Relichtie
Memorable
matches
This match was requested by Allen.
April 12 1969. Hearts 2-2 Arbroath. Scottish League Division 1
When Arbroath visited Tynecastle, the forlorn fight against relegation was almost over, but two points here were required to keep the hopes of survival alive. In the end this was a creditable draw, but it would not be enough to save the lichties.
Hearts, who were chasing a 'Fairs Cup' place opened brightly and attacked from the outset, but the lichties defence stood firm, and in a breakaway in 12 mins the visitors had the temerity to score. Wilkie was brought down in the box by Clunie, and Jack despatched the resultant penalty. The home side equalised after 20 mins when Traynor sent over a cross, and Irvine headed home.
Bruce then hit the crossbar with a snap shot, and shortly after Wilkie shot narrowly past.
Hearts went ahead in 42 mins when Hughes cleared a Ford header off the line, but the ball broke to Traynor and he scored from the tightest of angles.
After the break Hearts went for the killer third goal, but despite constant pressure they could not find a finish, and after Finnie replaced the limping Jack the lichties brought the sides level. Fleming fouled Cant, and from the free kick, Bruce passed to Sellars who hit a low shot into the net.
Veitch replaced Fleming, and almost scored with an overhead kick which hit the post, before being scrambled clear by the combined efforts of Hodge and Hughes. At the other end Cant almost snatched the winner for the lichties, but Garland saved well from his effort.
Hearts - Garland, Clunie, Holt, McDonald, Anderson, Thomson, Traynor, Irvine, Ford, Fleming, Jensen. Sub - Veitch.
Arbroath - Hodge, Booth, Hughes, Cargill, Stirling, Kennedy, Sellars, Cant, Jack, Bruce, Wilkie. Sub - Finnie.
Referee S. Anderson, Glasgow.
Attendance 6500.