Kettle United 1-3 Cupar Hearts
Saturday 16 August 2000

On Wednesday 16th August Hearts were away to Kettle on this league fixture.
The game began at a frantic pace with both sides showing a fair level of skill and a lot of effort. Hearts were having the majority of the play but failed to create any real goal chances.

United, on the other hand, made several good strikes at the Hearts goal and Laing in the sticks, had to look alive to steer one well struck shot round the post in 31st minute. The game was finely balanced at the end of the first-half. In the second-half Hearts were the quicker to settle, playing more controlled and good passing football, taking the lead in the 49th minute when McAinsh broke free, from his own half, outstripped the home defence, rounded the keeper and stroked it home for the opening goal.

Hearts were now playing with gusto displaying some nice touches and good interplay extending their lead in the 60th minute with a well taken goal from Raeburn who collected a headed pass from Reid took it on and rounded the keeper before slotting home. Hearts went further ahead just 2 minutes later, Irvine broke in from the right making a cross field run before passing to Anderson who clipped it neatly over the advancing keeper.Kettle tried desperately to reduce the deficit and some of the tackling was becoming x-rated.

United managed a late consolation goal in the 89th minute when from a good cross on the left their player met it with a fine header at the back post. Shortly after this the game was over. An improved display from Hearts and they deserved their win for a great second-half performance.

Team-Laing; Murray; Skene; Dailly; Irvine; Anderson; Pryde; Reid; Stewart; McAinsh; Raeburn.
Subs - Provan; Ritchie; Richards; Sortarello & Wilson.

Cupar Hearts 2-1 Ballingry Rovers
Saturday 19th August 2000

Hearts were stunned in the opening five minutes when first Rovers almost scored from a long throw-in on the right. This resulted in a corner, again from the right, when they took the lead, a well flighted cross came in and with the Hearts defence appearing static the Rover's player had a free header of which he took full advantage.

The home side responded in a positive fashion, pressing hard for the equaliser and they did create many chances, two of which were missed by just a whisker. The first was when Irvine ghosted into the box and struck the ball well, beating the keeper, but shaved the far post. The second was very similar, it came from Raeburn whose shot, again beat the keeper but was slightly wide, this in the dying minutes of the first-half. At the whistle Ballingry were ahead but hanging on to that by a thread.

The second-half began as the first had finished with Hearts pressing forward and the Ballingry defence extended in their own half defending valiantly.
Hearts were peppering shots on the Rovers goal but with a combination of good keeping, desperate defending and a fair degree of luck they kept Hearts at bay.

With time running out and looking like they would never score Hearts snatched an equaliser in the 90th minute, Reid broke into the box, squared the ball for sub. Ritchie who shot under the advancing keeper.

Now with their tails up Hearts pushed hard for another goal and well into injury time they got their deserved winner. From the corner on the right Provan sent in a beauty of a cross for Anderson to bullet his header into the top corner of the net.

The shocked troops of Ballingry tried bravely to get back into the game in the remaining five minutes but failed to do so. A great win for Hearts, against a resolute Ballingry side. The home side showed great endeavour as they kept going until the final whistle and thoroughly deserved their win.

Team Laing; Murray; Forsyth(C); Skene; Irvine; Anderson; Stewart; Reid; McAinsh; Raeburn; Provan.
Subs Ritchie; Wilson; Dailly & Pryde.

Match Sponsor - Mr Chips, Crossgate Cupar
Mitchell of Ceres meat tray - Gordon Laing (Hearts AFC)

Lomond Victoria 1-1 Cupar Hearts
Saturday 23rd August 2000

Hearts were at Falkland for this mid-week league fixture.

This match regularly produces a hard fought contest and this proved to be no exception. The early part of the game was dominated by Hearts who had several clear cut chances, the first from Raeburn in the 5th minute when he was clean through but his header went straight to the keeper. Then shortly after this McAinsh broke free only to hurry his shot and it was easily saved by the keeper.

However Cupar did take a deserved lead in the 15th minute McAinsh collected the ball on the outside of the box and sent in a fiercely struck shot which the keeper only parry down , at that Reid stole in a shot home. After this the game got bogged down into a hard fought mid-field tussle with neither side giving an inch. Then in the dying minutes of the first half, following a slight mistake by a defender a Lomond player found himself alone in front of goal and cooly slipped the ball under the advancing Laing. The score at half-time did not reflect the chances created.

From the start of the second period Hearts pushed hard to get the winner and although they had numerous chances they could not find the net, thanks largely to some poor finishing and strong defending. Hearts management team felt that this was a point dropped given the effort by the side and the chances created, with Lomond converting their only real opportunity to score.

Team Laing; Irvine; Anderson;(c) Skene; Stewart; Ritchie; Reid; Pryde; Dailly; McAinsh; Raeburn.
Subs - Wilson & Houston.

Cupar Hearts 1-0 Star Hearts
Sat 23 August 2000

Cupar got off to a flying start and dominated the early play and in the process created scoring opportunities but failed to hit the target. It was not until the 21st minute before they made the breakthrough and what a goal it was, Reid sent over a well flighted cross from the right and Pryde stole into the box, unmarked, to send a glancing header wide of the keeper

The home side continued to run the game although the Star tried their best to get back into the game the nearest they came to scoring was when a shot from their player came of a defender and Laing made a brilliant diving save at the far post.

