Virtuoso Mackay is back on song

RAY HEPBURN

13 Feb 1989

Hearts 3 Dundee 1

THERE are few more pleasant sights in sports than a creative, skilful footballer close to his best form and filled with sufficient confidence to use a full range of talents.

It was a pleasure to watch Hearts' Gary Mackay strut over Tynecastle, spraying passes to every corner of the field and even completing the repertoire with a memorable goal.

Those who don't see the Edinburgh team often may be surprised to read that Saturday's virtuoso exhibition was his first for some time.

Confidence has been the problem and Mackay, more than most, thrives on the stuff.

When it departs he needs help to sustain his form.

Inside the tunnel there is no shortage of assistance at his club but on the terracing there is often less.

Some of the treatment he has received from Hearts supporters has been scandalous.

He was even recently barracked at a supporters' federation function.

As club captain and an internationalist he is not immune to the critical tongue.

As a Hearts fan, however, who recently stayed despite a £500,000 offer, he has surely earned civility.

Unanimous acclaim greeted his spectacular 30-yard drive which killed off Dundee in the second half.

John Colquhoun and Eamonn Bannon had scored earlier for the home team after Alan Lawrence had set them a task by shooting Dundee in front after only five minutes.

Mackay's influence in the final hour was paramount as they set about giving Bayern Munich coach, Jupp Heynckes, something to ponder on his flight home.

This had been his first look at Scotland's sole European survivors and if his confidence in the UEFA Cup outcome appeared unimpaired, he had clearly seen some splendid performances.

Dundee started well but faded.

Perhaps John Blackley's deep disappointment obliterated his best judgment when he accused his team of cheating.

HEARTS -- McLaren, McKinlay, McPherson, Berry, Sandison, Galloway, Mackay, Colquhoun, Robertson, Bannon.

Substitutes -- Kidd, Ferguson.

DUNDEE -- Geddes, Shannon, Angus, Chisholm, Holt, Frail, Lawrence, Rafferty, Wright, Coyne, Campbell.

Substitutes -- Craib, McBride.

Referee D T McVicar (Carluke).