramage, Owen Gray.

Edinburgh City Blacks 13s: Fraser Taylor, Ben Lovell, Euan Gillespie, Charlie Craig, Kieran Millar, Louie Clark, Ben Henderson, Aidan Walsh, Ted Jones, Nathan Drummond, Calum Begg, Taylor Steven.