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As these games though, it wasn't bad. ICT played well, keeping the ball on the deck for essentially the whole game, with Laing, Meekings, Polworth and particularly Pepper all impressing. Morrison was alright as well, as was the number 15 putting in a good shift and scored the third goal. Hearts were rather uninspiring, with most of their squad coming down with injuries throughout the ninety minutes. Their goalkeeper though was probably MOTM and had some excellent saves, especially that double save in the first half.

All in all, a decent game and there was even some lightning!

Edited by Renegade
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15 is King

They line 1-11 in these games and wore last seasons shirts.

I saw there was a camera on the other side, will the highlights be going on the YouTube page?

My first time videoing a full game....so can't promise anything (not checked back the footage yet), but with any luck there will be :lol:

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Found this review from a Hearts fan. Sounds like we played well and were unlucky not to score more

Hearts U20s (Reserves) lost their second league game this afternoon, going down 3-2 to ICT at the Tulloch Caledonian stadium. They took a bit of a pounding in the first half despite being level at the break, but grew into the game as they adapted better to compete with a physically stronger side.

I specifically mention "reserves" as Hearts fielded what in essence is a second string U20 side as they were missing 11 players who are eligible to play at that level, nor did they include any overage players.

Hearts Lineup

Jordan Millar

Elliot Ford, Adam King, Jordan McGhee (Aaron Scott), Mark Keegan

George Scott (Robbie Buchanan), Angus Beith (Liam Smith), Conor Duthie

Dale Carrick, Gary Oliver, Sam Nicholson

As a contrast, ICT fielded three overage players and averaged more than two years older the Hearts side.

The game didn't start too well as Hearts conceded a goal inside a minute after a sloppy clearance from the keeper when ICT's striker, Oswell struck an angled shot into the net. However the young keeper was to redeem himself later in the game with a couple of outstanding double saves, a penalty save and some other excellent stops.

Hearts equalised with their first attack after 13 minutes when they won a corner on the right. Mark Keegan played the corner in low to Sam Nicholson who didn't hit it perfectly but it had enough on it to beat the keeper who should have done better.

ICT should have gone back in front after 17 mins when Adam King tripped an ICT player in the box to concede a penalty. However the keeper made a good stop with his legs to divert the ball over the bar.

Hearts went back in front on 29 minutes, against the run of play, with their second attack, this time with a well worked passing move, ending up at the feet of Gary Oliver 15 yards out and his early shot into the postage stamp corner left the keeper with no chance.

However their joy was short lived as two minutes later Jordan McGhee overstretched himself in a challenge and suffered a sore one with a possible torn muscle in his abdomen. He was carried off on a stretcher. Aaron Scott came on in midfield with Conor Duthie dropping back to the unfamiliar role of centre back. The loss of Hearts only recognised centre back was felt soon afterwards when on 35 minutes ICT leveled the game at 2-2 when a corner was headed home by Meekings.

Half time came at 2-2 with Hearts rather fortunate to be on level terms. Hearts had been guilty of standing off their opponents and being brushed off the ball too easily by straight forward physical challenges.

The second half continued with ICT still enjoying the best of the play and the chances while Jordan Miller continued his heroics in goal, but gradually Hearts leaned to compete better and use their passing ability to good effect. Hearts almost got back in front after 53 minutes after Aaron Scott set up Dale Carrick superbly just 10 yards out but his left foot shot was saved by the legs of Matheson in the ICT goal.

However it was ICT who got the only goal of the half in 60 minutes when a header, following a corner, was initially cleared off the line by George Scott, but when the ball was returned into the area ICT sub Ferguson drove the ball home.

The remainder of the game was much more even and Hearts almost snatched an equaliser with the last touch of the game. Mark Keegan swung in a free kick from wide out on the left which the keeper could only palm into the air to Sam Nicholson, who saw his looping header just go over the top of an unguarded goal.

ICT full deserved their win, but it is clear that Hearts plan to use the U20 League as a development tool for their younger players, and may suffer further reverses as a result. However it will help accelerate the development of the younger guys so all is not lost.

Best for Hearts today were two 15 year olds, Millar in goal who recovered well from his error in the opening minute and Conor Duthie who produced a fine display at the back after McGhee went off, despite never having played there before. (He could be another Callum Paterson in that regard).

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If it's results we are looking for - good day at the office - well done guys.

If it's player development - I still believe younger players will come on quicker playing with more experienced / older pros so I hope we continue to use the 3 "older heads" in each game. I suppose each club will have different policies but if they see us using the 3, expect them to do the same next time round.

Apart from giving the players some confidence, I still don't think results are the be all and end all. What we want is to see at least one youngster getting to the next level.

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