Flogel flies high

A GOAL in each half from Thomas Flogel and David Weir ensured high- flying Hearts went through despite a spirited challenge from Clydebank.

The Second Division leaders had yet to lose away from home this season, and showed no signs early on that Tynecastle would hold any fears for them.

And were it not for the width of a post they would have taken the lead in the fourth minute, when David Nicholls shot had Roddy McKenzie rooted to the spot.

The keeper could only look on gratefully as the ball cannoned back off the upright.

Six minutes later, Nicholls decided to try his luck again but this time McKenzie was equal to the task, brilliantly palming away his effort.

In contrast Hearts seemed disorganised and lethargic.

Stephane Adam's free-kick shook the crossbar with McFarlane beaten as the Premier side finally warmed to their task.

In the 31st minute, they went ahead when McCann's free-kick landed amongst a number of bodies in the area and Jim Hamilton's first attempt was blocked.

But the ball fell to Flogel eight yards out and the Austrian crashed the ball high into the roof of the net.

The goal knocked the wind out of the Bankies and suddenly Fulton was finding the kind of space he thrives upon, and as a result, Hearts began to look a lot more comfortable.

But the visitors, obviously spurred by manager McCall's words at half- time, were far from finished. And only a superb finger tip save from Mckenzie prevented Adams' header levelling the score.

The young keeper was only playing because first choice Gilles Rousset had flu, but showed enough to suggest he has a great future.

Hearts introduced Quitongo and Robertson for Hamilton and Flogel and the duo gave them a more potent look up front.

But it was a defender, David Weir, who claimed the second goal just after the hour, rising unchallenged to head home Fulton's free- kick.

The goal killed the game off and Hearts eased comfortably into the fourth round without ever looking their best.

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