Tynecastle edge fine end of season fare

THIS game proved to be far from a typical end-of-season clash with both sides determined to play open attacking football, writes .

Preston created two good chances in the opening 15 minutes when Lindsay Stewart hit a 20-yard left foot shot which missed the junction of bar and post by inches, then Kevin Haynes saw an effort well stopped by John Gilbertson. But Athletic took the lead midway through the first half when a good move culminated in Gary Wales threading a ball to Haynes who took a clever touch before chipping the ball over the exposed Gilbertson.

Much of Tynecastle's intricate play was confined to the midfield area until they equalised two minutes before the interval. Haynes attempted a long pass-back from an attacking position. The ball fell to Mark Cathcart on the half-way line and, when he failed to control it, Gareth Thom robbed him and set up Gary McCormack who burst forward to score with an accurate shot.

Tynecastle sealed the win in the 67th minute when Gary Cherrie found time and space in the penalty box to fire a low shot behind Ross Gilpin.

Preston Athletic: Gilpin, Laidlaw, McCaul, Cathcart, Scott, Leighfield, Wales, Stewart, Miller, Haynes, Kerr. Subs: Manson, McColl.

Tynecastle: Gilbertson, Aird, Alexander, Sives, Foster, G Cherrie, Jones, Bingham, G McCormack, Devlin, Thom. Subs: Paterson, M Cherrie, McMullen.