Hampden Misery

Over a week has now passed since the semi final of the CIS Cup. At a wet and windy National Stadium, Hearts fell foul, once again, to some dubious officiating, resulting in a 2 nil defeat to Rangers. A good first half performance was undone when the referee allowed Barry Ferguson to handle the ball before slotting it into the net for the opener. From that point on Hearts did not seem to rise to the challenge and despite throwing on substitutes never managed to turn things around. It was a disappointing team performance and one that left the travelling York Hearts support both frustrated and downhearted.


A total of 16 members and non members made the trip on what was one of the worst days of the year thus far in terms of weather. The 16 hardy souls made their way to Hampden via various forms of transport. 7 decided to go by train and take in an overnight stay in Glasgow, 7 travelled by car in order to return to York straight after the match and 2 travelled through from Edinburgh on the Orwell Hearts Supporters Club bus.

In typical YHSC fashion the various journeys did not pass without incident. Those fortunate enough to have chosen the train option travelled in comfort and enjoyed the trip to Glasgow enjoying beer, poker and many a laugh. Those unfortunate enough to have chosen the car option faced deteriorating weather, difficult driving conditions and poor navigational skills. Despite leaving at different times BOTH cars managed to miss the junction at Scotch Corner ensuring the long journey North was made that little bit longer. It is incidents like this that have prompted the issuing of an "Idiot Tax", which will no doubt benefit club funds immensely. These incidents did, however, provide some hilarity that evening when the stories were retold when everyone finally got together for a pre match beer just outside Hampden.

The trip also brought about a couple of other "Golden Moments", none more so than Brian ('Aaarold) Dall standing outside Hampden for an hour and a half in the wind and rain whilst waiting for his father Davey (Albert) Dall to arrive from Edinburgh on one of the Orwell buses. Despite 'Aaarold having Davey's match ticket the rest of the members found it rather strange that with 20 mins of the first half gone Davey arrived at his seat without 'Aaarold. When asked as to where his son was was Davey's response was that of "I've no idea - I thought he would have been in here already". Just how Davey managed the feat of procuring entrance and getting to his actual designated seat was a bit of mystery to most but it was revealed later that someone had given him a ticket to get in and that 'Aaarlod had already advised him of his seat number!! Thankfully mobile phones are around and a quick call to 'Aaarlols advising him of the situation left him speechless (well not quite) and he made his way into the ground to meet up with the rest of us. The general consensus amongst us is that 'Aaarold's late entry into the match actually cost us the game. With a record of never having seen Hearts lose since 1976 we were expecting the good luck charm to be the defining factor during the evening. It was not to be.....

Sam (Kermit) Outing also picked up a new nickname that evening after foolishly divulging his fear of frogs to fellow members. Kermit may well have to be on his toes in the near future....there may be a few malicious members about!!!!

As always during a YHSC trip to Scotland food is high on the Agenda. Prior to the match the local chippy did a roaring trade with the usual order of Haggis Supper being a firm favourite. Gav (Greedy Guts) Aitchison steadfastly fought to protect his supper from prying hands with lightning fast movements which would have been better on the pitch itself. For those who had travelled by train the pre match meal was postponed as a visit to a Glasgow Curry House and the promise of a few beers post match was on their menu. A fantastic meal followed after the match but unfortunately Ian (Temperance Society) Warner decided to take the curry afficienadios to what we believe must be the only Curry House in Glasgow that did not have a license to sell alcohol. Much berating followed as I am sure you can imagine.

All in all another good trip despite the result and it was rounded off nicely when YHSC yet again managed to get a mention on Radio 5's 606 show post match. Izzy needs to become an honorary member at this rate.

Thanks to all who travelled and especially to those who drove the cars in what was truely dreadful conditions particularly during the return journey. I'm already looking forward to the next one..........

Check out the photographs via the link through Ringo