Hearts V Livingston – Cinch Scottish Premiership (19/03/2022)

Jumped on the 1308 train from Polmont to Haymarket, on what was a warm sunny spring afternoon. I was buzzing as I got up this morning knowing that I was returning to Tynecastle after covid kicked my arse for the previous 10 days meaning I missed out on the cup win against St Mirren last Saturday evening. Another thing to look forward to was that it was Big Hearts Day at Tynecastle, with the Hearts charities work being celebrated around the stadium there was a drum parade, face painting and a chance to meet Jock The Jambo. Hearts were wearing their blue and black third kit to mark the occasion with the Big Hearts logo in gold on the front.

Wandered round to Gorgie Fish Bar and to my surprise there was no queue outside, so treated myself to curry sauce and chips leaving room for a pie at Tynie. I’m glad I left room, as my favourite Donner Kebab Pies were still on sale at Tynecastle!! After enjoying my pie, I was further pleased to hear that Aaron McEneff did enough last week to earn himself a place in the starting eleven.

After taking my usual seat in the half way line at the back of the Wheatfield Stand, I realised how happy I was to be back not only at Tynecastle Park but at football. Although it was only one game I missed it was made worse that I had a ticket and watching on the TV doesn’t come close to being in the stadium.

Inside 2 minutes, Barry McKay made three Livingston players look daft with neat skill and a ball to Boyce, who played in Simms who was in space. Simms then played a ball across the six yard box and after a scramble Beni Baningime prodded home for his second in as many games. A great start!

It could have been two inside 10 minutes after Boyce again linked up well with Simms, and if it wasn’t for a good one handed save by Stryjek the lead would have been doubled. A great start by the Hearts front two though.

From an Andy Halliday corner, Craig Halkett went close after the ball fell to him at the back post but his half volley was deflected wide.

Just past the half hour mark a sense of worry swept through the ground as Beni Baningime went down on the halfway line and required the physio and hobbled straight down the tunnel to be replaced by Alex Cochrane. A real shame as today and the last few games he’s looked back to his best.

Good first half as Hearts dominated throughout, creating plenty of chances and playing some good football while doing so. Liam Boyce had a great half, as did Barrie McKay and Nat Atkinson. Would have been nice to have seen some of those chances converted but in all a solid Hearts performance.

A cagey start to the second half from Hearts as Livingston threatened and Forrest tested Craig Gordon from the edge of the box but the Hearts number one punched the ball away. Hearts seemed to be playing a lot deeper than they were in the first half.

Fifteen minutes into the second half and the lead was doubled after some superb passing play and determination by Simms, Atkinson crossed and with his back to goal Barrie McKay connected with a sublime finish high into the net, for a well deserved first Hearts goal. You could see what it not only meant to him but also to the squad as they all celebrated with him.

Another injury in the middle of the park as Andy Halliday went down and looked in agony after collision, which saw the physio needed again, with Halliday limping off and also went straight into the tunnel. Really worrying for him as the way he went down it looked a nasty one.

As I left and headed into the Gorgie evening sunshine, news of Hibs losing 3-1 to Aberdeen filtered through and the concourse was filled with the singing of “Hibs, Hibs are falling apart again”. All in all apart from the start of the second half, a good performance from Hearts. The team looked full of confidence and played some really good football, another win and now a 14 point gap has opened up to fourth place. Here’s hoping both Beni and Halliday can recover from their knocks sharpish, one plus being that there is the international break to give them an extra week before Ross County away.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – Season Ticket

Programme Price – £3.50

Programme Rating – 8/10

Refreshments – 9/10

Stadium Facilities – 7/10

Getting To Stadium – 8/10

Stadium Rating – 9/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Livingston.

Daz Carding

Bo’ness Athletic V East Kilbride – SFA South Challenge Cup Round 5 (05/03/2022)

Made the short trip from Grangemouth to Bo’ness in the car which took all of 10 minutes, made all the better by the decent weather. Parked up near the Hippodrome and stopped at a chippy, Corvi’s, for a bag of chips on the way to the ground. A 15 minute walk to Newtown Park, which unfortunately a fair bit was up a steep hill but was pretty straightforward when using google maps, to say I was breathing out of my arse when I arrived would be an understatement.

