Heart of Midlothian 0 Motherwell 0

Clydesdale Bank SPL, Saturday 9 April 2011 - (125 year old) Tynecastle

On a day when Hearts marked 125 years since the present Tynecastle Park/Stadium opened, it was perhaps inevitable the occasion would be marked with a goalless draw. However, in my view this was a decent game with some nice passing football from both sides - all it lacked, if I can resort to cliche mode for a moment, were goals.

In fact, despite the nice football on show there were very few chances. Hearts Ryan Stevenson forced 'Well keeper Randolph into action early on while strike partner Stephen Elliott blasted a shot over the bar. For Motherwell, Saunders hit the post shortly before half time and in the second half Forbes hit the crossbar when he should have scored. In the end a point apiece was probably about right.

The plus points from a Hearts point of view was the performance of Craig Thomson. The full back had Motherwell's Chris Humphrey  - whose pace is something else - in his pocket all afternoon while Andy Webster, as he had done at Easter Road six days ago, strolled through the game as if he had never been away from the centre of the Hearts defence. Webster captained the Hearts team in the absence of the suspended Zaliukas and I suspect 'Smokey' will be given the armband for keeps next season.

The negatives for the maroons is the worrying lack of a goal threat. Kevin Kyle's absence is keenly felt and while Skacel and Elliott are capable of scoring, when they are both off the pace - as they were today - there is no one else to threaten. With Dundee United continuing to edge closer to Hearts in the SPL - the gap is now eight points - this is something that may well be keeping Hearts boss Jim Jefferies awake at night.

On a positive note - happy 125th birthday, Tynecastle, one of Scotland's best football arenas. And, may I say what a pleasure it was to meet Vicky from Musselburgh at Tynecastle today. Vicky has made the odd comment or two on this blog and it was great to meet her at last (okay, Vickster, that's enough niceties for now...)

Finally, it was great to see Maroon View, a Hearts fanzine on the streets today. It's an excellent read - to get a copy contact maroonview@hotmail.co.uk