Hibee history: Positive end to a dismal season

A BATTLING draw with Euro-chasers Dundee at Dens Park was in contrast to much of what had been a poor season for Hearts.

Bobby Seith's side eventually finished in tenth spot in the old First Division, one place below East Fife.

Victory for the Dens Park men would have seen them pip Aberdeen for the second UEFA Cup spot but they were denied by goals from Ian Sneddon and Donald Park.

In fact, it took a late equaliser by Doug Houston, who later signed for Rangers for 45,000 to earn a point for the Dark Blues.

Even then, Eric Carruthers should have won the game for Hearts and ended Dundee's unbeaten home record for the season but, after beating Thomson Allan to a through ball, skied the ball over the bar from just eight yards.

The overall impression after the game, though, was one of optimism for the following season for the Tynecastle men, with Seith employing a 4-2-4 formation with two orthodox wingers in Park and Kenny Aird.

The manager handed the midfield roles to youngsters John Stevenson and Billy Menmuir and they faced a tough task against Houston and Jocky Scott.

Dundee really should have been ahead by more than just a Gordon Wallace goal at the interval. But Stevenson and Menmuir transformed the game after the break, fighting "like tigers" for every ball and giving plenty of ammunition to wide men Park and Aird.

One more positive for Hearts was the performance of another youngster Jimmy Cant. The teenager started shakily but came on to a good game under the guidance of skipper Alan Anderson as Hearts salvaged something from the season – qualification for the Texaco Cup.