One of the things I love about non league groundhopping is some of the sights and views that these smaller towns and villages have. Today was no exception with some great views from the top of the hill.

South Challenge Cup gripped me once again as I attended my fourth tie of the competition. Got to Newtown Park at about quarter past two and enjoyed a walk around the whole ground. With a covered terrace on one of the bylines, an open terrace on the other, a grass bank behind a goal, and a slightly curved open terrace behind the other, which has a tidy little club house on the corner. It’s a proper non league ground, with great character. Even the Astro turf pitch doesn’t take away from the character. It reminds of some of the non leagues away days when I first started going to football matches.

Made my way to the pie shop before kick off and was told by the lady at the window that “the steak and gravy pies are delicious”, so I took one of them and a bottle of water for £3. She wasn’t wrong to be fair, said steak and gravy pie really was delicious. I decided to stand just to the right of the halfway line in the covered terrace, mainly just in case it decided to start raining.

Within minutes of the start, Bo’ness Athletic counter attacked and took an early lead through a well taken finish from just inside the box by Tiwi Daramola. What a start for the home side, as they shocked the team higher in the pyramid and favourites for the tie East Kilbride.

The away side in all white found themselves level with around 15 minutes gone with a sublime free kick a few yards from the edge of the box by the silver haired Stevenson.

Mere minutes later East Kilbride took the lead with what could only be described as an absolute peach of a finish from distant which looped into the top corner with the keeper well beaten by McLaughlin.

The Kilby extended the lead with half hour player following a foul just inside the box and a penalty was awarded. Neil McLaughlin put they penalty away straight down the middle for 3-1.

Dog watch returned as a golden retriever, a terrier and a spaniel were spotted behind the goal to my left.

Entertaining first half of football, the home side started well but East Kilbride showed they were the better side as they dominated the bulk of the half and the score line reflected that.

A strange moment with quarter of an hour gone as the referee sent off Jonny Mitchell, which was a bit of a shock after a coming together saw him down for a number minutes and the sound of the tackle was horrid.

The numbers advantage paid off as it was 4-1 five minutes later as Joao Victoria beat the keeper from what many in the stands thought was an offside position.

Second half was a bit more competitive but the man advantage and gap in quality was too much for the home side. A good afternoon of football though as we had five goals and a red card.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – £6

Programme Price – N/A

Programme Rating – N/A

Refreshments – 7/10

Stadium Facilities – 6/10

Getting To Stadium – 7/10

Stadium Rating – 8/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Bo’ness Athletic against East Kilbride.

Daz Carding

Hearts V Aberdeen – Cinch Scottish Premiership (02/03/2022)

Headed Edinburgh bound on the 1811 from Polmont whilst enjoying a nice cold can of 0.0% Guinness, as I don’t drink alcohol I’m really enjoying Guinness’ alcohol free option. Got to Haymarket at around half 6 and made my way into Gorgie. Had a spring in my step during my walk to Tynecastle as yesterday myself and friend Anas released the first episode of our new Hearts podcast ‘The Men In Maroon’, and had some great feedback so far. If you fancy a listen links can be found here https://linktr.ee/MenInMaroon_Pod

To say it was a cold night in Gorgie would be an understatement, as it was bloody freezing!! Glad I wore my woolly hat and scarf, especially with my lack of hair on top. Fancied a chippy bit Gorgie Fish Bar was rammed, good business for them but an empty gut for me. Got to say I love the buzz around the streets surrounding Tynecastle Park before a game, just adds to the pre match excitement for me. Kind of glad the chippy was busy, as to my disbelief when I got into the stadium, they had KEBAB PIES on sale!! Anyone who read my piece on St Mirren away knows how I feel about these pieces of heaven in pastry.

A great touch with 10 minutes to go before kick off as ‘We Stand With Ukraine’ displayed on the advertising boards and both sets of fans came together for a minutes applause to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine. The players and fans observed a minutes applause before kick off in memory of Hearts legend and former captain Alan Anderson, who sadly passed away today.

I enjoyed booing my least favourite footballer Scott Brown as the teams were read out, along with everyone of a maroon persuasion upon his first touch. There was a good atmosphere from the off as Hearts dominated the first few minutes, playing some nice passing football and Aberdeen had a packed away end behind them. Ellis Simms had the best of the chances on 8 minutes from a Kingsley cross but his header just went over.

