ONE of the Cowdenbeath area's top youth football sides made a major impact at a top competition in Manchester.

Over the Easter weekend Hill of Beath Hawthorn 17's travelled to Manchester to take part in the prestigious New Balance Easter Cup. The tournament was played at the excellent Platt lane facility, formerly Manchester City's training complex.

Before the tournament started on the Saturday the players celebrated the youngest member of the squad Dave Honeyman's 16th birthday and it was a birthday to remember for him.

Three games were contested on the Saturday. They kicked-off against North London side, Wellinborough Town, and in a tight game the Haws ran out winners 2-1.

Following that Edinburgh team, Currie Star Colts, were the next opponents and very good 3-1 victory was recorded. In the final game of the day Huddersfield Town proved tough, but again the lads came through with a 3-0 win.

On the Sunday, a few tired legs, didn't let the performances dwindle as they recorded two fantastic wins, 3-1 and 2-0 against Harolds Cross, from Dublin, and the Manchester Regional Select.

With the Haws topping the group table and Manchester Select coming second the two teams lined up again to contest the eagerly awaited final. A big crowd was present to see the game which started off at a quick pace.

The Haws settled quickly with Ross Cuthbert making a great run down the left hand side before crossing for Jake Mitchell to score at the back post to put the lads 1-0 ahead.

The game then swung from end to end with both teams creating chances but unable to record any counters until the last minute when young Dave Honeyman was put through just inside the Manchester half and he run through one-on-one before coolly slotting home beyond the 'keeper to everyone's delight.

Said Haws 17s' John Mitchell: "A great weekend was had by everyone, the players were excellent in what turned out to be a very competitive tournament with six strong teams.

"It's great for the lads to get away together for a few days and it adds to the team spirit they already have. Also it's great to represent Hill of Beath Hawthorn away from home and the boys were a credit to themselves and the Club "