The second half became a much more even contest and had very little to offer with both teams failing to make any impression.There were some goal mouth incidents with neither side able to convert.

Overall both teams did not manage to play at their best and with the Cupar side just deserving to win. Manager Ritchie will be hoping for better performances in the future.

Team Laing; Irvine; Forsyth;(c) Skene; Stewart; Ritchie; Reid; Pryde; McAinsh; Raeburn; Provan.
Subs Dailly; Wilson & Houston.

Match Sponsor - Walker Tavern, Cupar.
Mitchell of Ceres meat tray winner - Star Hearts player

BurntIsland Shipyard 3-3 Cupar Hearts
Wed 30 August 2000

In midweek Hearts travelled to Burntisland to play a league match with the local shipyard team.
Burntisland started the game well and after 2 good saves by Laing in the Hearts goal, went ahead by a penalty scored by ex Hearts player Matthews in 5 minutes.

They continued to dominate the first 20 minutes but Hearts defence stood up to the challenge and gradually came back into the game as an attacking force and were unlucky not to equalise when Ritchie took a quick throw-in over the Burntisland defence for Pryde to run through unopposed and only a good save by the keeper thwarted the Hearts mid-fielder. Burntisland got their second goal again from the penalty spot when Murray was judged to have fouled Matthews who again took the spot kick and scored in the 35th minute.

Hearts got back into the game again via a penalty, for pushing inside the box, and Reid stepped up to score in the 42nd minute. Just on half time Hearts were reduced to 10 men when Anderson received his second yellow card for persistent fouling.

Hearts burst into action immediately in the 2nd half and after 10 minutes went 3-2 in front with goals from Reid who lobbed the keeper and Provan with a powerful header after good support play from McAinsh and Irvine. 10 man Hearts matched Burntislands 11 and there was a plenty of incidents and refereeing decisions to keep both sets of supporters talking.

In the 70th minute a goal line incident involving Laing and Matthews resulted in Burntislands 3rd penalty levelling the score at 3-3.

The remaining time was contested with vigour and passion but the score remained and ended as the daylight faded fast.

Team ; Laing; Irvine; Murray; Skein; Stewart; Reid; Anderson; Pryde; Provan; Ritchie & McAinsh
Subs; Dailly; Raeburn & Sartorello.

Ballingry Rovers 0-4 Cupar Hearts
Sat 2nd September 2000

Cupar were away to Ballingry Rovers in this first round of the league cup. Hearts made a very impressive start to this match, stringing their passes together, showing great movement and commitment.

They pressurised the Rovers goal making several chances before breaking their duck in the 7th minute, after some good passes Raeburn was put clear through, he drew the keeper before placing the ball into the top left-hand corner of the net 1-0.

Ballingry were stung into action and a great strike at goal from outside the box, which Laing , in the Hearts goal, did well to tip over the bar.

Shortly after this Hearts went further ahead. Again it was a cleverly worked move, when Provan broke inside from the left wing before threading a great pass for Pryde to run onto , who took it on into the box beating the keeper despite him getting a foot to the ball 2-0.

Rovers tried their best to get back into the game and from a well struck shot caused Laing to perform a tremendous save down at his left post.

Just when it appeared that Rovers were coming more into the game Hearts struck the killer blow when McAinsh got on the scoresheet. He initially had a fierce shot on goal, well saved by the home keeper but he could only palm back out and McAinsh was there to shoot home 3-0.

This was no more than McAinsh warranted for he had ran the Rovers defence ragged for the whole of the first-half.
What a first-half with Hearts playing super football, deserving their lead against a resolute Ballingry team.

The second period was a more even contest with Rovers pushing forward chasing the game and Hearts playing controlled football under no pressure. The Hearts defence were in cruise control playing some excellent football with Skene in the centre of defence in total command and keeper Laing not having a save to make.

Then in the 83rd minute Raeburn added the icing on the cake, scoring the forth goal, he sent a deep cross to the back post, the Rovers keeper tried desperately to get to the ball but only succeeded in palming into his own net.

This was the death knell for Ballingry from which they did not recover, Hearts running out worthy winners.

A great performance from Hearts, they had no failures with every player giving their all, including the three subs who came on.

TEAM Laing; Irvine; Murray; Skene; Stewart; Pryde; Anderson(C); Reid; McAinsh; Raeburn & Provan.
Subs; Forsyth; Dailly & Trialist.

Cowdenbeath 1 - 5 Cupar Hearts
Saturday 9th September 2000

Cupar Hearts were at Cowdenbeath on Saturday the 9th September for this top of the table league clash. Cowden looked the better side for the early part of this game as they came out of the blocks with all guns blazing forcing Hearts back into their own half.

Then in the 11th minute Hearts, who had weathered the storm, took the lead , Reid collected a through ball, he at first was forced wide by the keeper but from an acute angle he managed to squeeze it home. The home side were still playing well and pressing hard but despite some good out-field play they never seriously threatened the Hearts goal.

Cupar were now playing with more composure and very competitive, this made for a fairly even contest.

The second-half started with the home side pressing hard for the equaliser but again Hearts were the ones to score, they increased their lead in the 56th minute, Anderson made a mazy run into the box, his shot was stopped on the line but Pryde following up slotted it home. Cowdenbeath had a player dismissed for violent conduct.

Hearts were now in top form and it came as no surprise when they went further ahead it happened in the 63rd minute when Pryde latched onto a loose ball in the box and clipped it home.