Hearts continued their dominance and if it wasn’t for a timely block, Liam Boyce would have broken the deadlock. Penalty shout for the Jambos as a cross looked to have been blocked with a hand but only a corner was given.

Aberdeen had the ball in the net from a header following a free kick and had their fans celebrating but luckily for Hearts it was disallowed due to a foul. To be fair if it was given it would have been undeserved, as they hadn’t really created many chances at all. Worryingly Aberdeen were winning lots of attacking free kicks but luckily they came to nothing.

Following a Scott Brown foul, from the resulting free kick the ball was deflected out to John Souttar on the edge of the box and he smashed the ball into the net for a deserved 1-0 lead for Hearts with 38 minutes played.

A good first half from Hearts and going in 1-0 up was the least Hearts deserved, some good football played and showing good confidence going forward. Gary Mackay-Steven had a good half against his former club and Ellis Simms put himself about well.

Barrie McKay found himself in the game more putting in some dangerous crosses and looked like he found his way through and going to get his first goal but was denied by a block. From the corner he redeemed himself by assisting Stephen Kingsley who scored a great bullet header with 15 minutes of the second half played.

Aberdeen were awarded a soft penalty, which from my view looked like a dive. Ferguson stepped up for Aberdeen but Hearts skipper Craig Gordon went the right way to save down low and keep hold of his clean sheet.

Another penalty shout late on, this time Halkett was pulling back for a shot and was shoved to the ground but referee McLean gave nothing. At least he was consistent by being poor and making bad decisions.

A good performance and the second Hearts 2-0 win in a matter of days. Confidence looked to be back again, had control of the game and never looked like anything but a Hearts win to be honest.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – Season Ticket

Programme Price – £3.50

Programme Rating – 8/10

Refreshments – 9/10

Stadium Facilities – 7/10

Getting To Stadium – 8/10

Stadium Rating – 9/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Aberdeen.

Daz Carding

St Mirren V Hearts – Cinch Scottish Premiership (26/02/2022)

Boarded the 1239 train from Polmont for my first Hearts away day in what felt like forever, as I headed to Paisley for my second visit to St Mirren Park or SMiSA Stadium as it’s officially known as. I had a 30 minute gap between my train to Glasgow Queen Street and the one departing Glasgow Central for Paisley St James, so stopped for some food at Subway, only had a 6 inch sub so I would have room for a pie at the game. As I entered Glasgow Central I was met by the shouts of “H-E-A-R-T-S” which meant the Jambos were on the way to Paisley.

Got off the train and made the brilliantly short walk from Paisley St James to St Mirren Park which took a matter of minutes, popped in the club shop to grab a programme. Made my way round to the away end which was the North Stand, once in the stadium I was greeted by the greatly named “Pie Sports” pie shop where I got myself a prematch pie, lemonade and crisps for the price of £6.50, went with the pie of the month which was a kebab pie. I was a bit sceptical before trying the pie, but it was delightful and had some chilli sauce in mixed with the donner meat.

Got to my seat behind the goal on the right side of the edge of the 18 yard box at around half 2, in time to see the teams warm up. Just in front of me on the back of the advertising boards was a warning “beware of flying footballs”, just after spotting it a lad Walking past was hit in the side of the head by a stray ball and in a comedy like slow motion went down.

St Mirren Park is a modern stadium, and like many newer grounds lacks character but with the high roof and open end the Hearts fans in the away end managed to create a good noise before kick off. Just before kick off a pleasant sound of “Killing In The Name” by Rage Against The Machine played, a nice break from the usual dance music drivel you get at football matches.

Hearts started brightly and fashioned the first chance of the game after some good play from McKay who found Boyce, but the Northern Irishman shot wide. He looked up for it early on a he made a nuisance of himself in the box, getting on the end of a couple of headers.

St Mirren were down to 10 men following an awful tackle over the top of the ball on Beni Baningime by Ronan after 23 minutes.

As good as the atmosphere was in the away end it was a shame to hear lots of sectarian chants from the Hearts support, a bit embarrassing to hear to be honest. It’s not big, funny or clever, it just makes you an arsehole. Went to the toilet at half time and regretted it as I was greeted by clouds of smoke and a group of idiots blocking the way as they stood snorting cocaine, unfortunately football attracts these arseholes.

