Season Ends at Tynecastle

Last updated : 16 May 2004 By Firparkcorner

After the game Terry and the team acknowledged the large travelling support and they now pack their bags for a well-deserved holiday.


Mark Fitzpatrick got his starting debut, replacing the injured Shaun Fagan, but the biggest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for David Cowan who made his long awaited return for the last ten minutes.

A blunder on the dead ball line by a combination of Hammell and Corrigan allowed Hartley to square to the unmarked Wyness for an easy tap in before five minutes had elapsed. We feared the worst as Hearts threatened for most of the half but we were to reach the break one ahead.

The wall stood firm (almost!)
In thirty six minutes, Clarkson found himself with time on the right wing to send a cross which Burns collected at the far post. His shot from close range came off the post and Scott McDonald was on hand to score the equaliser. Cries of “Doogay ,Doogay “ filled Tynecastle, but better was to come.


On the stroke of half time a Jason Dair corner found Clarkson at the near post. His header sailed high into the net. The players headed for the tunnel and the ‘Well fans relaxed in the perfect May weather.

We started the second half in the same attacking way we finished the first. There were so many chances in the opening five minutes that it was difficult to count. First Toastie ran in on goal to collect a squared chip only to see the ball come off his thigh and into the arms of the grateful keeper from inside the six yard box. Seconds later he got to ball from the keeper outside the corner of the box. He looked up and sent a curler towards the empty goal.
 
It was on target but the lack of power on the shot enabled a maroon defender time to recover. Even Craigan got in on the act with a fierce shot from twenty five yards which Gordon held well. Another few chances followed.

Cheerio

As is always the case, we paid the price for missed opportunities. Twenty minutes later saw the score level again, when Corr could only parry Hartley’s shot to see it fall kindly for Wyness who took his second of the match. Hearts’ winner followed in seventy five minutes when a McKenna downward header rose to find the top corner.

Burns had yet another chance just before he was hooked to allow Cowan his return. After a defensive mix up he was allowed to run in of goal. He shot from a fairly acute angle (when Clarkson was available in the centre) and his near lost attempt was wide of the target. He kicked the turf in frustration.


Kenny Wright replaced Fitzpatrick but the pattern of the game changed little. We had a couple of late flourishes when Corrigan got his head to a corner. The ball was destined for the bottom corner but again, good defending stopped us gaining the point we probably deserved.


The crowd stood as one to show appreciation as the final whistle blew. The whole squad (with the noticeable exception of Burns) took a few bows.

Enjoy your holidays lads – its been a great season!