The home side did manage a consolation goal when their left-winger took a free kick just outside the box and struck a great shot into the inside of the left post 3-1 Cupar were now in complete control, creating chances galore many of which should have been converted.

The fourth goal came in the 70th minute, McAinsh received a beautiful cross from Provan, who steadied himself and volleyed it home 4-1.
The home team had another player sent off and this signalled the end of their challenge. Provan completed the scoring in the 83rd minute when he was put clean through, he ran on and smashed a great shot past the advancing goalkeeper.

Hearts ran out worthy winners and maintain their place at the top of the league.

Hearts Team Laing; Murray; Forsyth(C); Skene; Irvine; Anderson; Reid; Pryde; McAinsh; Raeburn & Stewart.
Subs Provan; Dailly & Ritchie.

Kettle United 1 - 0 Cupar Hearts
Sat 16th September 2000

Hearts travelled to Kingskettle to face a much changed local team in the 2nd round of the League Cup.

The home side started well and play was mainly contested in the Hearts half, but after 20 minutes Hearts began to create some chances and a good move between Read and Provan beat Kettle's off-side trap only to shoot well past the post. Chances fell mainly to Kettle but they could not get past goalkeeper Laing and the half ended 0 - 0.

The second half started and within 5 minutes Hearts had 2 penalty claims turned down by referee King both involving midfielder Pryde.

Kettle brought on substitute Rose and this proved to be the turning point of the game, on the 65 minute Reid lost the ball needlessly on the half-way line and as the ball was transferred up up the park Forsyth slipped allowing Rose to run on to the ball and dispatched it well past goalkeeper Laing. Ritchie and Stewart came on for Hearts and Ritchie was unlucky not to equalise in the 75th minute when his angled shot hit the side netting.

The match was now being fiercely contested and Anderson was shown the Red card after an incident with Rose. Mair for Kettle was also shown a Red after his second booking, as did Skene in the dying minutes of the game. The score ended 1-0 to Kettle and the result was about right as they showed more determination to win the ball and pass it quickly. Cupar Hearts have a free Saturday this week.

Team Laing; Irvine; Forsyth; Skene; Dailly; Reid; Pryde; Murray; Anderson; Provan & Raeburn.
Subs Ritchie & Stewart.

Liberton Royal Mail 0-3 Cupar Hearts
Sat 21st October 2000

Hearts travelled to Edinburgh on Sat 21st October 2000 to take on Liberton Royal Mail, the current holders of the Scottish Cup, in the second round of the Famous Grouse Scottish Cup

The game opened at a cracking pace with both sides playing open and attractive football. The home side just shading the early part of the game with slick passing moves but were unable to prise open the Hearts defence. Most of the play was contained in the midfield where no quarter was asked or given.

Gradually the Hearts players came to grips with the game creating several chances, one of the best coming in the 30th minute when McAinish hit a super strike only for it to shave past the post. Mitchell, in the Hearts goal, also had to make an excellent save when he tipped one over the bar as it headed for the top corner.

Just when it looked like the first half would end in a stalemate up stepped captain Alan Forsyth to put away a glancing header from a Matthews cross from the right wing. With only minutes to go the first period ended with Hearts took the honours.

The second half began with the home side pressing hard for the equaliser but Hearts were now playing with great composure and they forced Liberton to defend more than attack.Hearts were now winning the midfield battle and creating goal-scoring chances. They were rewarded for this in the 67th minute when Mike McAinish extended Hearts lead.

He collected the ball on the edge of the box and struck a fierce shot on goal. At first it appeared that the keeper had saved it when he fell on the ball but somehow it squeezed under his body into the net.

Liberton now threw caution to the wind and charged forward but Hearts were to take advantage of this by continually breaking from defence and forcing them onto the back foot. McAinish was having a great match and it was he who was causing the home defence to have nightmares.

It was from one of his runs that the third goal came, in the 81st minute. He outstripped their defence and sent Matthews into the box, who was bought down with the referee awarding a penalty. Scott Reid coolly stroked the ball home giving the keeper no chance.

A great win for Cupar Hearts with every player giving their all, much to the delight of the management and supporters.

Team: Mitchell: Irvine: Stewart: Murray: Skene: Pryde: Reid: Forsyth(c).
Sub: Ritchie: Dailly: Kidd.

Cupar Hearts 2-0 Victoria Rovers
Sat 28th October 2000

This local derby league encounter was played in terrible weather conditions and proved to be an ill - tempered affair.

The first-half was very closely contested with neither side dominating.Hearts made several good goal scoring chances but were unable to convert them, much of the credit for this was due to the fine display by the Lomond keeper who was on top of his game.

The second-half exploded into action in the 52nd minute with Hearts taking the lead, in controversial circumstances.From a corner into a crowded penalty box the ball broke to Murray, at the back post, who fired in a great shot. Lomond players felt that their keeper had been impeded and they protested vehemently, to no effect, however this set the pattern for the rest of the match.

Lomond were now chasing the game, pressing forward hunting for the equaliser when in the 77th minute they did get the ball into the net only for it to be disallowed for an infringement on the Hearts keeper, this incident further incensed the Vic players, who felt hard done by.

Then five minutes later Hearts scored the decisive goal, from a great run and shot from player/manager Ritchie the Vics keeper could only parry the shot, Ritchie following up passed to Matthews who fired it into the net.

