OUT ON THEIR PARS

DUNFERMLINE keeper Dorus De Vries last night told Hearts they sealed their Scottish Cup exit by dumping Craig Gordon from the team again.

The Pars knocked the holders out thanks to an injury-time goal from defender Scott Wilson.

It was one of two big shocks in the fourth round as St Johnstone also humbled SPL side Falkirk 3-0.

De Vries played his part for the Fifers with two fine saves and blasted the Jambos over their treatment of fellow goalie Gordon who is being left out for non-football reasons

He said: "The situation for Craig is terrible. It's unbelievable he's not playing, especially when it appears to be down to politics.

"I admire him and think he's a top keeper. The decision not to play him isn't good for Hearts and for Scottish football.

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"I've never known this kind of thing to take place in football. What is going on at Hearts is unique. We thought he would play today and couldn't believe it when we heard he was left out."

The heroics of De Vries (right) helped heap pressure on Jambos boss Valdas Ivanauskas who failed to face the press after the game.

Assistant Stevie Frail was sent instead and the farce deepened when even HE didn't know why Ivanauskas wasn't present.

Frail guessed hemight have gone to catch a plane to France to take in the midweek clash between Mali and Lithuania.

The Jambos No.2 didn't appear to be happy with the team selection but is powerless about that. He also disputed the decision by ref Mike McCurry to award the free-kick that led to Wilson's winner.

He said: "I didn't think there was contact between Marius Zaliukas and Jim Hamilton but the ref thought differently.

"Wedidn't defend well enough at the cross ball and it's sore to lose in the final seconds.

"The boys didn't take their chances and that can come back to haunt you. We will now have to do what we can to stay in touch with Rangers for second place in the league."

Pars gaffer Stephen Kenny was delighted and said: "We had a few days away in Spain and I have to thank the board for finding the money to send us. It was good for bonding and integrating the new faces.

"Adam Hamill played well. He's just 19 and we have him on loan from Liverpool. He played a big part.

"It's about survival for us in the SPL but a run in the cup is great and long may it continue."

Taken from the Sunday Mail