Tynecastle ordered to dig deep for Preston test

Tynecastle manager Murray Balloch has demanded an improvement from his side after dishing out a few stern words following the 4-3 defeat to Lothian Thistle last time out.

Tynecastle face second-bottom Preston Athletic in the Central Taxis Premier Division tomorrow in a game of great importance to both clubs as they fight to avoid a late season battle against the drop.

"We had a wee blether after the game with Lothian Thistle," stressed Balloch. "It was not great conditions but it was the same for both teams and Lothian wanted a win more than us. I told our players that we cannot just turn up and play in nice weather - there are occasions when they have to roll their sleeves up and fight.

"I am not going to use the excuse that my players were ring-rusty - they just looked a bit naive at times - especially when the score was 2-2. If we had scored the next goal then I reckon we would have gone on to win the game. At training week in, week out, our game is about two touches and then keeping the ball moving. For some of our players to get caught in possession was criminal, then to allow Craig Stewart to score with two tremendous strikes when he should not have been given the space was equally as bad.

"Some of my players showed that the result hurt them when they came back into the dressing room. That pleased me because it showed their true feelings. I know that when we get beat I go home and close the curtains!"

Balloch is hoping his players use their disappointment to bounce back when they take the field against a Preston side without a win since mid-November. "It puzzles me that Preston seem to be battling in the relegation area," said Balloch. "Their manager, Stevie Myatt, is a really nice guy, a great manager and a very good coach. Their position seems strange although I know that they have been hit by injuries."

In their earlier league meeting Tynecastle won 4-1 although Balloch is reading nothing into that result. "I've told my players that under no circumstances should they expect to win by a similar scoreline. Preston players will remember that score and will be determined to get their revenge so we will have to be 100 per cent focused on our own performance. We are looking to put together a run of two or three wins to take us up the table because there are not many points separating the team in fourth place and Heriot Watt University at the bottom."

Balloch has welcomed back the mercurial Wayne Sproule, who has been out injured for nine months and who played for 20 minutes against Lothian. "All Wayne needs is matches," said Balloch.

Tynecastle have experience in their ranks with Robbie Arthur, Eddie Mearns, Paul Devlin and John Gilbertson all fit along with on-loan Hearts defender Dale O'Hara although Gareth Thom faces a late fitness test.

"I will be telling my players to keep the game simple and give me 100 per cent. Our coach, David Bingham, always tells them - the first pass you see is the right one."

Preston, meanwhile, have lost their last three games since the resumption after the enforced break and have conceded 36 goals in their 11 league games, more than any other team.

"Before the break we beat Heriot Watt 4-2 in what was a must-win game," said Preston manager, Stevie Myatt. "During the winter we had 17 players training and itching for a game. That prompted me to accept an offer for Ritchie McCaul, who was transferred to Arniston Rangers.

"However, after that Paul Leighfield asked for a transfer then Craig Scott and Matt Costello broke down. Chris Barton was also injured so suddenly there was a huge change in our circumstances. We were competitive in our recent cup-tie with Vale of Leithen and were unlucky to lose to a late goal. We then played Vale again in the league and had to play players out of position, eventually losing 4-0. We lost 5-2 to Lothian Thistle who ripped us apart in the second half. We are finding it extremely difficult and we are going into testing times. We need to start picking up points and when I have everybody fit we have a very good squad. I am constantly scouring for new players to strengthen my depleted squad."

Preston miss Matt Costello, Chris Barton, Mark Pagliarulo, Kevin Lee and Kyle Collins for tomorrow's game, which kicks-off at Fernieside at 2.30pm.