A fine win for Hearts, keeping alive their excellent record in the League in this early part of the season.

TEAM: Michie; Irvine; Stewart; Murray(C); Skene; Ritchie; Pryde; Reid; Matthews; McAinsh & Provan.
SUBS - Dailly & Forsyth.

Match Sponsor Alex Blake. Agricultural Contractor.
Mitchell of Ceres - meat tray winner -Eric Flynn. Cupar

Cupar Hearts 1-0 Townhill
Sat 25th November 2000

Hearts welcomed back Anderson from Suspension and new signing Allan Hampton in this 2nd round of the Fife Cup tie at home to Townhill from the Fife Amateur Premier League.

The conditions were very difficult with the pitch being extremely soft and there was a cold east wind blowing up the park.

Both sides began well with Townhill just shading the early honours, they showed great pace and some slick passing, but despite this they failed to break down a resolute Hearts defence.

Gradually the home side came more into the the game, after weathering the early storm Hearts began to impose their own brand of football and after a great move when the ball was played intelligently out from defence, moved swiftly up the park, then a one-two on the edge of the box saw Irvine put through by Forsyth and he duly despatched it into the net in the 18th minute.

This proved the only goal of the game but not of the action with both sides never letting the pace drop. In a fairly even first-half Hearts just shaded it.

The tempo of the game never let up in the second period with Hearts making a number of goal scoring opportunities and the home side were in rampant form but the Townhill keeper made some marvellous saves, notably from a Hampton blockbuster then at full stretch the ball came of his legs from a Forsyth sho

Then with 5 minutes remaining, he brought of the save of the day, Pryde broke in from the right wing and unleashed a great shot only for the keeper to tip it over the bar. A good win for Hearts, allowing them to advance into the next round of the Fife Cup, both sides, however, deserve credit for dishing up a great game in very difficult conditions.

Hearts - Michie; Irvine; Murray; Skene; Stewart; Reid; Forsyth(C); Anderson; Hampton;Matthews & Provan.
Subs Dailly; Pryde; Jarvie & Ritchie

Match Sponsor - J.L. Anderson - Solicitors & Estate Agents
Cupar Mitchell of Ceres meat tray winner - Ian Balsillie Cupar Hearts
Alex Mackie pheasant brace winner - Derek Dailly Cupar Hearts

Cupar Hearts 1-1 Dunipace
Sat 13th January 2001

Hearts traveled to Denny to take on Dunipace in this long postponed 4th round of the Famous Grouse Scottish Cup. Despite it being a beautiful sunny day the pitch required two inspections by the referee before declaring it playable. The ground conditions were still quite hard making play on it very tricky.

The game kicked-off with both sides setting a fairly frantic pace with Hearts taking the early initiative. Although they created some good chances they were rather goal-shy and any shots that were on target lacked any real venom and were easily dealt with by the Dunipace keeper. The only shot that did threaten was when McAinsh hit a superb strike from outside the box only for it to come of the head of a defender.

It was not all one-way traffic, Dunipace had their moments and Martin in the Hearts goal, had to be at his best when tipping a great shot over the bar in the 35th minute. The half finished Hearts started the second period in a very positive manner showing great interpassing and were running the home defence ragged.

Cupar made the breakthrough in the 54th minute when Pryde had waltzed his way into the box before he was brought down and the referee pointed to the spot. Reid took the penalty and stroked it home with ease. From this point on the game ebbed and flowed with Dunipace upping their tempo, pressing for the equaliser. goal-less which was a fair reflection of the game.

Hearts weathered the storm with their defence standing firm, with the midfield working their socks off, and team captain Anderson outstanding. Just when it seemed that the danger was past one of those freak situation, that do occur in football, happened.

With only minutes to go Dunipace were awarded a free kick on the right touchline, they sent in a well flighted cross to the back post, no attackers were present only Hearts defenders, all presuming the ball was going past the post, they stood stock still and watched the ball trundle into the net. No further incidents occurred and the match finished all square.

Both teams deserve credit for putting on a good game in trying conditions.

Team Martin: Irvine: Murray: Skene: Stewart: Pryde: Anderson (C): Reid: Matthews: McAinsh: & Provan.
Subs -Dailly: Ritchie & Jarvie.

Cupar Hearts 2-0 Dunipace
Sat 27th January 2001

Dunipace were the visitors, to the Duffus Park, in this eagerly awaited 4th round replay of the Famous Grouse Scottish Cup.

On a beautiful day for football Hearts got of to the best possible start when they scored within the first five minutes of the start. Following a period of sustained attacking the ball was played into the box and broke to Mike McAinsh who bulleted into the net. The game evened out after this with Dunipace coming more into the game but without threatening the home keeper.

The better football and goal scoring opportunities were created by Hearts. In the 28th minute Pryde made a great run into the box, from the right wing, receiving an accurate cross from Provan, he flicked it over and away from the keeper only to see it scrape past the post.Then McAinsh had the ball in the net, when he headed home a corner, only for this to be chalked off for a foul on the keeper. The only real chance Dunipace had in the half came with just minutes to go, when a cross from the left was met and volleyed goalwards, but Laing made a magnificent and telling save. Hearts deservedly finished the half with their noses in front.

The second period began with Dunipace playing downhill with the advantage of the wind, pressing hard for the equaliser and for the first ten minutes had the better of the play. Then with one of the first Hearts attacks they grabbed the second goal. After some fine play on the right wing involving Ritchie and Matthews the ball was delivered into the box where McAinsh pounced on a breaking ball to despatch into the roof of the net.

