ATHLETIC'S youngsters were crowned Reserve Cup winners on Tuesday evening thanks to their strike star siblings.

Captain for the evening, Taylor Sutherland, headed home the decisive goal for the Pars at Livingston, adding to an earlier effort from younger brother, Jake, to give them a 2-1 success in the final.

Having lost last season's showpiece in the competition to a strong and experienced Kilmarnock team, Dunfermline fans were given a glimpse of the talent coming through their academy during a controlled performance that ended in well-deserved success.

Dunfermline Press: The Pars kids won the trophy after a year on from losing the final to Kilmarnock.The Pars kids won the trophy after a year on from losing the final to Kilmarnock. (Image: Craig Brown.)

Despite dominating early on, they fell behind against the run of play in the 23rd minute when Rudi Bryce volleyed in from close range for Livi, but the Pars took just four minutes to respond.

The impressive Andrew Tod, who had had an effort disallowed for a foul minutes before the opener, was the architect, beating his opponent on the right before sending the ball across goal for Jake Sutherland to tap home.

Dunfermline Press: Jake Sutherland, celebrating with Sam Young, equalised for Athletic.Jake Sutherland, celebrating with Sam Young, equalised for Athletic. (Image: Craig Brown.)

Dunfermline continued to press for the remainder of the opening half, and Tod saw a free-kick pushed onto the bar by home keeper, Joe McQuire, before they won it with 15 minutes left.

Jake Rennie did ever so well to send in a cross from the right and Taylor Sutherland soared into the air and looped a header into the back of the net to secure the silverware.

Dunfermline Press: Taylor Sutherland celebrates scoring the winner.Taylor Sutherland celebrates scoring the winner. (Image: Craig Brown.)

After lifting the cup he said: "It's brilliant, a much better feeling than last year anyway!

"It was a tough game. We had the majority of the ball the whole game. They were tough to break down, but we got the final goal in the end to win it. It was brilliant."

Pars coach, Gary Montignani, said: "It doesn’t matter what trophy it is that you are playing for, there is no worse feeling than walking past it to pick up a runners-up medal.

"You can see the enjoyment and it is good that they are sharing it with their families.

"It doesn’t matter what you win, you want winner’s medals in your cabinet when you finish your playing career."