Mainly Hearts in the first half but at times lacked that killer instinct to take a chance, which shouldn’t be how we play against 10 men. It seems we though the midfield are lacking confidence. Some halftime entertainment was provided as Paisleys school children and possibly their mother taunted the Hearts fans, quite the sight a grown woman leading children in swearing in unison.

Stephen Kingsley tested the keeper from a cross that had to be tipped over the bar due to the wind by Alnwick in the Saints goal. Boyce had a chance but the ball got caught under players feet and ended in a scramble.

With nothing really happening going forward going down the right, Robbie Nielsen made a trip subs with Cochrane, Simms and Ginnelly coming on for Mackay-Steven, Woodburn and Atkinson. The changes made a difference as Ginnelly caused trouble down that right hand side.

One of those subs provided the breakthrough after Barrie McKay squared the ball across the box and Ellis Sims punted home the second time of asking from close range. What an impact and just what the crowd and game needed!!

Three minutes later and it was 2-0 to the Jambos, Simms involved again by not pulling out of a challenge with the keeper and the ball fell to Cammy Devlin and he fired into the roof of the net to send the away end into raptures!!

A massive improvement following the goals, as it was all Hearts with plenty of forward runs and attacks with both Simms and Boyce going close to add to the Hearts lead.

What a difference some subs can make, a much improved second half from the Jam Tarts. The two goals raised the spirits and instilled some confidence in the players. I think Ginnelly and Simms may have played their way into the starting eleven on Wednesday.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – £12

Programme Price – £3

Programme Rating – 6/10

Refreshments – 9/10

Stadium Facilities – 6/10

Getting To Stadium – 10/10

Stadium Rating – 6/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on St Mirren against Hearts.

Daz Carding

Hearts V Livingston – Scottish Cup Fifth Round (12/02/2022)

Cup fever may not have gripped the majority of the Hearts support today, but I was buzzing. Although we drew a team from the same league as us it feels different than a league game, a win and your in the draw for the quarter finals. Had a different walk to Tynecastle than I usually do as I got a lift from Colin, a fellow Jambo living in Falkirk, my walk took me from behind Murrayfield towards Tynecastle.

The starting eleven saw a few changes from the Dundee game, one being Liam Boyce being left on the bench but Robbie Nielson is the manager for a reason. With the lower attendance today that meant that it didn’t take me long to get my prematch pie, which was blessing as I decided on a lie in so didn’t have chance to grab any dinner before leaving.

For todays game the Jambos were wearing all maroon, rather than the usual maroon shirts and white shorts due to Livingston playing in all white. As well as that the Roseburn Stand only had away fans in Block M and was closed to home fans, reflecting the low attendance. Also no Scott Wilson announcing the teams and the Hearts song wasn’t played prematch, which was really odd.

It was good to see Michael Smith back in the side, as he instills a confidence in the team and seems to calm the side down. Hearts had the better of the opening 10 minutes, creating more chances and Barrie McKay had the pick of them forcing a good save from Stryjek in the Livi goal.

Hearts continued to have the bulk of possession but with no end product. A lot of the play seemed to be attempting to go through Baningime who in my opinion was slowing the play down to walking pace, which was killing any progress.

The rain I thought I’d left behind in Grangemouth began to pour down, which meant the floodlights went on full. Not sure what it is but always adds to the occasion when the lights go on. The sudden downpour saw the majority of people sitting in the front of the main stand head to some of the empty seats further back.

The first half felt like a repeat of Wednesday night, as Hearts had the possession but did nothing with it. Not really a first half to remember. I was still hungry, so decided to get another pie which seemed the wrong choice as I spent the whole 15 minutes queuing, seems I chose the wrong queue as I missed the second half kicking off.

After missing the first 3 minutes of the second half it seemed I hadn’t missed much as the person sat next to me informed me it was more of the same from Hearts. I was really surprised that there was no changes at half time to be honest. The changes came just shy of 60 minutes as Liam Boyce and Gary Mackay-Steven came on for Halliday and Cochrane.

Yet again the problem with throw ins reared it’s head, with no options for the player taking the throw and a lack of movement.

The away side should have taken the lead if it wasn’t for the post saving Hearts blushes, the defence seemed to stand and watch the players in white move into the box and Pittman’s shot was deflected over Gordon and hit the inside of the post.

