Hearts won the 1958–59 Scottish League Cup, eliminating Rangers in the group stage and winning the final 5–1 against Partick Thistle. Hearts defended their league title by being leaders in mid December. However a side visiting Ibrox missing injured Mackay were beaten 5–0 with all goals in the first 35 minutes. This moved Rangers into top position in the table on goal average. This precipitated a poor run of only two wins from the next seven games. Mackay left for £32,000 the following March for Tottenham Hotspur. Hearts fought back into contention and a 2–0 defeat of Rangers in April gave them a chance with two games remaining. The last day of the season began with Rangers two points clear and needing a point to clinch the title. Rangers lost 2–1 at home to Aberdeen, but Hearts also lost by the same score.