My good lady wife was working an early shift on Saturday morning (7am start) which essentially meant two things. Firstly I had the pleasure of waking up at 6:15am to attend to my daughter, feed her, bath her, take her out and generally keep her amused and secondly, as a result of this, I was half knackered when the time came to head over to Tynecastle for Hearts' final pre-season friendly against Blackburn Rovers (Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way, she's worth it). Having spent the early part of my day watching 'Upsy Daisy' from the 'In The Night Garden' prance around pointlessly and unsuccessfully chase an elusive ball around a park like an big overweight girl, I was hoping not to witness a similar display at Tynecastle. Thankfully Christian Nade moved on at the end of last season so I could relax on that front.
Nade?
My Dad and I arrived later than normal at Tynecastle and with no spare time for a pre-match pint, we made our way to the usual seats just as the game kicked off. Roseburn and Russell Road had seemed particularly quiet as we walked toward the ground and this was reflected by the attendance of just 6,333 paying customers. With the game being on a Saturday and against opposition from the English top flight I had expect the occasion to capture the imagination of the Hearts faithful more than it did. Many of the regular faces from our area weren't present (assuming they've renewed their season tickets) and hadn't opted to pay an extra tenner for the privilege of seeing the game. To be honest I don't know why clubs don't just let season ticket holders into pre-season games for free, what's the point in having empty seats when you could have increased the attendance and let the team benefit from the improved atmosphere? Additionally only a small section of Blackburn fans had decided to make the trip north. I was expecting more away fans than there were at the midweek game against Wolves but there certainly wasn't much in it and I think Wolves marginally brought more.
Blackburn were also fielding a side against Celtic the following day in Glasgow (seemingly this was to be their stronger side of the weekend), so I thought the prospect of a weekend split between Edinburgh and Glasgow might have attracted more travelling fans than it did. Fair play to those who did make the journey though, whilst their songs, chants and general banter faded as the game went on (in line with the general level of entertainment), they supported their team well, made a far bit noise and subjected Tynecastle to the obligatory In-ger-land chants. The only thing they could be marked down on was that they only brought two flags, one of which was barely big enough to use as a tea towel. Someone ought to point them towards Charlie and Pete.
The Blackburn support
Having been pretty comprehensively out muscled by Wolves, I was rather worried how Hearts would handle Blackeye Rovers. I noticed there appeared to be a larger than normal contingent of paramedics on hand and wondered if this was a stipulation for any fixture involving a Sam Allardyce side. I needn't have worried, Blackburn were physically imposing and played in the usual bruising yet effective Big Sam style but they were fair with it. Hearts themselves are no angels and the only foul of note which sticks in the mind was actually a late challenge from the Jambos' defender Jason Thomson. Blackburn started strongly and had an effort cleared of the line before Hearts opened the scoring through a screamer from Suso, a looping left foot shot which left the keeper stranded and bulged the top left corner of the net.
Suso jogs back after scoring, Pedersen looks on
Novikovas and Suso were put in pretty good performance for Hearts whilst Zaliukas was enjoying being kept busy by Morten Gamst Pedersen whose quality was clearly evident. Like Wolves Kevin Doyle earlier in the week, Pedersen looked a classy operator and a cut above most of the other players on the pitch. Blackburn equalised with a well taken goal in the second half from their on-loan signing from Manchester United Mame Diouf after he was set up in space by Pedersen. Diouf made no mistake and slotted the ball low past Jamie McDonald who played the second half in goal for Hearts after replacing Janos Balogh.
Like the Wolves game it was typical pre season fare. The game was competitive but wasn't played at the full blooded pace of a league season encounter and the second half soon became frequently interrupted by substitutions from both sides. The most interesting change from a Hearts perspective was the removal of Calum Elliot for the on trial Cameroonian Jonathan Toto. Toto had little service but looked strong, quick and probably did enough to make Jim Jeffries think he's worthy of bringing on board, even despite today's news that Hearts have secured the services of Stephen Elliot from Preston North End.
Jonathan Toto
So, the preparations are over and the SPL will get under way next week. First up for Hearts are St Johnstone at Tynecastle. I for one can't wait and I'll be hoping to enjoy another sunny afternoon watching football after a pre match drink at The Diggers. All I need to do is ensure I don't have to spend the morning with bloody Upsy Daisy...I'm sure she's a Hibby.
Bench at the final whistle
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