This proved to be the decisive moment of the match and the Dunipace response was to try and up the pace but despite all their best efforts the home side stood firm and continued to play some clever football. Hearts held their nerve and ran out worthy winners.

They now play Uddingston away in the 5th round of the Cup on Saturday 3rd February KO 2pm Bus leaves Duffus Park @ 10.30am

Hearts Laing; Irvine; Murray; Skene; Ritchie; Pryde; Anderson(C); Reid; Matthews; McAinsh & Provan
Subs - Dailly; Oliphant; Jarvie; Raeburn & Thomson

Mitchell of Ceres - meat tray winner - Derek Dailly Hearts AFC.
Match sponsor - Law & Hamilton Plant & Equipment Ltd. Cupar Muir.

Uddingston Anvil 1-1 Cupar Hearts
Sat 3rd February 2001

Hearts travelled to Uddington on Saturday to take on local side Anvil in the 5th round of the Famous Grouse Scottish Cup.

The playing conditions were pretty bad, the weather wet and windy, the pitch was in a poor state with a severe slope to contend with. Anvil had the advantage of the slope in the first half, making full use of this by playing the ball quickly from back to front where their front men held the ball up waiting for support from the midfield which duly arrived.

This caused all sorts of problems for the Hearts defence and Laing in the Hearts goal made three outstanding saves to keep them in the game. The Cupar side made only the occasional foray into the Anvil goal area so their chances were quite limited and they never threatened the home goal. Anvils were pushing forward at every opportunity, using both wings effectively and stretching the play, but the Cupar defence along with Laing were superb in thwarting every attack.

The half finished goalless with Hearts being the happier of the two teams.

This was truly a game of two halves, given the playing conditions and the state of the pitch. Hearts now had the elements with them and they tried to make the most of it. They began to string their passes together putting Anvil under pressure. In the first ten minutes the Anvil keeper had to come to their rescue twice from shots by Matthews and Ritchie.

Then Hearts were caught with a classic sucker punch, from a quick breakaway, their right back stole forward and was put clean through, having narrowed the angle but the player slotted it home. From this point, the pace of the game quickened, as Hearts, desperate, went in search of the equaliser.

Chances aplenty were being made but with stalwart defending and some poor finishing the Anvil goal remained intact. The in the 79th minute, Hearts drew level, after some determined and clever play on the right, Ritchie crossed to the back post where Matthews met it with his head only to see it come back off the post, but Anderson was following up and he duly dispatched it into the net.

The closing minutes were frantic as both sides sought the winning goal but the defence came out on top.

Hearts: Laing; Irvine; Murray; Forsyth (Cap); Skene; Pryde; McAinish; Anderson; Ritchie; Matthews; Provan.
Subs: Dailly; Jarvie; Oliphant; Reid; Martin.

Cupar Hearts 3-0 Uddingston Anvil
Sat 17th February 2001

Cupar welcomed Uddingston Anvil to Duffus park on Saturday for this replay of the 5th round of the Famous Grouse Scottish Cup. The weather was wonderful, the pitch in perfect condition and a large crowd had turned up.

From the kick off, Hearts took the game to Anvil, pressurising them at every opportunity. Their efforts were quickly rewarded when they took the lead in the 6th minute, in somewhat fortunate circumstances. McAinsh broke into the box and fired in a shot which came of an Anvil defender deflecting it into the goal.

Only a minute later, Hearts increased their advantage, when again McAinsh received a great pass up the wing, he then outstripped the Anvil defence and tore into the box, with his shot again deflecting off a defender into the Anvil net.

Hearts continued to press forward and were playing some great football, showing slick passing and good interplay. In the 35th minute this again paid dividends when Provan went on a mazzy run in from the left touchline, taking on the whole defence before slipping through a delightful pass to Matthews when his first shot was pushed out by the keeper, but after collecting the rebound, promptly dispatched it into the net.

This was not the end of the drama , when with 5 minutes to play of the half, Anvil were awarded a penalty but the Hearts keeper made a diving save down to his left post to push the ball out for a corner. This was to prove a decisive moment in the match. Hearts finished the half well on top much to the delight of the large crowd.

The second period began with Anvil throwing caution to the wind, taking the game to Hearts, trying valiantly to get back into the game. However, Hearts were prepared for this and stood firm, sticking to their game plan, denying Anvil of every opportunity.

Hearts created several chances to increase their lead but thanks to some fine goal keeping and wayward shots there was no further scoring. Hearts ran out worthy winners and now travel to Kilmarnock on Saturday 24th February, to take on Newmilns Versuvius in the 6th round of the Famous Grouse Scottish Cup.

HEARTS: Smith; Irvine; Murray; Skene; Dailly; Reid; Anderson; Forsyth(C); Matthews; McAinsh; Provan:
Subs: Oliphant; Pryde; Jones; Jarvie; Thomson:

Lumphinans 1-0 Cupar Hearts
Sat 10th March 2001

Cupar Hearts travelled to Lumphinans for this 3rd round of the Fife Cup.

The match started at a lively pace with the home side making most of the early running and they made several openings in the first ten minutes without really testing the Hearts keeper. Gradually the Cupar side began to come more into the game putting the home defence under pressure. Harper, for the Hearts, was looking very lively up front carving out a couple of chances which the home keeper dealt with competently.