Play was halted for a lengthy period after Peter Haring clashed heads with Pittman, which resulted in the Hearts substitute being bandaged up. Livingston had the ball in the net after some awful marking from Patterson but luckily for Hearts it was ruled out for offside.

As the second half moved towards its end, the Hearts wingers, McKay and Mackay-Steven, seemed to have gone missing as neither were involved in the game. It took until time added on for them to begin to get on the ball.

A drab 90 minutes of football was extended as with the scores finishing 0-0, half an hour extra time was needed. I don’t think the stewards knew what was happening, maybe they were expecting a pitch invasion as they lined the pitch in something I’ve not seen before.

The best Hearts chance came after 97 minutes as a Peter Haring header looked to be going in but it couldn’t find a way into the Livingston net. Up to that point it was the best move of the game from a Hearts prospective.

Extra time passed without much to shout about, Hearts looked lively with 5 minutes to play but as with the other 115 minutes couldn’t find a goal. So it would be penalties.

Shinnie – Scored (0-1)

Souttar – Scored (1-1)

Kelly – Scored (1-2)

Haring – Scored (2-2)

Holt – Scored (2-3)

Woodburn – Scored (3-3)

Montaño – Missed (3-3)

Simms – Scored (4-3)

Obileye – Missed (4-3)

All in all a poor game of football, not one that’s going to live long in the memory that’s for sure. I’m not sure if it’s a lack of confidence following the recent defeats but the performance was really poor. But at least Hearts are through into the hat for quarter finals on Monday, that’s the main thing.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – £15

Programme Price – £4 (Double edition)

Programme Rating – 8/10

Refreshments – 8/10

Stadium Facilities – 7/10

Getting To Stadium – 8/10

Stadium Rating – 9/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Livingston.

Daz Carding

Hearts V Dundee – Cinch Scottish Premiership (09/02/2022)

Back to Tynecastle this evening for the visit of Dundee, left Polmont station at 10 past 6 and got to Haymarket at half 6. Made the familiar walk down in to Gorgie and was met with the floodlights and popped into the club shop to pick up a programme.

Met up with my mate Anas in Foundation Plaza outside the Main Stand, was good to meet up and talk all things Hearts. Also had a mini photo shoot, as we are putting things in place for our own Hearts podcast called ‘The Men In Maroon’ and wanted some photos for that, keep an eye on my Twitter for more news on that.

Got to see the erection plaque on the Main Stand, was impressive as they have both the original from 1914 and the new one from 2017. No prematch pie for me as had my tea just before heading to the train, so got through the turnstiles with ease and showed my vaccine passport, went straight to my usual seat in the Wheatfield Stand and got there around half 7. Must say the crowd was a little sparse and low atmosphere tonight, got to think a mix of the weather, opposition and Sundays result had something to do with that.

After a shaky 20 minutes for Hearts, after some great passing and running involving Sibbick and McKay, the latter’s great vision found Simms who smashed the ball under the Dundee keeper for 1-0 to the Jam Tarts.

Is Barrie McKay ever going to get a goal? He couldn’t get any unluckier, after a great through ball from Peter Haring he chipped the keeper but the ball seemed to move in slow motion and was scrambled away. Simms almost doubled his tally but his shot from close range was saved well, Charlie Adam was his usual thuggish self following the chance and caused some handbags.

Good to see my favourite caveman Charlie Adam struggle to keep up with Baningime and Haring in midfield, as his bullying tactics failed. He was booked strangely for mouthing off to the referee and not his many number of fouls.

Although Hearts went in 1-0 up, it wasn’t the greatest of performances to be honest but a lead at half time is still a lead. The queue for food wasn’t too bad so grabbed myself a halftime steak pie.

Five minutes of the second half gone and Dundee were level, following some poor defending a shot by Rudden hit Sibbick and looped into the empty net for an own goal.

Some very strange stuff being said around me, slating Liam Boyce for being lazy and selfish, really don’t agree with that. In my opinion he works hard on and off the ball and without his goals I’m not sure we would be sitting in third.

In the 77th minute following some poor marking, Mullen found himself unmarked in the box and stabbed the ball past Gordon from close range to give Dundee the lead just before the snow started to fall.

