Hearts show they are still marooned in a sticky patch

DOUGLAS CAMPBELL

18 Oct 1993

IT cannot be much fun looking out the maroon-and-white scarf these days and going along to cheer on Hearts.

People, and there are many, who feel compelled to follow this ritual as if by instinct of a weekend, really must have perpetrated some form of dastardly act in an earlier life and now are being repaid.

The problem appears to be that the footballers from the capital are not exactly in love with their work, or if they are, the method adopted to display their zest and enthusiasm is certainly different.

Of course, it may just be that the Jam Tarts are experiencing a somewhat sticky period -- all clubs have them from time to time -- and will, in the end, come good.

However, there was little evidence of the corner even being in sight far less negotiated at Stark's Park on Saturday, when Raith Rovers did a number on Hearts to record their first home success in the premier division.

The ball was forever in the possession of a man in maroon but, predictably, what then ensued was it was thumped high into Raith's danger zone, where defenders Shaun Dennis and Ronnie Coyle coped with apparent ease.

And even after Peter Hetherston kicked the ball past Nicky Walker for the only goal of the match, Hearts seldom altered their staid pattern.

With the Raith defenders gobbling up their opponents' best shots with apparent disdain, another ploy was badly needed.

Alas, it failed to materialise.

Sandy Clark, the Hearts manager, was economical with his after-match comments, claiming that with such a poor scoring record -- only seven goals in 12 matches -- he was aware of his team's deficiencies and he would be looking at the situation.

The many Hearts fans who filed out of the ground with the ball still in motion will hope that Clark's remedy, whatever that may be, is both swift and telling.

There was understandable euphoria at the home end when referee Douglas Hope said we had had enough, and many of Raith's supporters then poured into local inns to celebrate.

Jimmy Nicholl, the Stark's Park leader also looked contented as he sipped a refreshment later in his office, and chatted about his men's battling qualities that, in Nicholl's estimation, had won the day.

"We certainly answered a question defensively," said the Irishman, almost glowing as he went on to single out Dennis, Coyle, and George McGeachie for special mention.

With two away matches against sides in close proximity in the table, Nicholl is well aware of the importance of doing well against such opposition.

However, it should be expected that St Johnstone and Partick Thistle will have much more varied, attacking options than were presented to Raith's defenders.

To add insult to injury, the Hearts support were loudly informed by the other lot that their club would be "going down with Killie" at the end of the season.

But that surely is rubbish.

Hearts are far too proud and respected an operation to concern themselves unduly with such matters as relegation, even though three teams must face the prospect of slithering into the first division come the Spring.

Hearts won't be one of them, will they?

Taken from the Herald