Oliphant and Matthews were causing havoc up the right side ably supported by Anderson and Murray. The best chances of the first half, for Hearts, fell to Matthews in the 35th minute when he finished off a well worked move involving several players, by firing in a great strike only for the home keeper to make a brilliant save. Lumphinans also had a couple of opportunities just before the interval but failed to capitalise on them.

The second period showed no let up in this very even contest until the 56th minute when disaster struck, a high cross from the left came looping into the box and what looked like a simple catch for the Hearts keeper slipped from his hands and was bundled home by the charging Lumphinans centre.

The Cupar side immediately tried to retrieve the situation and Matthews was unlucky when he made a great chance only for his shot to slip by the post. For the remainder of the half Hearts were almost encamped in the Lumphinans half but with all this pressure in they could not breakdown the home defence.

With the home keeper in brilliant form, bringing of a string of excellent saves, and his defence totally defiant they held out despite everything Hearts threw at them. A slight blip in Hearts season with us going out of the Scottish and the Fife in successive games we now have to pick ourselves up and get back on track.

Hearts; Trialist; Murray; Forsyth(C); Skene; Pryde; Oliphant; Anderson; Wilson; Matthews; Irvine; Harper.
Subs, Ritchie;Dailly; Reid; Thomson & Provan.

Cupar Hearts 3-5 Norton House
Sat 17th March 2001

In the first round of the Scottish Courage Brand Ltd Cup, Hearts suffered their first home defeat of the season.

After a very close encounter neither team failed to hit the target and after extra time and penalties it was Norton House who progress into the next round of the Scottish Courage Brand Ltd Cup.

Match sponsors: Baird & Co. Solicitors and Estate Agents.
Mitchell of Ceres Meat Tray Winner: Ian Balsillie

Cupar Hearts 1-0 Rosyth Civil Service
Sat 24th March 2001

It was back to league action for Hearts on Saturday when they entertained Rosyth C.S. at Duffus Park. In wintry conditions with wind and rain the pitch was very soft and as the game progressed it cut up quite badly.

The match kicked-off with Rosyth playing down the slope but it was Hearts who were the first to show and they created several early chances the best of which fell to Oliphant whose well struck shot was goal-bound and it took a great diving save,from the Rosyth keeper, to stop it going in.

The play then began to swing from end to end as Rosyth came more into the match but they rarely threatened Michie,in the Hearts goal. The best chance of the half fell to Matthews, in the 35th minute, when after good interpassing he received the ball in the box, broke clear and fired in a fierce shot only for the keeper to save well.

All square at the half in which Hearts had the majority of the play but Rosyth showed a stalwart defence.

The story of the second-half was a continuation of Hearts pressure for the major portion of the period and Rosyth trying to hit them on the counter attack. Hearts made numerous chances but a combination of poor finishing and some outstanding goalkeeping kept the match even.

Then with only minutes to play, Hearts now down to ten men, Forsyth having been sent off, substitute Pryde made the vital breakthrough when he latched onto a breaking ball at the back post and steered the ball home. This was a vital win for Hearts and keeps intact their unbeaten run in the league campaign.

Next Saturday they are at home to Norton House in the 1st round of the Kingdom Cup. K.O.2pm

Team Michie; Irvine; Murray; Skene; Oliphant; Forsyth(C); Anderson; Provan; Halley; Matthews; & McAinsh.
Subs. Dailly; Pryde & Jarvie.

Sponsor for this match was - A.Davie Homes; Glenrothes.
Mitchell of Ceres meat tray winner- Mark Skene (Cupar Hearts FC)

Cupar Hearts 3
Norton House 2
Sat 31st March 2001

Hearts entertained Norton House in the 1st round of the Kingdom Cup at Duffus Park on Saturday. At the kick-off Hearts had the advantage of the slope and the wind which was blowing quite strongly.

Some of the early play from Hearts gave some inroads into the Norton House defence with Provan on the left and Oliphant on the right both providing some good crosses but the forwards could not get on the end of them. Norton were also showing their skills and at times had the Hearts defence under pressure but they created little that troubled Michie in the Hearts goal.

Just when the game appeared to be heading for a stalemate at the half up stepped Mike McAinsh who made the vital breakthrough when he got his head to a cross from the right and bulleted the ball into the net.

The second-half opened with Norton pressing forward, making the most of the prevailing conditions, searching for the equaliser. With 10 minutes gone their persistence finally paid of, from a free kick outside the box a rocker of a shot got through the wall and Michie was unable to hold the ball, three Norton players were the first to rear as they bore down on the keeper and despite his valiant efforts they managed to scramble it into the goal.

Following this the game became a more even contest with both sides striving for the winner but the defences stood firm and any shots that did get through the keepers handled with ease.

Their was no further scoring in the 90mins, the game went into extra time but this olso did not produce any more goals and very few chances were created.Mainly because the home side were looking for a winner and Norton were playing for penalties.

The penalty decider saw both keepers make good saves but eventually Ritchie McAinish and Irvine scored for Hearts to put them through.

Hearts -Michie; Murray; Forsyth(c); Dailly; Irvine; Oliphant; Anderson; Reid; Mathews; McAinish; Provan. Subs; Ritchie; Skene; Pryde;& Jarvie

Victoria Rovers 0-3 Cupar Hearts
Tue 10th April 2001

Cupar got off to a flying start, in this league match, when in the first minute they got on the score sheet. Following a good attack up the right wing the resulting cross was scrambled out of the box where Pryde met it and volleyed it home. Only minutes later Halley broke free from half-way and lobbed the advancing keeper. Hearts made further chances but failed to take them, no more scoring this half.

