Heart of Midlothian 1
Dundee 1
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

Newspaper extract from Steve Bruce - The Courier .

Dundee's 1-1 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle was a point dropped rather than a point gained. Manager Archie Knox claimed- "We should have had the game sewn up inside the first 20 minutes," and Alex. MacDonald almost agreed, admitting, "I'm delighted to see us get a point from this one, particularly after unluckily losing our last two matches."

True, for long spells in this match Hearts held a distinct advantage in terms of pressure and posses- sion, but although Dundee survived some hairy moments in defence, Bobby Geddes was rarely troubled.

Indeed, it was the Tynecastle keeper Henry Smith who had to display his skills, somehow brilliantly turning over a Harvey header and clutching a McWilliams close-range effort late in the game.

The young Dundee winger had an eventful afternoon for, after giving Dundee the lead, he was a little fortunate to remain on the park for a bad foul on Colquhoun.

McWilliams escaped with a booking that time, but could have picked up a second caution near the end for a challenge on Levein, before being involved in the game's most controversial incident.

There's no doubt in my mind that Dundee should have had a penalty when McWilliams was clearly fouled in the box by Levein, but referee Alan Ferguson amazingly awarded only a corner.

McWilliams first-half booking climaxed a burst of four cautions in six minutes. Rab Shannon, Jim Duffy and Brian Whittaker were the others to have their names taken, but it was a hard rather than dirty game.

Ray Stephen and John Brown were unable to play after being hit by a sickness and diarrhoea bug on the morning of the game and Rab Shannon limped off after a kick on the shin.

Hearts' equaliser more than matched Dundee's opener for quality with Ian Jardine giving Geddes no chance with his powerful header.

Manager Alex. MacDonald, who has had more than his fair share of injury problems to contend with this season, believes this result may help his side turn the corner after recent disappointments.

They certainly showed plenty of determination, but with Sandy Clark ineffectual and John Robertson (making his 100th League appearance for the club) hardly seen, Hearts can consider this a point gained.

Archie Knox's disappointment at the result was understandable, but it's worth noting that Dundee have dropped only three points from their last five matches.