The first game I recall took place at Tynecastle on 3rd March 1958 where Hearts
played Scotland in a world cup trial match. Scotland had qualified for the world
cup finals in Sweden so three trial matches were arranged against Hibs, Rangers
and Hearts. The Scotland team arrived at Tynecastle unbeaten, having already
won at Easter Road and drawn at Ibrox. Hearts however were Scotland’s best
team at the time and were watched by a crowd of 30,000, the team played in the
candy stripe jersey’s for the first time. Hearts were in great form and soon had
Scotland pegged back, it was no surprise when Alex Young scored from a Crawford
pass after half-time. Hearts continued to be on top and little Johnny Hamilton
who was in cracking form on the right wing scored a beauty from 30 yards. Scotland
pulled a goal back a few minutes later when Ormond scored. With twenty minutes to
go Bobby Collins shot home and equalized. Hearts picked up the pace again and after
continuous pressure on the Scotland goal Dave Mackay dribbled brilliantly through
a maze of defenders and scored in the last minute amid tremendous joy for the fans.


My next game also played in March 1958 when Celtic were the visitors to Tynecastle I
recall this game took place on a Friday night and was Hearts third game in six days. The
game had been switched due to Hibs playing a Scottish Cup tie and Scotland playing
rugby at Murrayfield. Hearts were going for a record 15 consecutive wins in the league not
dropping a point since November. Hearts were quickly into their stride and went two goals
up in the first 10 mins scored by Crawford and Blackwood. Dave MacKay picked up a leg
injury shortly afterwards and as there were no substitutes at this time he played the rest of
the game as a virtual passenger on the left wing. Byrne pulled a goal back for Celtic
before half-time, the ten man hearts picked up the pace after half-time and scored another
two goals from Crawford and Murray to make it 4-1, however the extra man saw Celtic score
twice to be only one goal down, however Jimmy Murray scored from a header to make it 5-3
and Hearts missed a penalty at the end when Jimmy Milne sent the ball over the bar.
Hearts continued to remain unbeaten to the end of the season where they won the
Championship by a mile. Scoring 5 goals against Celtic with virtually 10 men,
Great stuff!