Gretna scrape a draw, but they're still pointless

Back to domestic business at the weekend, and both Edinburgh clubs had reasons for regret. Hibs enjoyed a terrific home draw with Dundee Utd, hardly a disgraceful result, but shocking defending had given the visitors a two goal lead before Hibs rallied themselves.

Hearts, meanwhile, failed to take full advantage from the gifts on offer against Gretna. It was a story of maroon midfielders, really... first Michael Stewart got sent off after some shameful play-acting from Danny Grainger. Then Laryea Kingston scored with a nice chip from just outside the box, before scoring at the wrong end to level the scores.

Watching the highlights, though, is depressing. Fir Park was once again empty, even if the official attendance of 1,544 was not the lowest at a Gretna match this season. Alright, so they are a small club (Hearts, the self-styled big club, should surely be taking more than 400 supporters with them to Motherwell though). But just what else is it that Gretna offer?

The truth is that they play some decent football at times, which is a credit to Davie Irons' coaching. But it's rarely enough. Irons characterised their problems as a lack of squad depth, a lack of experience, and a lack of quality. Meanwhile, it transpires that it's Mick Wadsworth, the Director of Football, who holds sway over transfers. This is perhaps a clue to the acrimonious departure of previous manager Rowan Alexander.

Gretna desperately need investment in the squad, yet after spending much more money than their rivals to force his club up the divisions, owner Brooks Mileson seems to have turned the taps off now that they've arrived in the SPL. At this rate, they are going straight back down.

Can anyone explain what the point of all this is?