Surface adds to low-key approach

RAY HEPBURN

8 May 1989

Hearts 0, Dundee United 0

THERE were many reasons why this draw, the fourth such result fashioned by the teams this season, was such a letdown for the 8500 fans at Tynecastle.

The uncommonly warm spring afternoon and the bumpy, unpredictable ground certainly militated against the players of both sides who prefer to find each other by the traditional grass-covered route.

Also, it probably is unreasonable to expect professional athletes who are used to being psychologically honed to a perfect pitch for the big occasion, to be hyped up for a game that meant nothing.

Sadly, it seems that at this time of the season, before cash has changed hands, it is better to realise that this is what the fans are more likely to get -- two groups of players supplying the customary energy, but without that final commitment on a pitch that would be a challenge for the finest South American ball players.

Hearts manager Alex MacDonald clearly has finer vision.

He nipped down south to watch Derby County and Aston Villa muster three goals between them, but not to sign Ted McMinn.

The former Rangers man confirmed his status as a Derby hero with a fine performance, but MacDonald's mission had a broader base.

Along with Sandy Clark and Walter Borthwick, MacDonald has watched dozens of games in England this year, and will cover even more.

He is preparing for the day when last week's staff pruning operation will make him a buyer again.

Aside from missing the game, he will have no regrets about failing to witness the seventy-eighth minute at Tynecastle either.

That was when Kenny Black's penalty shot was fisted away by Billy Thomson.

The two teams were destined not to score.

HEARTS -- Smith, McLaren, McKinlay, McPherson, Berry, Levein, Colquhoun, Ferguson, Galloway, Black, Bannon.

Substitutes -- Sandison, Moore.

DUNDEE UNITED -- Thomson, Bowman, Malpas, McInally, Hegarty, Narey, Connolly, Krivokapic, Gallacher, McKinlay, Paatelainen.

Substitutes -- Clark, Sturrock.

Referee -- H Williamson (Renfrew).

Taken from the Herald