Looking to move closer to a third-place finish and a return to European football, Craig Levein’s Hearts hosted Martin O’Neill’s title-chasing Celtic side, who just five days later would reach the Uefa Cup final, on a brilliantly sunny day in Apriln 2003.
The home side, despite being clear underdogs, attacked the visitors from the off and delighted the Tynecastle crowd with an adventurous and determined performance.
Unlucky not to be leading at the break, it looked like it was going to be one of those days. Like so many times against the Old Firm, Hearts had missed their chances and found themselves behind to a Henrik Larsson goal. But this team would not be denied.
Phil Stamp levelled things up with 17 minutes remaining, setting up the grandstand finish and Austin McCann’s incredible injury-time strike to win it.
1. GK - Tepi Moilanen
The Finn was brought in on loan during the season as Levein sought to upgrade on previous No.1 Roddy McKenzie. He impressed enough to earn a permanent deal but soon lost his spot to Craig Gordon. Photo: SNS Group Jeff Holmes
2. DR - Alan Maybury
After an inauspicious first season, where he had an odd habit of running the ball directly out of play, he really came into his own in 2002/03 and would be a regular stand-out until leaving for Leicester in 2005. Photo: SNS Group Bill Murray
3. DL - Austin McCann
Incredibly, the thunderous strike was McCann's only goal for the club as he often played back-up to Stephane Mahe. He was unable to hold down a regular place and left in April 2004. Photo: RODDY SCOTT/SNS GROUP
4. CB - Steven Pressley
The club captain spent over eight years at Tynecastle but left in 2006 due to his rocky relationship with volatile owner Vladimir Romanov. He would later sign for Celtic. Photo: SNS GROUP