The poor performance of the first half unfortunately continued into the second as Hearts couldn’t breakthrough against a poor Dundee side, not sure we deserved to lose but definitely didn’t deserve to win. Think some work is needed on set pieces as for not the first time when we had a throw there was no movement and the ball kept going backwards, and too many corners were not beating the first man.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – Season Ticket

Programme Price – £4 (Double edition)

Programme Rating – 8/10

Refreshments – 8/10

Stadium Facilities – 7/10

Getting To Stadium – 8/10

Stadium Rating – 9/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Dundee.

Daz Carding

Linlithgow Rose V Blantyre Victoria – SFA South Challenge Cup Round 4 (05/02/2022)

Resumed my journey through the SFA South Challenge Cup as I missed a game in the third round due to covid. Hoping I can now keep up a game in each round up to the final.

Another new ground for me today and one that I wanted to visit for some time, Prestonfield the home of Linlithgow Rose.

I went swimming this morning and stopped for some food at Subway, so I was cutting it fine time wise and got into the ground with minuted to go till kick off. I had to keep an eye on Twitter to check if the game was on, as Linlithgow had announced earlier in the morning that the referee would inspect the pitch at 1300 due to the bad weather this part of Scotland had seen. Luckily the referee deemed it playable and it was game on. Although I was late arriving I still managed to get a spot standing under the seated top tier just next to the half way line.

Prestonfield is a cracking little ground, with terracing on both touchlines, with a seated tier above the benches which added a great look to the ground. Behind the goal where the social club is situated has an uncovered terrace and the other has a grass bank. Glad I made the trip as it’s a great setup and great character.

To say the conditions were bad would be an understatement, the pitch resembled a mud bath and early on a Blantyre forward went down due to his boot being caught in the pitch. A few players were slipping and passes were slowing down in the chewed up mud.

After plenty of threatening attacks from the home side in maroon, with 20 minutes gone following a deflected cross that caused danger was headed in by Sean Heaver. A much deserved 1-0 lead for Linlithgow Rose.

Good first half, had a proper cup tie feel to the game with plenty of tasty challenges. But it was Linlithgow Rose’s half as they dominated with the most chances and looked more dangerous.

Headed to the pie stand at halftime and grabbed myself a bridie and a bottle of water, for an absolute steal at £2.30 for the pair. Love when a ground has bridie’s for sale as they have become one of my favourite football foods at the non league grounds I’ve been to this season. Linlithgow smashed it out the park with theirs as it was bloody delicious. Also dog watch returned again as I spotted a spaniel on the far touchline. Facilities were first class as their were toilets housed in the social club connected to the ground.

Linlithgow came out all guns blazing after the restart as a shot flashed across the goal. But Blantyre looked fired up as they created more and got further forward in the opening plays of the half as they worked the long ball game.

Rose almost doubled the lead but another great save from King in the Vics goal made sure it stayed 1-0. But he could do nothing minutes later, after a late challenge the resulting free kick was whipped into the box and Rose skipper Gary Thom headed home.

Blantyre found themselves back in the game minutes after the goal, a route one ball over the top was latched onto by Sam MacKenzie who dinked the ball past the keeper with a well taken flick.

King once again pulled off a superb save from Sneddon shot from distance as Linlithgow threatened once again. But following how the second half had gone, the visitors countered and went close themselves. But the comeback was not meant to be as it finished 2-1 to the home side.

A great cup game to be fair, both sides battling well but in my opinion the better side won as Linlithgow played the better football in the bad conditions. Take nothing away from Blantyre as then have a great account of themselves and put in a good performance, especially King in goal for the team in blue.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – £7

Programme Price – N/A

Programme Rating – N/A

Refreshments – 8/10

Stadium Facilities – 9/10

Getting To Stadium – 8/10

Stadium Rating – 8/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Linlithgow Rose against Blantyre Victoria.

Daz Carding

Hearts V Motherwell – Cinch Scottish Premiership (29/01/2022)

Safe to say storm Malik wreaked havoc today and I was a little nervous about making it to the game, with several trains being cancelled and delayed. But luckily the 1313 train to Edinburgh was running although delayed by quarter of an hour. Due to these cancellations the train was rammed, but can’t complain as I got a seat and I was getting to go to the game. Made the familiar walk through Gorgie and got the goosebumps as Tynecastle appeared through railway bridge.

