SKY FALLS AS BEEB CLINCH IT.

Hearts may have shaded it on the field but in the battle for the box the BBC romped to victory over Sky.

Right from the off couch potatoes across the land knew they were in for a telly treat from the Beeb.

Dougie Donnelly excelled in his laid back Des Lynam role, while Willie Miller, Gordon Smith and Chic Young were also on form.

With Jock Brown playing Mr Popular at Parkhead this year, all eyes were on Rob McLean who was handed his Cup Final debut.

The super smooth commentator didn't let the side down. Cool and composed, Rob performed like a veteran. Humour was a key theme in the Beeb's coverage and radio pranksters turned Teletubbies, Tom Cowan and Stuart Cosgrove, had punters in stitches during On the Ball.

But despite the promising start BBC bosses let themselves down with their choice of pundits - Craig Burley and Paul Sturrock - who have no connections to Rangers or Hearts.

But it didn't matter - they were still miles ahead of Sky by kick-off.

Sky's programme seemed little more than a sideshow to events down Wembley way.

While their FA Cup coverage kicked-off at 8am Scotland's showpiece match was given just ONE HOUR'S build- up.

Charlie Nicholas continued in his quest to rack up most media appearances in a season but despite his efforts the build- up was low key.

Sky's presentation was slick, professional but very, very BORING!

And to make matters worse the man with the microphone, Rob Hawthorne, was ENGLISH.

Couldn't they have dusted down Archie McPherson for one last Cup Final?

Taken from the Daily Record