Robertson penalty fails to revive dismal Hearts

Published on 3 Dec 1992

Falkirk 2, Hearts 1

FALKIRK deservedly picked up two valuable points in a match which they totally dominated as Hearts failed to raise their game after their dismal result against Aberdeen at the weekend.

The problems for the visitors started in only the second minute.

An Eddie May free kick floated over the Hearts' defenders and landed in front of Weir.

The central defender, not noted for his striking prowess, barely had time to react before the ball broke off his foot and flashed wide of Henry Smith's post.

Perhaps sensing an air of uncertainty in the Hearts' defence, Falkirk pushed forward and in the seventh minute only a timely intervention by Dutchman Van de Ven prevented Cadette from breaking through.

Then in 24 minutes Hearts were denied a penalty when Robertson appeared to be fouled by Weir and no sooner had the noise of the crowd subsided than Falkirk did score.

Lennox found Cadette with a diagonal pass that left the Hearts' back four wrong footed.

Henry Smith, sprinting from his line, blocked Cadette's shot but was unable to prevent Ian McCall from netting the rebound from all of 20 yards.

Eight minutes later Kevin Drinkell added to Hearts' misery.

McAllister took a corner kick that he himself had won and Drinkell's powerful header was in the net before Smith had time to react.

On the stroke of half-time Fraser Wishart was adjudged to have fouled Robertson in the area and the international striker hit home the penalty with great authority.

Drinkell and Robertson were booked.

FALKIRK -- Parks, Wishart, McQueen, Duffy, Weir, May, McAllister, Cadette, Drinkell, McCall, Lennox.

Substitutes -- Oliver, Sloan.

HEARTS -- Smith, McLaren, Snowden, Levein, McKay, van de Ven, Robertson, D Ferguson, Baird, Millar, Berry.

Substitutes -- I Ferguson, Foster.

Referee -- J Kelly (East Kilbride).

Taken from the Herald