Scottish First Division champions Heart of Midlothian and Cantalia of Montreal, played in an exhibition game at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa on May 16, 1960. The match was part of Hearts’ summer tour of North America and was staged by the Ottawa District Football Association.
The local soccer association was somewhat disappointed by the turnout, with nearly 4,000 fans attending the match. The ODFA were said to need a crowd of 4,500 to break even.
The crowd was entertained by the Campbell Civilian Pipe Band, before Canadian Defence Minister George Pearkes kicked off the match.
26 minutes into the match Johnny Hamilton scored the first goal for the visitors. Four minutes later George Thompson scored on a penalty to increase the lead to 2-0. At 34 minutes Willie Bauld scored Hearts’ third goal of the match. The first half ended with the Scottish team leading 3-0.
At half-time the fans had the chance to meet the players and get autographs.
Hans Koelbli replaced Cergolet in the Cantalia nets at half-time. His play and the slower pace of the Hearts team kept the second half scoreless.
Former English second division forward Jimmy Gauld was the star of the Cantalia players. The Ottawa Journal also highlighted the play of Cantalia’s Bob Johnstone.
Cy Kelly was the match referee.
Line-ups:
Cantalia: Tony Cergolet, goalkeeper; Julio Niera, right back; Piero Tucci, left back; Bob Johnstone, right half; Nevio Varglien, centre half; Sergio Chiraz, left half; G. Marcello, Ante Kosta; Martin Mattaia; Jimmy Gauld; Vic Santino; Ross Valentino; Kurt Basta; Hans Hartwig. Subs: Hans Koelbli, Norberto Jacovino.
Hearts: Gordon Marshall, goalkeeper; Boby Kirk, right back; George Thomson, left fullback; Jimmy Murray, right half; Jim Milne, centre half; Andy Bowman, left half; Gordon Smith, outside right; Bobby Blackwood, inside right; Willie Bauld, centre forward; Ian Crawford, inside left; Johnny Hamilton, outside left. Subs: Danny Ferguson, Alan Findlay, Andrew Kelly, J. Lough, J. McFadden.