Thursday, February 26, 2009

Heart of Midlothian Championship History


Heart of Midlothian championship history



-Scottish League Cup- 4 times Champions

1- 1954–55- 4-2 v. Motherwell
2- 1958-59- 5-1 v. Patrick Thistle
3- 1959–60- 1-0 v. Kilmarnock
4- 1962-63- 2-1 v. Third Lanark



- Scottish Cup- 7 times Champions
1- 1891- 1-0 v. Dumbarton
2- 1896- 2-1 v. Hibernian
3- 1901- 4-3 v. Celtic
4- 1906- 1-0 v. Third Lanark
5- 1956- 3-1 v. Celtic
6- 1998- 2-1 v. Rangers
7- 2006- 1-1 (4-2 PK) v. Gretna



Scottish Premier League- 4 times Champions


1- 1894–95- 31 pts, -----2nd Place: Celtic with 26 points. -----Title Clincher:
2- 1896–97- 28 pts, -----2nd Place: Hibernian with 26 points. -----Title Clincher:
3- 1957–58- 62 pts, -----2nd Place: Rangers with 49 points. -----Title Clincher:
4- 1959–60- 54 pts, -----2nd Place: Kilmarnock with 50 points. -----Title Clincher:

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Dundee United vs. Heart of Midlothian- 0-1

 
Dundee Utd. 0   Hearts 1



Saturday February 28, 2009- Tannadice

Billed as: A crucial game for both clubs' Europa League aspirations. From Dundee's side, this is their chance to finally pass Hearts in the standings, leaving them to face up to their relatively difficult pre-split matches vs. the Old Firm and Hibs. 

Reality: An UNBELIEVABLE game to shut up Dundee United for quite a bit. Hearts, without Zali, Kingston, Nade,...and after transfering Berra...have gone on a fantastic run since the transfer window ended. The game today seemed like a sure win for a motivated Dundee United. I have no idea what Csaba told the players at half time, but I thank each and every player for putting the performance of the season. And I think Csaba has firmly established himself as the best manager Hearts have had in over 10 years. I can't think of 1 world class manager who could have done what he's been accomplishing this year.

The Good: The effort in the second half, despite being dominated and despite playing possibly the hardest match of the season. Csaba promised us that Janos would be a great signing. And my goodness has he single handedly won us point this season. He's living up to his word in that he'd equal Craig Gordon's form. The second half performances by Robbie Nelson, Karipidis and Bruno Aguiar are something to write about. Top class. These are the wins that keep teams together.

The Bad: The first half. Hearts were completely dominated. Also Michael Stewart seems to be concentrating too much on the amount of effort he gives, rather than how and when to apply it on the field. Great goal though.

Reaction: Aberdeen losing puts us 6 points ahead of them. This is even more of a cushion for the 2nd Europa League spot. We're currently 5 points ahead of Dundee United, and at this point this is huge. In the context of this season, after the 2 horrible years Hearts went through, this may be have been the more important league win since the Aberdeen CL clincher in 2006. It's the first time that a Hearts squad has built itself an identity for the supporters to be proud of.

Hearts: Balogh, Karipidis, Jonsson, Nielson (c), Wallace, Aguiar, Driver, Obua, Stewart, Palazuelos, Mrowiec (Cesnauskis). 

Booked: Lee Wallace and Robbie Nielson. 

Goals: Michael "I can play, honest!" Stewart

Man of the Match: Janos Balogh...for god's sake.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Hearts 1 St. Mirren 1

SPL, Saturday February 21 2009- Tynecastle

Billed as: Heart's chance to get clear of Dundee United for the coveted 3rd place (now that they were facing Aberdeen). 

Reality: St. Mirren made things difficult for Hearts again. I've learned not to judge these games as exemplary of what Hearts can do vs. inferior sides. But St. Mirren always gives Hearts a hard time, no matter what or when (even in the 05/06 season). 

The Good: Announcer, at one point in the match, said "Good teams get results when they play bad". Hearts were about 2 minutes from accomplishing this. Also it was nice to see the depleted back four hold its own with Captain Robbie at the helm.

The Bad: Again, these games are always "different". But again, the lack of finishing hurt. Hearts didn't play a good game, but the chances were there to be finished. Also for concede on St. Mirren's 2nd attempt in the entire 2nd half, is pretty frustrating.

Reaction: Half empty? Half full? Dundee tied, so that's good. But Csaba will be kicking himself for letting this one slip. This is the time to start looking at the table with 10 games remaining. Hearts are 2 points ahead of Dundee, 4 ahead of Aberdeen for 4th and 10 ahead of 5th placed Hibs. If the Old Firm were to win the Scottish cup, Hearts would pretty much be guaranteed Europea League football next season. 

Hearts: Balogh, Nielson (c), Jonsson, Wallace, Thompson, Aguiar, Driver, Obua, Stewart (Mikoliunas),  Glen (Kingston...and then Palazuelos), Nade.

Booked: 

Goals: Jonsson.

Att: 13,609

Man of the Match: Jonsson, I guess. Neilson had a good game too. 

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Hearts 2 Aberdeen 1



Hearts 2 Aberdeen 1

SPL, Saturday 14 February 2008- Tynecastle

Billed as: St. Valentine's day massacre. Both Hearts and Aberdeen managers sharing some strong words off pitch. A crucial match for both clubs' Europa Cup aspirations.

Reality: A fantastic game. Hearts and Aberdeen banging their skulls into each other for over 90 minutes.  Hearts get the big win and pass Dundee United for third place by 1 point.
 
The Good: I'm more impressed by the fact that Aberdeen (a tough and stubborn team that usually gives the Old Firm tons of trouble) went all out, and Hearts still managed to dominate them for most of the game. Driver, Obua and Aguiar played amazingly well. I haven't heard Tynecastle that rabbid since Hearts beat Rangers earlier this season. Great game.

The Bad: The feeling that Andrew Driver, Michael Stewart and David Obua will most likely leave during this summer's big summer clearance. Also Hearts' back line is still a bit shaky now that Zaliukas is gone for a few weeks.

Reaction: Hearts are in a strong position. But there are tons of difficult games ahead. This team seems to have the potential to accomplish something great this season. But I'm not holding my breath on Rangers dropping the 2nd CL spot (13 points ahead). There's still a bit to go for the "must win/crucial matches", but it's always great to just enjoy the football until then.

Hearts: Balogh, Nielson, Karipidis, Jonsson, Wallace, Obua, Stewart, Aguiar, Driver, Glen (Palazuelos 80), Nade (Mrowiec 90). 

Booked: Nade, Driver

Goals: Nade, Driver. (Probably the two players Hearts most expect to score)

Att: 15 049

Man of Match: Bruno Aguiar