Hearts steady up for a point

IAIN WILSON

23 Sep 1996

Hearts 1 Motherwell 1

A LONG week in football ended with Hearts manager Jim Jefferies sounding just like a politician.

He kept opinions of the Rangers' debacle under wraps, preferring to wax lyrical about his team's performances, especially those of David Weir and Gary Naysmith.

Then came the double speak, with the Fourth Estate left bewildered as to whether or not 17-year-old Naysmith will appear in the Hibs derby on Saturday.

Hearts' roller-coaster week ended on the level - although Jefferies did not take kindly to suggestions that the draw with Motherwell was a lucky escape.



The visitors could have been four up by half-time, then collapsed inexplicably after having taken a deserved lead.

The Hearts' line-up included only two of the four able to return after the Ibrox farce - Pasquale Bruno and David Weir.

Bruno was a "pussycat," apart from reacting to a Dougie Arnott challenge with a pushing act quelled swiftly by the referee.

Weir scored the equaliser, and was named man of the match.

Paul Ritchie was on the bench throughout, and Neil Pointon wasn't even on it - although it seems likely he will take Naysmith's place on Saturday.



Tynecastle was strangely muted, despite memories of the Coca-Cola Cup victory four days earlier.

Weir should have changed that within six minutes, but he ended in the net instead of his header from a corner.

As Jefferies confessed, Hearts midfield was "murdered" during the first half.

Only Gilles Rousset prevented the kill, thanks to superlative saves from an Arnott drive and header, and intuitive block from Eddie May.

Rousset's one-handed stop from Arnott's header was awesome, but the Lanarkshire striker was not to be denied.

In 46 minutes, he nutmegged the keeper from five yards - having escaped Dave McPherson to anticipate Willie Falconer's flick on.



Hearts so-called "hired hand," Andy Thorn, was substituted in 57 minutes, and levelled within seconds of Gary Mackay coming on.

Weir, the epitome of a right wing back, caught out Scott Howie with a drive from at least 25 yards.

"I can only remember once before scoring with my left foot," said Weir, delighted with events since his move from Falkirk.

With three goals, he already shares joint top scorer's spot in league games.

"It's my best run," added the youngster, before praising the Hearts' team spirit and belief that every game can be won.



Motherwell did not know whether to attack or defend after his goal, and became even more flustered when John Robertson - not fully fit after the week's earlier exertions - came on.

They lost shape and purpose, regardless of Alex McLeish's animated sideline promptings which were as entertaining as the play.

"I am hyper for 90 minutes," he acknowledged.

"I kick every ball with the players.

I probably split hairs.

If there was a splitting hairs competition, I would be world champion because I pick up on everything."

McLeish was disappointed at points "thrown away," but stressed he was pleased with the display.

However, the manager hinted at future buys because he is determined to ensure competition for every place, even after Tommy Coyne returns from injury and John Hendry and Chris McCart re-establish credentials.


Next league match: Hearts - Hibs (a).

Motherwell - Kilmarnock (h).

Taken from the Herald