It is some years since Edinburgh SFA has been able to enter a team in the SSFA National Cup for under 15 boys but last Thursday they made a successful return when they defeated Forth Valley SFA at Ainslie Park, the home of Spartans FC.

In a dominant first half Edinburgh played some very good football and raced into a 3 – 0 lead as Forth Valley failed to get started.

A positive run down the left wing after 10 minutes saw a cross which found Josh Beveridge unmarked in the six yard box The forward had a tap in chance against the unguarded Jack Sneddon.

Their second goal came after a good run into the box found Jack Carroll. The striker beat the defender before hitting a powerful and well placed shot into the far corner.

Keeper Sneddon made a great save but worse was to come for Forth Valley when the referee awarded a penalty 10 minutes before half time. Josh McDonald took the kick and fired home powerfully.

Rallying before half time Forth valley were very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. Aaron Beuzelin hit a shot which struck the inside of both posts and stayed out. To make matters worse the home keeper made a miracle save as Murray Shaw was about to net the rebound.

Forth Valley made some changes and in the second half came back into the game as Edinburgh took their foot ‘off the gas’.

Substitute Liam Simpson looped a header back across goal that crept in under the bar after 10 minutes but the visitors couldn’t caitalise quickly enough from their spell on top.

The score was brought back to 3 – 2 when Shaun Harrison netted from the penalty spot but despite their efforts Forth Valley could not manage to create another clear chance as Edinburgh saw the remaining time out.

Both teams now face opposition from West Lothian and Lanarkshire in the remaining group section games.