JAMBO-REE; 36-year wait for trophy is over.

Jambo joy erupted yesterday as Hearts ended their 36-year hell by lifting the Scottish Cup.

Goals from Colin Cameron and Stephane Adam put the Gorgie fans in Paradise at Celtic Park.

And Auld Reekie will prepare for one of its biggest street parties ever this afternoon when Jim Jefferies' troops parade the Cup around Edinburgh. It was a disappointing end to Walter Smith's managerial career - their first season without a trophy in 12 years.

But not even the most ardent Rangers die-hard could begrudge the Hearts heroes their moment of glory.

Tagged "always the bridesmaids" for their glorious failures in trying to get amongst the silverware, it finally turned out to be their day. And it took them just 40 seconds to get on the score sheet - albeit in controversial circumstances.

Tynecastle skipper Fulton was pulled down by Ian Ferguson and Willie Young immediately pointed to the spot.

But TV evidence showed that the foul took place outside the box.

When Brian Laudrup struck the post and sub Ally McCoist missed a sitter, the 24,000 Hearts fans began to believe it was their day.

And they were left in no doubt when French striker Adam cracked home number two in the 53rd minute.

There seemed no way back for Rangers and the Hearts fans, so often in tears on big occasions, especially two years ago when they lost 5- 1 to Gers - let their cheers ring out in the glorious sunshine.

But manager Jeffries and assistant Billy Brown were made to sweat all the way when McCoist pulled one back in 81 minutes.

Afterwards jubilant Jefferies beamed: "This goes down as the greatest day of our lives. It was always going to happen sometime.

"Our game plan worked a treat. My players made it so difficult for Rangers to get going and that gave us the advantage.

"It was a very nervous end to the match and the referee seemed to take ages to blow the final whistle.

"Mind you, I turned round after we scored in the first minute and asked Billy Brown how much longer there was to go.

"It was that kind of day."

Jefferies wasn't the only one on the edge of his seat, the Hearts fans were going mental near the end, particularly when McCoist went tumbling on the edge of the box with just three minutes to go.

This time referee Young said the challenge took place outside the box, much to the fury of the Rangers support and Brian Laudrup, playing in his last game for Rangers, fluffed the free- kick.

The roars when Fulton eventually lifted the Tennents Scottish Cup could be heard down the length of the M8.

And when Fulton went up to collect the trophy with crocked skipper Gary Locke there was hardly a dry eye in the house.

Taken from the Daily Record