From the archive: Duncan winner carries torch for the traditionalists

HEARTS went out of the Scottish Cup on Saturday with regrets but mercifully without recriminations. There was some little consolation in that the winning goal was such a great one – a spectacular run and shot by the winger, Arthur Duncan; an old-fashioned goal, of course, but, in the present anti-winger climate, a welcome goal for the traditionalists.

Hearts were entitled to regret the missed chances of the first quarter of an hour but, to be frank, the misses came from weaknesses that have been apparent for a long time.

It is a relief that one does not have to theorise about Hibs winning and discuss tactics and numbers. They won because, on the day, they had more good players than Hearts. It would be difficult to find an indifferent Hibs player and although Baker saw little of the ball he kept Anderson and Veitch busy.

If Hibs had any luck at all it was that Eddie Thomson, the Hearts captain, failed a fitness test before the start. Veitch played competently in his place but without Thomson the defence lost something in organisation.

The game was coming at Hibs in the first quarter hour but they maintained their composure and Blackley showed such authority that he was an inspiration. Over the piece, he was the outstanding player. However, it was Stanton, as a captain should, who nursed Hibs back into the game.

A weakness was exposed on Hearts left defence and Duncan was sent racing into it and, just before half-time, it seemed that Hearts were to be overrun on that side. The Hibs goal came from that direction, although why Hazel was not covered when a free kick was placed on his head should be the subject of an investigation.

Hearts brought the game back to life with a half-time substitution. Jensen came on for the heavy-footed Winchester and he gave a new look as he held the ball.

Hegarty had shown finishing limitations before heading Hearts’ goal and the match was finely balanced before Ducan galloped away and scored like a good old-fashioned winger to put Hibs into the draw for the last eight.