Strikers' bet pays off for Hearts

RAY HEPBURN

5 Mar 1990

Hearts 2, Motherwell 0

CONFIDENCE is an essential part of a striker's make-up and back in October John Robertson indicated that even after a hernia operation his inner belief was intact.

By then, Scott Crabbe had scored 10 times against his two, but Robertson was still happy to have a wager on himself ending the season as the club's top scorer.

The fact that the stake was only a fiver betrays prudence rather than doubt.

On Saturday, Robertson's memorable goal nine minutes from time eased him into top place in the premier-division scorers' table, just one ahead of his rookie team-mate.

Crabbe had encouragement in the match as well, for his sixty-third minute volley which ended Motherwell's resistance had him level with his rival for all of 18 minutes.

"Eight goals in front I had to be confident when John put down the challenge.

Since then, however, he's gone on a tremendous run," reflected Crabbe.

"If John Robertson ends up Hearts' top scorer and we finish the season with a trophy, it will be the best five pounds I've ever spent."

Hearts' matches against the Lanarkshire team this season have been particularly lucrative for the quicksilver pair.

Robertson has scored six times and Crabbe five in a nap hand of victories.

But this latest success was made simpler by Nick Cusack's misdemeanour just before half-time.

Whether his hack at Dave McPherson's leg merited a red card, however, is doubtful.

Cusack had been sent off when the teams met for the first time in September and then against Aberdeen in December.

Although unfortunate on Saturday, it is a habit the former Shrewsbury player quickly needs to lose.

Motherwell, against without Davie Cooper, were less adventurous than they have been recently, but they defended skilfully, with Craig Paterson particularly effective in a central defensive position.

"See you soon," shouted Crabbe, as the players departed Tynecastle together.

"I hope not," replied Paterson, with a smile which betrayed relief that it will be next season before the teams meet again.

HEARTS -- Smith, Kidd, McKinlay, Levein, McCreery, McPherson, Colquhoun, Berry, Robertson, Crabbe, Bannon.

Substitutes -- Foster, Sandison.

MOTHERWELL -- Maxwell, Burley, Boyd, Paterson, Philliben, McCart, Russell, O'Neill, Cusack, Kirk, Mair.

Substitutes -- Bryce, Dolan.

Referee -- K J Hope (Clarkston).