Tighter defence is key to success

30 Apr 1990

Dundee United 1, Hearts 1

A REMINDER that a disciplined defensive strategy tops the requirements of aspiring trophy seekers nowadays was forthcoming from Hearts stand-in manager Walter Borthwick at Tannadice Park on Saturday after his Tynecastle side had extended their unbeaten late-season league run to nine games.

Borthwick, in charge of the side because of Alex MacDonald's scouting duties elsewhere, pointed to rearguard strength as the vital ingredient in recent successes.

Just three goals, including Darren Jackson's contribution on Saturday, have been conceded in that series, as against 31 in Hearts' previous 26 league fixtures.

Borthwick was in no doubt as to the key factors.

"The return after long-term absences of Alan McLaren and Tosh McKinlay have made a tremendous difference, and, with the Levein-McPherson duo continuing to tie things up in central defence, we have a more solid look about us."

Standing guard behind that formidable quartet on Saturday was 34-year-old keeper Henry Smith, celebrating his 500th top-team appearance for Hearts since joining them from Leeds United nine years ago.

After having made his 120th consecutive league appearance for the club at the weekend, Smith admitted to be aiming for Jim Cruickshank's Hearts record for a goalkeeper of 610 first-team games and is confident of beating it.

He commented: "I agree with those who believe that goalkeepers improve with age and, as I don't have any weight or injury worries to contend with, I see no reason why I cannot go on and on.

I have no intention of leaving Tynecastle until we win a major honour and in my opinion that is not far away.

I am confident that next season could be the big one for Hearts."

Equally happy with his lot at present is United's Alan Main, a young keeper whose performances have threatened to put a smile on the face of even Jim McLean.

Again on Saturday the Highlander's reflexes were displayed to great effect in a series of quality stops which prevented Hearts taking both points.

After Jackson had volleyed in the opening goal for United two minutes after the interval they threatened to run away with the game.

But a momentary lapse in concentration cost the Taysiders dear.

A McKinlay lob into the danger area was not cleared and Alan McLaren lost no time in taking full advantage.

His equalising header from 10 yards left Main stranded.

DUNDEE UNITED -- Main, van der Hoorn, Welsh, McInally, Krivokapic, McKinlay, O'Neil, Cleland, Jackson, French, McKinnon.

Substitutes -- Clark, Connolly.

HEARTS -- Smith, McLaren, McKinlay, Levein, Berry, McPherson, Colquhoun, Mackay, Crabbe, McCreery, Bannon.

Substitutes -- Robertson, Wright.

Referee -- D T McVicar (Carluke).