I checked the Hearts lineup on my way and was surprised to see McKay and Haring on the bench, as recently they have been standouts in my opinion but I have faith in Robbie to pick the right players for each game, especially with the derby against Hibs coming up. It was good to see after Wednesdays performances that Simms and Baningime starting.

Grabbed myself a prematch feast of a steak pie, packet of Salt & Vinegar crisps, and a Fanta all for the price of £6.70. To be fair the pie was a little burnt compared to usual but still it filled a hole, which is what I got it for. But annoying to see that the electronic clock wasn’t on today, as the electronic advertising board had parts missing and wasn’t turned on.

Hearts got a free kick in the box for a pass back early on and good to see the referee book the keeper for throwing the ball away and complaining. The free kick came to nothing as it was just too close for Kingsley to get up and over the wall.

Hearts were struggling to settle into the game and with 10 minutes gone following a slip from Cammy Devlin, and Kevin Van Veen went close for Motherwell side footing the ball just past the post.

It was nice to see Simms linking up the play well up top, playing balls out to the wide men and those supporting him up front. But Baningime was struggling to get a stronghold on the game, as nothing seemed to be going through him.

A familiar face came off the bench for Motherwell as Sean Goss, ex Shrewsbury Town player, came on just after the half hour mark.

Some great play by Cammy Devlin, saw him play the ball into Andy Halliday who was in acres off space inside the box, he put the ball into the far corner with ease to make it 1-0 to the Jambos with 37 minutes played.

Although Hearts went in 1-0 up at halftime, it wasn’t the greatest of halves. They didn’t look settled and weren’t playing good football, the midfield weren’t seeming to click.

There was a second Hearts debut for Toby Sibbick at half time, after signing from Barnsley in the week, as he came on to replace John Souttar who appeared to take a knock in a 50/50 challenge in the first half.

More comedy from the SFA officials, this week a free kick was given to Hearts but due to miss-communication Devlin took a throw, the referee and linesman kept looking at one another until the referee blew up after at least 4 passes and advised it was a free kick.

More great play from Hearts, started by Cammy Devlin on halfway, as he broke into the Motherwell half and found Liam Boyce in space, who played the perfect ball into Ellis Simms at the back post. Simms opened his Hearts account with a well taken finish, for 2-0 Hearts on 58 minutes.

Hearts should have made it 3 following another good break as Boyce played a ball into the far post but Woodburn’s shot was blocked close to the line.

Another 3 points for the Jam Tarts, and a 10 point gap now opened up between us and Motherwell in fourth. To be fair to Motherwell they didn’t stop pressing and trying to find a way back into the game.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – Season Ticket

Programme Price – £4 (Double edition)

Programme Rating – 8/10

Refreshments – 8/10

Stadium Facilities – 7/10

Getting To Stadium – 8/10

Stadium Rating – 9/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Motherwell.

Daz Carding

Hearts V Celtic – Cinch Scottish Premiership (26/01/2022)

A second return to Tynecastle Park in just over a week for me, after a break with no games it feels so good to be back again with two home games in quick succession. There’s something special about a game at Tynecastle under the lights, as I walked up towards the ground with the floodlights on the buzz hit instantly. Got a lift to the game tonight by fellow Jambo Colin, who was a lifesaver after I was looking for a lift on the newly started Forth Valley Hearts Supporters Club page,

There were boos again as John Souttar’s name was called pre match, but luckily the boo boys left it at that. It was what’s needed in a game against Celtic, as the players need the crowd behind them.

It was great to see on the 13th minute a minute applause for young Jambo Devin Gordon by both sets of supporters and players, who sadly passed away last week.

With 22 minutes played Michael Smith was forced off injured, as he went off holding his back, and was replaced by Nathaniel Atkinson. Five minutes later following an error from Atkinson, Hatate hit a screamer from about 30 yards out to give Celtic the lead.

In the 35th minute the visitors doubled their lead as Giakoumakis poked home at the near post, after some woeful defending. To be fair it should have been a Hearts free kick seconds earlier due to a handball and a Celtic player looked offside. But Hearts had played poor following the first goal.

Celtic fans had tickets in the home end, causing fighting in the stand. Poor as children there and that’s kind of thing that could put a kid off ever attending a game again. Cammy Devlin was booked for some afters following a challenge, which caused a bit of a melee amongst both teams.

