Is win a turning point or another false dawn?

GEORGE FOULKES
WHAT a brilliant week to start a column! After a run of ten games without a win, a victory over the 'wee team' is the ideal curtain-raiser.
The build-up to Saturday's derby at Tynecastle was not too helpful, though.

The return of Mixu the Messiah has dominated the headlines.

And how could the spoilsports of Tynecastle Park ruin his homecoming?

So it was little wonder that, with a string of poor results – and this kind of build-up – there were some jangling nerves, on and off the field.

But we had seen the Hearts' fighting spirit return in the second half against Kilmarnock earlier this month and, for the most part in the Motherwell cup clash so belief was also returning.

The battling spirit was on show right from the start in the derby and, in spite of a nervous final half hour, this time we made it to the final whistle.

So what was the difference?

Steve Banks in goal was the anchor. He gave reassurance and direction to a defence growing in stature each week.

Berra is becoming one of the best defenders in the SPL although, in my opinion, still the wrong choice as captain.

And Karipidis was immense and certainly a candidate for man of the match.

Palazuelos again demonstrated both skill and energy and, increasingly, our whole midfield is getting a good act together.

One of the reasons for improvement is the long overdue consistency of selection. As a result, Andrius Velicka is moving up the top scorers' chart.

Thank goodness this message is at last getting through to the owner.

After the match, a few fans said to me this result represents a turning point in our season.

It could be. But we have had a few false dawns already so let's be cautious. We need a good run in the league to power our way into the top six before the split.

A good run in the cup would boost our morale even further so a win in tomorrow's match at Motherwell is also vital.

And, even then, we should not lose sight of the many calls – on websites, in the stands and in the media – for the long-term leadership which will come with a permanent manager with full control over training and team selection and ta
ctics.

But maybe I'll come back to that in future columns.

In the meantime, let's just savour the sweet victory over the Hibees.

Taken from the Scotsman