Following the final whistle there was an anxious wait for the result to come from Rugby Park but the draw between Killie and Inverness ensured that we will be in sixth place after 33 games. It is a massive achievement for our small squad after a long hard season that started early in July. Congratulations to all who contributed!
With an eye on next week’s semi final Stuart McCall rested several key players. This gave an opportunity for Jones, Casagolda and seventeen year old Stuart Carswell (pictured left)to make an impression. The level inexperience on the park can be illustrated by the strength on the bench. The debutant played for ninety minutes and he was delighted to take the cheers of the fans at the end of the game.
Carswell and Forbes had the job of securing the centre of midfield and they did well. Hearts had the majority of the ball but our defence coped well enough. Jones had the first goal attempt but that, together with most of the chances from both sides, was off target. Elliot responded in kind within a minute.
The subs takea jog
The hosts, celebrating the 125th anniversary in Gorgie, had their best chance when Stevensoin connected well with a volley and Randolph had to produce a desperate clearance at the feet of the lurking Skacel.
Before the break Saunders fired low from twenty-odd yards and struck the base of the post. That was almost his last contribution as a tweaked hamstring forced his half time substitution. Hammell came on and Ross switched wings at the back.
Hateley had the away support rising in anticipation as he sailed through a flock of defenders and into the penalty box but his final touch caused the ball to overrun.
Jeffries recognised his team’s lack of progress on the hour with a triple substitution. The game lacked spark and goalmouth incidents were few and far between. It had the air of an end of season affair in the spring sunshine.
Sutton replaced Casagolda, Forbes rattled the bar with a good lofted effort before Murphy replaced Humphrey. The winger had suffered a ‘dead leg’ after a cynical block that merited the yellow card.
Randolph coped with the last gasp efforts and at the other end Forbes shot wide from 25 yards.
To take a point at Tynecastle is normally a good result but this one allows us to look forward to next week’s semi final on the back of a wee unbeaten run and boosted by the comforting knowledge that we’ll play the last five SPL fixtures in the top half.