Hearts were second best for the first half and sat too deep, allowing Celtic to play and come at them.

A debut for striker Ellis Simms at the start of the second half, who only joined hours before kick off on loan from Everton, as he replaced Josh Ginnelly who had struggled to get into the game.

Was good to see the return of Baningime on the hour mark after an injury lay-off. In the 62nd minute and the deficit was halved as Liam Boyce finished on well after an assist from Barrie McKay, a well taken goal from Boycie. The goal brought the stands to lift and the Tynie roar was in full voice.

Hearts were given a further lifeline as they were awarded a penalty in the 71st minute, but Liam Boyce’s well struck penalty hit the post and it went out for a goal kick. Admittedly I celebrated a little early as the penalty beat Joe Hart but not the post.

Worryingly with 10 minutes to play Craig Halkett knocked the ball out of play and went down, looks like another injury for the centre half as he headed straight down the tunnel.

A different second half but the 2 goal difference at the break was too much, as you can’t afford to give Celtic that kind of lead. But to be fair I feel that Hearts should have at least got a point for the second half performance, but it wasn’t meant to be.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – Season Ticket

Programme Price – £4 (Double edition)

Programme Rating – 8/10

Refreshments – 8/10

Stadium Facilities – 7/10

Getting To Stadium – 8/10

Stadium Rating – 9/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Celtic.

Daz Carding

Camelon Juniors V Tynecastle FC – East Of Scotland Premier Division (22/01/2022)

Made the short but sweet journey from Grangemouth to Camelon for my first trip to Carmuirs Park, for Camelon Juniors V Tynecastle FC. A familiar feeling to todays fixture with the away side sharing the name of my regular footballing home.

Very easy to find the ground as it’s visible from the road and decked out in the clubs colours of red and white. Carmuirs Park is a gem of a ground, with a great non league and proper football feel to it, with 2 covered stands, one seating, and one standing and an open terrace behind the goal it’s got some fantastic character.

As I made my way around to the pie stand, I was greeted by a member of the Camelon Juniors committee, Calum, who I had a nice chat with about the club and ground. I decided on a prematch steak pie and a bottle of water, which was a steal at just £3! Steak pie went down a treat and was filled with a good amount of steak. I found a seat in between the half way line and the edge of the box, which gave me a decent view of the pitch.

A nice touch on the 13th minute as play was stopped as the fans, players and officials all clapped for a minute in memory of Hearts fan Devin, who sadly passed away this week.

With just over 20 minutes played, Camelon took the lead as Darren Gribben made the most of a rebound after a great save, from close range. It was hard to see it it went over the line as the keeper saved with his legs but after a momentary pause the referee gave a goal, much to the anger of the away sides keeper who received a booking for his protests.

Dog watch returned as I spotted a Dalmatian in the stand opposite me. Camelon were reduced to 10 just before halftime, as captain McArthur was sent off for something that was said after a dive from the Tynecastle forward.

The 10 men of Camelon doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time as Anderson hit a hard low shot across the keeper and into the far corner.

A worrying moment at the start of the second half as a Tynecastle player went down clutching his chest and the physio called for the defibrillator but luckily it wasn’t needed and the player left the pitch on his feet.

As the second half ticked by it was the visitors Tynecastle who looked the more likely to get a goal as they went close numerous times, as the man advantage seemed to be benefiting them. But Welna in the sticks for Camelon was having an outstanding game and the away side couldn’t find a way past him.

Camelon almost made it 3 and Anderson almost doubled his tally after some nest footwork allowed him to get inside the box and with the keeper off his line, he chipped the ball just over the bar. But shortly after Tynecastle found a way back into the game with 15 minutes left to play as Fisher beat the keeper from around six yards out to make it 2-1.

Camelon’s task of holding onto the lead was made a bit harder as Taylor was shown a second yellow card and sent off with 5 minutes to play. But the 9 men held on to the lead, much to the joy of the home fans who greeted the full time whistle with loud cheers.

So onto my ratings…

Ticket Price – £7

Programme Price – N/A

Programme Rating – N/A

Refreshments – 8/10

Stadium Facilities – 7/10

Getting To Stadium – 8/10

Stadium Rating – 7/10

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Camelon Juniors against Tynecastle FC.

Daz Carding