Hearts on the Shelf

Last updated : 22 November 2005 By Firparkcorner

2004/4 will long be remembered as the season when we were able to stick the tarts on the mantelpiece. We beat them on four occasions from five with one draw.

The run started in August when two second half goals from McBride (pen) and an O’Donnell rocket (remember, he doesn’t score tap ins) secured our early place in the top six.

Next was a visit to Tynie in November when a Foran penalty was enough to sneak the points. Maybury was invited to have an early bath. We had to defend for an hour to hold the lead and Marshall played a huge part in the victory.

The CIS Cup semi final in February 2005 was the pick of the bunch. We had to travel to Easter Road for this one but how we enjoyed the night. Thousands of ‘Well fans packed into the away stand whipped up the atmosphere and the celebrations started early when Craigan headed us into the lead after twenty minutes. Foran added a second from the spot and we found ourselves two up with five minutes remaining. Burchill and Thorarinsson pulled a couple back and we were shocked into the realisation that extra time had to be played.

Enter the hero…. As penalties looked certain Fitzpatrick made a lung bursting run from left midfield and his strike prompted huge, joyous celebrations. Three games, three wins.

A fortnight later and we were back at Fir Park for the fourth win. We dominated the game and a couple from McDonald and another fine goal from Fitzpatrick kept us in the top six. Hearts conceded the usual penalty but Hamilton’s poor kick was easily saved.

The last meeting of 2004/5 was a goalless affair on a sunny April afternoon in Edinburgh. Foran missed the fifth penalty of the series. By that stage of the season we were already in the post split top six and Hearts had failed to beat us after five attempts.

There have been more than a few changes down Gorgie way since season but we came very close to taking a point on the firct visit of 2005/6. Only a last gasp wonder save from Gordon foiled us. Bring them on this weekend!