SPARTA HEART-BROKEN AS JAM TARTS NICK POINTS

The match only just survived a pitch inspection 10 minutes before kick off, where even the lack of markings around the pitch didn't hold back the hardy 22 bodies that took to the field. Sparta lost the toss but was given the "advantage" of the strong wind behind for the first 45 minutes. Anderson was full of running and was eager to end his own goal drought and his drive from the edge of the box was turned round the post.

Taylor found his way into the book when his hard challenge was deemed too dangerous by the referee who booked the competitive Jags midfielder. Next Maxwell had the Hearts back line in disarray as his run and cross was only just missed by the onrushing Thomas.

Then as so often happens when your luck is not in Hearts took the lead. A through ball to the Hearts no 9, who despite looking at least a yard and a half offside ran towards goal, a combination of a Reston tackle and Burnside narrowing the angle took the sting out of the shot, the ball rolled free and the Hearts no 10 was first to react and slot home a simple goal. This stung the Jags and Anderson almost got the equaliser forcing a full length save from the Hearts no 1.

Kirkwood was making a nuisance of himself in and around the Edinburgh side's area and from this Taylor shot well wide from distance. Hearts were hitting on the counter attack and only an alert piece of goalkeeping by the in-form Burnside stopped the visitors from extending the lead. Brett Phillips almost stunned the visitors with a long raking drive that went past the post as Sparta tried their luck.

It was Kirkwood who came closest to netting when his powerful header was acrobatically clawed from under the bar by the Hearts keeper when it looked a certain goal. Aranda was also becoming more involved and his persistence drew a half chance that the keeper held well.

Surging Steve Thomas almost scored a wonderful equaliser as he broke from the back and found himself one on one with the keeper who was equal to the shot. Samson had a header cleared off the line as Sparta tried in vain to grab a goal. Hearts almost took advantage of the lack of bodies at the back but Burnside was brave and snuffed out the danger as the full time whistle sounded.

Team: Gordon Burnside; Colin Reston, Steven Samson, Stevie Walker, James Hamilton; Alan Maxwell, James Taylor, Andy McIntyre, Marcus Aranda; David Anderson, Steven Thomas.
Subs: Charlie Kirkwood, Brett Phillips.