Under 21s share spoils with rivals

On an unusually muggy afternoon, the Edinburgh Under 21s were forced to take a point when on the road against fierce rivals Heriot-Watt. The two teams had already met earlier in the season in a feisty encounter which saw both sides see red, but with Edinburgh taking all three points.

Heriot-Watt sought redemption for this previous exchange and set out positively from the first whistle. With a wide pitch and a quick wet surface, the home team kept the ball well, but lacked any serious telling threat. When Edinburgh did manage to regain possession, they were lazy and gave the ball away far too cheaply. This allowed increasing pressure on Edinburgh’s back four and eventually it took its toll.
In the 35th minute the determined Heriot Watt full back swung in a delivery that the Edinburgh defence failed to deal with. It was duly met at the back post and the home side went into the first half with a deserved 1-0 lead. 

The second half proved to be far more aesthetically appealing as both sides were committed to keeping the ball better. Managers from both teams felt the need to bring on fresh legs and with that came a more attacking impetuous, but it was Edinburgh’s central midfield trio of Brendan McGivern, Matthew Haffie and Andy Thomson who began to link well with far better composure. This led to Edinburgh’s first real opportunity when McGivern swung in an inviting cross only to see Johnny Burrows header narrowly miss the target.

On the hour mark Edinburgh got the goal they duly deserved. A teasing run and cross from Thomson was thrashed in at the back post by the hard working Ross Patterson to level the score. The finale proved to be exhausting as for tiring legs there seemed plenty, however drive for the win was still evident from both camps.

Heriot Watt saw a goal mouth scramble hit the post and Edinburgh countered with an immediate response only to see their promising attack come to an anti climatic end.

Edinburgh’s coach spoke after the game complimenting his side’s effort; ‘I was reasonably pleased with the lad’s performance today but I was more impressed with their character they showed in the second half.’

On the day the points were shared but with four taken from both clashes, Edinburgh can surely, for now, claim to hold the derby bragging rights.