The Late, Late Horror Again!

Last updated : 26 November 2005 By Firparkcorner

Yet again our habit of losing a late, late goal has cost a couple of points. There’s no doubt that the second half show from Hearts deserved a goal but when the scoreboard displays ninety minutes and we are a goal up it feels like a loss when we only take one point.

George Best remembered

The whole game was played at a relentless high pitch and we made the better start when an excellent McCormack cross lead to Foran taking the first of several hits as he fought to get his head to the ball. The game soon settled and with both teams fighting hard in midfield to deny time and space, the game rarely produced much in the way of flowing football.

Kerr passes to Hamilton to Mclean - Goal!

We had the best chances in the first forty five minutes and Craig Gordon looked uncomfortable in an intense spell midway though the half. Fine work by McDonald in the box lead to a well struck low shot which the keeper failed to hold. Fagan pounced and it was only a desperate lunge which prevented the opener. From the resulting corner Jim Hamilton was presented with an opportunity. His shot was directed to the same low corner and again the keeper spilled.

We took the lead after a neat free kick positioned twenty five yards out. Kerr knocked the ball right to the advancing Hamilton. The captain fired low and hard into the sic yard box and it broke to McLean who prodded home from close in. Meanwhile Smith in the Motherwell goal had little to do.


Hearts made a change at the break (Simmons replacing Brellier) and they set off determined to get back into the game. We were pushed deeper and deeper and had to perform heroics to keep the wave of attacks at bay.


Despite constant pressure we held on. McDonald was replaced by Clarkson and Fitzpatrick came on for Foran as we tried to hang on. But we reached the ninety minute mark with our goal intact. Then McLean misjudged his challenge on Webster and referee Brines pointed to the spot. Hartley converted and, just as we did in the last home league game (v Killie), we lost a lead at the final hurdle.

Frustrating though the result was we maintain our unbeaten run though we drop a place in the table thanks to results elsewhere. Bring on Inverness next week.