Dunfermline: Hearts knock Pars out of SFA Youth Cup

ATHLETIC'S young stars saw hopes of an SFA Youth Cup quarter-final end on Tuesday evening as two quick-fire goals set Heart of Midlothian on their way to victory.

Greg Shields' under-18s hosted the capital outfit at KDM Group East End Park on Tuesday night, aiming to book a last eight clash with Rangers.

The Jam Tarts found themselves two goals up in six minutes, thanks to Rocco Friel and James Wilson, but Jake Sutherland's free-kick on the stroke of half-time gave the Pars hope.

Jake Sutherland scored a fine free-kick for the Pars during the tie. (Image: Craig Brown.)

Inside the final 10 minutes, Wilson scored twice, either side of Mark Beveridge netting for Dunfermline, to secure the 2022 finalists' place in the next round.

"I always say when you are 2-0 down it is easy playing, there is nothing to lose, the fear goes and you start relaxing in the game," Shields said post-match.

"Tonight the game was probably won in the first five minutes and it was an uphill battle from then on. We tried to correct it at half-time; we changed shape and pressed a little bit higher and we caused them problems. For 30 to 35 minutes of the second half, Hearts didn’t really get out of their own half.

"It was exciting at times. We had a few moments, Jake Sutherland hit the post and Freddie Rowe had a chance and there was another one across the face of goal when their goalkeeper got pressed. It was a positive reaction from them after half time which was pleasing."

Two goals were not enough on the night for Dunfermline. (Image: Craig Brown.)