Heads rule Hearts

RAY HEPBURN

27 Aug 1990

THE current crop of Hearts players are an articulate bunch, as the success of their perpetual public relations effort indicates.

They obviously are well read.

However, too many of them, in the opening period of Saturday's 1-1 draw with St Mirren, seem to have absorbed too literally the many recent complimentary forecasts made over their future prospects.

Of course they are entitled to be considered among the title candidates.

Two second places and one third in the last four premier division championships bear witness to that.

But to be involved again, they must remember that concentration and application are necessary from the first moment of each match.

Assured success is a luxury they do not yet possess.

So while the Hearts players wanted some time to warm to the job, St Mirren's workmen were busy and vigorous instantly.

By half time, they had established the lead.Alex MacDonald's players realised the danger in time to snatch the leading role away from the Paisley team.

The goals were a delight.

George Shaw was foot perfect when he eluded Craig Levein and Derek Ferguson to set up Paul Kinnaird for St Mirren's first-half goal.

Predictably, Hearts' front three combined for the equaliser when Scott Crabbe released John Colquhoun and his unselfish cross curled back for John Robertson to finish comfortably.

Robertson also struck the crossbar from an earlier, less obvious chance, but Mark McWalter equally had been unfortunate in the first half with a powerful drive against a post.

Tony Fitzpatrick later had some advice for Andy Roxburgh.

He put forward the view that Campbell Money is Scotland's No.1 goalkeeper, and after particularly fine saves from Robertson and Levein, the Hearts players might agree.

Reading should still be homework for the Hearts players, on condition that they create the headlines first themselves with what they do on the pitch.

Taken from the Herald