The second-half was a much more even contest with the Vics pressing strongly to get back into the game but Hearts finished the game in style when Wilson took a short free kick from McAinsh, broke into the box and fired home a superb shot.

Cupar Hearts 8-0 Fair City
Thur 12th April 2001

Hearts were on fire from the very start of this mid-week League fixture making several chances in the opening minutes, and in 15 minutes the flood gates opened, the first came from Pryde when he volleyed the ball home from the edge of the box, then Mike McAinsh got the first of his four goals when he ran half the length of the pitch and fired home, he quickly got his second only minutes later.

Hearts got their fourth goal when Matthews was put clear in the box, rounded the keeper and stroked the ball home. Just before the half McAinsh got his hat-trick with a well taken shot half-time 5-0

The second-half was only 10 minutes old when McAinsh got his forth and Hearts sixth goal finishing of a well worked move up the left he met the cross guiding it into the net.

The seventh goal came in the 75th minute when sub. Harper got in on the act, he broke into the box at pace and fired in an unstoppable shot. John Irvine completed the rout with only minutes to go he took a free kick outside the box and fired it low into the keepers left-hand corner.

Cupar Hearts 3-1 Kettle UTD
Thur 14th April 2001

Hearts were home to Kettle united in this hotly contested local derby hoping to extend their unbeaten league run. From the off Hearts were quickly into their stride, showing some early chances. Playing up the slope into a stiff breeze they had the better of the first quarter making light of the conditions. Making maximum use of the flanks, numerous crosses were sent into the box but good defending by Utd. kept the Hearts forwards at bay.

Matthews had the best of these opportunities in the 20th minute when his shot came back off the post and was scrambled away. Kettle to their credit were also making scoring chances when twice in a five minute spell they broke quickly from the mid-field before firing in good shots but these were easily handled by Michie.

Then in the 31st minute Hearts got the all important opener, from a well worked move up the left a cross came in and Matthews at the back post slotted it home. Only minutes later Harper broke from half-way and sped up the left side before passing to McAinsh he took it on then slipped the ball back to Harper who fired it into the net.

Hearts were looking comfortable at this stage but with only minutes to go in the half and following a defensive lapse they allowed Kettle back into the game.The second period proved to be a hard struggle with neither side gaining an advantage.

Of the chances created Hearts had the best of them, two in particular should have been goals, first when Irvine broke into the box and fired in a fierce left foot drive only to see it slip by the post.

Then in the 65th minute Harper had a good chance but failed to hit the target. The Utd. keeper also made a great save from an Irvine free kick in the 74th minute diving to his left to palm away a powerful strike.

Hearts finished the game of with just minutes to go a cross from the right, from Provan, was met by Matthews which he headed over the advancing keeper and was fired home by Halley from 2yds out.

Hearts - Michie; Irvine; Skene; Murray(C); Dailly; Oliphant; Pryde; Reid; Harper; Matthews; McAinsh.
Subs - Halley; Jarvie; Sarterello; Ritchie & Provan.

Sponsor for this match -Norrie Barr. Car Service Centre Cupar.

Fair City 2 Cupar Hearts 4
Tuesday 24 April

Hearts were in Perth for this league fixture and got off to the worst possible start, when after a dominating period, missing three chances, City took the lead in the 15th min.

Then within 5 mins they went further ahead following a defence mix-up. Their player nipped in to score. Hearts got back into the game when Mathews was brought down in the box and Reid scored from the spot.

Mathews drew them level when he rounded the keeper and slotted it home. All square at half time and all to play for. Hearts pressed forward and had the majority of play going ahead in the 60 min when Dailly latching on to a loose ball broke into the box and scored. Matthews finished the scoring in the 79 min with a cleverly taken goal.

Cupar Hearts 3 Victoria Rovers 1
Thursday 26 April

Hearts home to Rovers in this vital league match after going one behind. Hearts responded well scoring 3 goals the pick of these was a thunderous strike from Tommy Halley. This was a vital result for Hearts and puts them 2 point clear at the top of the league.

Balgonie Scotia 0-3 Cupar Hearts
Sat 28 April

Hearts away for this quarter final of the Kingdom Cup.
On a windy day Hearts got off to a good start playing down the slope with the following wind, they dominated play but not until the 31st min they took the lead with a goal from Halley.

Scotia were working hard and giving Hearts no respite, creating one or two chances but no avail.

The second half was all Hearts and they went further ahead when Anderson was put clear by a great pass by Halley and scored. Hearts completed the scoring in the 81st min when sub McAinch scored the third goal.

Hearts: Michie; Reid; Forsyth (Cpt); Murray; Dailly; Ritchie; Pride; Anderson; Proven; Mathews; Halley
Subs: Irvine; McAinch; Oliphant

Star Hearts 0- Cupar Hearts
Thursday 3rd May 2001

This mid-week league match was played at Strathmiglo.

The first half produced no goals but had a number of goalmouth chances for the Cupar side but they failed to convert them. The best of these chances fell to Pryde who shot over the bar in the 30th minute.

