Hobbins says Hearts' pace can beat Gretna

PHIL HOBBINS will claim a special piece of Scottish Cup history this season no matter what the outcome is of tomorrow's final between Hearts and Gretna.

Hobbins, the Preston Athletic striker, was the first player to score against Gretna in the Scottish Cup - one of only three goals that the Borders side has conceded so far - and Preston have the honour of being the only side to score twice against them in the competition.

Gretna beat Preston 6-2 in the first round back in November and, after defeating Cove Rangers 6-1, they have recorded clean sheets against St Johnstone, Clyde (twice, including a replay), St Mirren and Dundee.

So does Hobbins have any tips for the Hearts players before they take to the famous Hampden Park turf?

"My advice to Hearts would be to get into a one-on-one situation with any one of their back three because they do not have a lot of pace," stressed Hobbins. "We knew that before the game although it took us until the 86th minute to actually put it into being. I remember my goal vividly. Bryan Wilson played me in about the halfway line and I just looked up and cut inside Derek Collins. I was then left facing Darren Townsley and I knew he certainly did not have pace. I shifted the ball one way then the other, got a break, then kept my head down and concentrated on hitting the target.

"Fortunately for me, the ball shot into the bottom corner and I was personally delighted but also so pleased for Preston because it was their first-ever Scottish Cup goal.

"As it transpires it is one of only three goals Gretna have conceded in the Scottish Cup. Our second goal was scored by Sean McAuley after I supplied him with a pass. He then hit a contender for goal of the season with a lob from 25 yards which completely deceived Gretna goalkeeper Alan Main.

"Gretna will face the same task against Hearts as we faced against them. That means Gretna will try to be patient to deny Hearts for as long as possible and football can sometimes be a game of patience.

"If Gretna can hold Hearts then the longer the game goes on the more Hearts will become frustrated. Steve Tosh will hold a pivotal role for Gretna in midfield but you have to put your money on Hearts to win the cup.

"There is however, the Liverpool v Wimbledon scenario in the FA Cup final of 1988 when Wimbledon, the complete underdogs, won 1-0."

Stevie Myatt, the Preston Athletic manager, also vividly remembers the first round tie against Gretna.

"When the draw was made and we were paired with Gretna I was delighted because they were the biggest club we could get in the first round," enthused Myatt. "Immediately it was a real challenge for me and my assistant Billy Byrne to put a team out to match Gretna.

"We tried to be as professional as possible by watching them and after that we had to find a way to compete.

"The game went brilliantly for about ten minutes then Gretna scored three quick goals. They never eased off and scored three more before we knew we had to play for pride. We then scored two quality goals and they gave some gloss to a game in which we were unlikely to cause an upset.

"My advice to Hearts would be that what Gretna do not have is explosive pace or the physical strength of the Tynecastle players. Hearts should play on that aspect although Gretna will not be broken down easily as they take great pride in their defensive record in the Scottish Cup - remember Preston Athletic are the only team to score two goals against them!"

Taken from the Scotsman