Clydesdale Bank SPL, Saturday 18 December 2010 - Ice Station Tynecastle
Something had to give. Prior to this game Hearts had won six SPL games in a row; Caley Thistle were unbeaten away from home in league football for more than a year. Somewhat inevitably the game ended in a draw although, in my naturally unbiased opinion, Hearts did everything but win the game. Apart from a strangely lethargic opening spell when the visitors capitalised by taking the lead in the 17th minute through a Grant Munro header, the maroons dominated the game but proceeded to miss chance after chance.
Shortly after Caley Thistle's opener, Hearts equalised when visiting goalkeeper Ryan Esson felled Stephen Elliott in the penalty box. Penalty said referee Brian Winter - which was about the only decision he gave the home side all afternoon - but only a yellow card for Esson. Kevin Kyle duly tucked away the penalty kick - his first league goal at Tynecastle since signing from Kilmarnock in the summer.
Thereafter Hearts dominated proceedings and there was a sublime piece of skill from gifted youngster David Templeton when he rattled the post with a 25 yard effort. I haven't been as excited about a Hearts player since the days of Neil McCann - Temps even drew plaudits from ICT boss Terry Butcher.
Templeton, Rudi Skacel, Kyle and Ryan Stevenson all had chances to win the game for Hearts - but they didn't take them. The game ended 1-1, a result that undoubtedly delighted the visitors given that was what they came to Scotland's capital city for. After winning six games in a row Hearts fans had perhaps become greedy but given neither Celtic or Rangers have managed to defeat the Highlanders at home this season, this disappointment can be overcome. Certainly Caley Thistle offered far more resistance than Aberdeen did a week earlier and Terry Butcher has done a fine job in reshaping the team.
Hearts are now two points behind Celtic - having played two games more. Perhaps talk of splitting the Old Firm was a tad premature
As we are so close to the OF you can expect the press to fill with stories of them 'taking' our players. The usual stuff to unsettle those with OF leanings to benefit the vile sisters.
ReplyDeleteWe must state we do not sell to them, and only to rich clubs that benefit the players as well as ourselves.