The second period showed an improved performance by the away side and it came as no surprise when they took the lead in the 52nd minute. Proven sent in a great cross from the left wing and Reid lurking at the back post despatched it home with a well taken header.

Then 5minutes later Matthews finished the job when he took a through ball into the box, beat the keeper with ease and rolled the ball into the net.

Norton House 0 Cupar Hearts 0
Saturday 5th May 2001

Hearts travelled to Leven to take on Norton in this vital League encounter with one of our closest rivals for the League championship.

Although no goals were scored this did not detract from an action packed game where no quarter was asked or given. Both sides had periods of the game when they had the upper hand and both had chances to take the lead but failed to capitalise on their opportunities.

The first half was fairly even with neither side dominating and both defences in fine form.

The second period saw Hearts gain the advantage as they had most of the play but could not test the Norton goalie. Then right at the death Norton has a snap chance to win the match bu Michie, in the Hearts goal, saves well.

This result keeps Hearts at the top of the League table with 3 games to play.

Hearts:- Michie, Irvine, Murray, Forsyth(C),Dailly, Reid, Anderson, Pryde, Provan, McAinsh and Harper.
Subs:- Halley, Matthews, Ritchie, Oliphant and Skene.

Next Match Friday 11th May semi-final of the Kingdom Cup played at Duffus Park, Cupar. Kick-off 7pm

Rosyth Civil Service 1
Cupar Hearts 2
Tuesday 8th May 2001

On a perfect night for football at Rosyth, Hearts took on this local side in this league encounter.
Rosyth started the better as their players appeared more up for the game, their passing was slick and accurate, they were first to the ball and winning most of the tackles.

They took the lead in the 30th minute when a player broke loose into the box and was brought down by Forsyth, a penalty was awarded and duly converted.

This seemed to kick start Hearts and they suddenly began to play putting the home side under pressure for the first time and they got back into the game when Reid scored a well taken goal in the 41st minute.

In the second half Hearts had more of the play and they took the lead in the 59th minute when Halley completed a well worked move involving several players, before Provan crossed from the right and he finished with ease.

A hard fought victory but a vital win for Hearts.

Cupar Hearts 0
Star Hearts 1
Friday 11th May 2001

Cupar entertained Star at Duffus Park on Friday night in the semi-final of the Highline sponsored Kingdom Cup.
The local side started well dominating the early play and had Star pinned back in their own half for most of the first half. They made several clear out chances to score, the best of these came when Anderson made a brilliant run into the box, beat three players, but put the ball over the bar with only the keeper to beat.

Then with only minutes of the first period left Pryde had a great shot blocked on the line. The half ended goal-less but Cupar should have been ahead, all credit to Star who had fought valiantly.

The second half saw a rerun of the first with Cupar pressing forward and Star defending with only the occasional break away. Then with less than 10 minutes to go Star suddenly started to believe in themselves and began to push forward and had Cupar on the back foot with only minutes left in the game.

Star got the all important goal, their player breaking in from the right wing and fired in a good shot, at first it appeared that Michie had the shot covered but it took a swerve and flew under his body.

A minute later the final whistle went signaling an unhappy ending for the local Hearts and success for Star Hearts

. Team Cupar:-Michie, Irvine, Skene, Murray(C), Dailly, Pryde, Anderson, Oliphant, Halley, McAinsh, Provan
. Subs:- Ritchie, Reid, Forsythe, Harper.

Match Sponsor:- Dave Nicol, Imperial Bar.
Next home game Saturday 19th May against Balgonie Scotia. Kick Off 2pm.

Ballingry Rovers 0
Cupar Hearts 4
Tuesday 15th May 2001

In Hearts penultimate league match they took on Ballingary.
In a hard fought game the Cupar side put on a great performance scoring two goals in each half. Having made several clear chances early in the game they opened their account with Murray heading home from a corner. Oliphant got the second minutes later with a carbon copy header from a cross from the right.

Hearts continued to play well into the second half with Rovers putting up a spirited performance.
Hearts increased their lead in the 75th minute when Reid finished off a good move on the left and a fine cross from Harper.

Then McAinsh finished the game as a contact when he fired in a great shot from the edge of the box which flew past the keeper.

Cupar Hearts 1
Balgonie Scotia 0
Saturday 19th May 2001

Cupar Hearts clinched the Kingdom League championship with the last game of the season in a match sponsored by Ali Grant Motorbyke Paints.

Hearts started in fine form and made chances plenty but found the Scotia keeper in inspired form saving everything they could throw at him. Well struck shots on target from first Anderson then McAinsh and Pryde were tipped over the bar . Then several headers from Murray and Forsyth were just wide.

Finally McAinch broke our duck in the 41st minute, when he latched on to a long clearance from Michie, flicked on by Halley. He then rounded the keeper and from an extremely accute angle finished the ball move.

The second half showed Hearts pressing hard for their second goal but the Scotia side defended well and their keeper kept up to his fine form. There were no further goals and Hearts were only too pleased to hear the final whistle.

This has been a great season for Hearts and a fantastic performance in the league where they only lost one match out of 24 games. All credit to the players and the management of the team Brian Ritchie Manager and his aides Alan Forsythe and Tow Houston.

Cupar Hearts ;- Michie, Irvine, Murray, Forsyth(C), Skene, Reid, Pryde, Anderson, Oliphant, Halley, McAinsh.
Subs;- Dailly, Harper, Matthews, Wilson, Stewart.