Can We Play Hearts Every Week Please?

A cold, sunny afternoon at Fir Park provided fine conditions for the fourth meeting between the teams this season. Marc Fitzpatrick was presented with a starting slot due to Phil O’Donnell’s inured ankle.

We controlled the whole game. Hearts managed two shots of any note and they came inside the first few minutes of each half. Our first chance came in twelve minutes when McDonald forced himself in front of Wallace in the chase for the ball inside the box. The defender pulled our man to the ground and the referee pointed to the spot. Hamilton grabbed the ball and despite McBride making a claim to take the kick, the newcomer stepped up to take the spot kick. Butcher described it as “one of the worst penalties ever” in his post match interview and keeper Gordon has an easy save.

Despite this setback we continued to push forward at every opportunity and the reward cane when Hammell’s fierce shot broke off Gordon for McDonald to be presented with a straightforward goal.

A weak penalty saved.

Fitzpatrick then snapped up a loose ball and charged into the box. Despite the attention of a couple of defenders he lashed a left footed shot into the net. He must be looking forward to playing Hearts every week with memories of the semi final winner still fresh in his mind.

Hearts made the first of several changes at the break and the home crowd prepared itself for the inevitable all out attack from the Tarts. But it didn’t happen. We maintained our concentration and for the most part stifled their attacks with stout defending and continued the pattern established in the first half. Lots of passing and free flowing attacks. McDonald turned Pressley inside out and Hamilton looked dominant in the air.

Well done Skippy.

Our midfield controlled their zone while Partridge and Craigan looked solid. Quinn cleared off the line after a mixup in our six yard box.

Terry summed it up saying, “An excellent performance from front to back, we were in their faces all over the park”. We have no game scheduled for next weekend so the squad can take some time to enjoy the win. We move on to thirty three points and retain our sixth place.

And we can scour the record books to see if we have ever beaten the Jambos four times in a season. Happy, happy day!