Robertson provides a little cheer

RAY HEPBURN

12 Aug 1993

Hearts 2, Stranraer 0

IT was like old times last night at Tynecastle.

The Great Waldo was in his front row seat and John Robertson was back among the goals.

Stranraer, however, were not simply a side making the programme complete.

The Edinburgh team had to work hard for their place in today's League Cup third-round draw.

However, Sandy Clark's mix of youth and experience, if not exactly firing on all cylinders, had more than enough under the bonnet to claim the victory.

In their best moments Hearts put together slick passing sequences with Gary Mackay, Justin Fashanu, and Robertson chief among the more accurate users of the ball.

But the periods in between were too long for a home support who were quick to appreciate the second division team's spirit and adventure.

The Hearts fans had to hold their breath after only two minutes when Steve Cody played Danny Diver into the area, but Henry Smith was quickly off his line to block the shot.

Hearts finally broke through the stubborn Stranraer defence in 32 minutes after Jim Hughes had been penalised for hand ball.

Tosh McKinlay and Mackay neatly set up the free kick for Robertson to drill the ball in low from 20 yards.

The Edinburgh side clinched the match in 71 minutes when Kevin Thomas, who had replaced Fashanu, found Colquhoun in the six-yard box with his cross and when the ball cannoned off the post, Robertson stabbed in the rebound.

The closing five minutes were brightened by the introduction of 19-year-old Allan Johnston, who paraded fine skills.

HEARTS -- Smith, Locke, McKinlay, Levein, Berry, van de Ven, Colquhoun, Mackay, Fashanu, Wright, Robertson.

Substitues -- Johnston, Thomas, Walker.

STRANRAER -- Duffy, McIntyre, Hughes, Millar, Spittal, Duncan, Sloan, Grant, Diver, Cody, Henderson.

Substitues -- McLaren, Walker, Ross.

Referee -- H Dallas (Bonkle).

Taken from the Herald