SPL Reserve League: Hearts 5-0 Hamilton
From Hearts News at Forthbank

An incredibly young Hearts side destroyed Hamilton 5-0 in this reserve clash at Forthbank today.

With the exception of goalkeeper Marian Kello, no-one in the squad was older than the age of 19 but the boys in maroon tore apart a much more experienced Hamilton side with five different goalscorers: Ryan Wallace, Stephen Husband, Ryan McGowan, David Templeton and Arvidas Novikovas.

Overall the first half was a bit of a dull affair with the only highlight being the moment that separated the sides; a truly world class strike from Ryan Wallace.

Hearts, as they would all day, broke with pace and precision as the ball found its way to Wallace, starting on the left wing. His only option appeared to be crossing for Gary Glen lurking in the middle but instead he chose to cut inside before curling an exquisite shot over Hamilton keeper Stephen Hunt that nestled high in the corner of the net.

An ankle injury forced Glen to withdraw from the action at half time which proved to be the catalyst for the second half destruction. His replacement Arvidas Novikas gave the home side three forwards with blistering pace that continuously exploited the gaps in the Hamilton rearguard as the visitors pressed forward trying to get back into the game.

Stephen Husband was the first to benefit after slack play from the opposition defence allowed Ryan Wallace to steal the ball before releasing Husband who coolly finished into the corner of the net.

Minutes later Hearts extended their lead. Hamilton were once again guilty of surrendering possession as Templeton raced through on the left. The initial shot was blocked but the visitors had no answer for Templeton's resulting corner when he found Ryan McGowan at the front post; the big Aussie showing impressive technique to flick the ball into the goal from close range.

In an attempt to halt their haemorrhaging defence, Hamilton threw on Stuart Taylor and switched to a 3-5-2 formation but it made no difference whatsoever.

Ryan Wallace was next to race through after he turned his marker with unbelievable ease. After rounding the goalkeeper he found himself out of space but the ball was worked across to the far post where Templeton was on hand to smash the ball home.

The rout was complete soon after when Stephen Husband showed incredible vision and execution as his header from a Hamilton goal kick flew over the opposing defence and into the path of the onrushing Novikovas. Earlier in the half the Lithuanian had blazed over when he engineered a great chance for himself but there was no mistake this time as he drilled the ball past the keeper and into the far corner.

Hamilton, eager to at least take something out of this debacle, still gave it their all right until the full time whistle and they would have been rewarded for their efforts had it not been for the determination of Ryan McGowan. The captain literally threw his body on the line to keep his side's clean sheet as he got down very quickly blocking a Derek Asamoah shot on the goal-line.

Coach Darren Murray could not have been happier with his young sides' performance.

"Considering the age of our team and the fact we were up against a side with a lot of SPL experience, I was delighted with the performance," the U19s coach told Hearts News.

"Our display, especially in the first half when we passed the ball for fun at times and opened them up regularly, showed the quality of kids we have at the club.

"Some of the football was very good at times and it was an excellent all round performance."

Hearts: Kello; Brown, R. McGowan, Balatoni (D. McGowan 70), Park; Templeton, Husband, J. Stewart (C Thomson 70), Robinson, Wallace; Glen (Novikovas 46). Sub not used: Ridgers.

On Hearts. TV today, the Erskine charity launch plus highlights of the win over Kilmarnock. The best of the action from Forthbank will appear later.