10th November 2018 Hearts v Kilmarnock. 0-1

This was a big game for Hearts following three games without a goal and dropping four points in addition to being knocked out of the Betfred Cup. I left the house at 14.00 after watching most of Cardiff v Brighton including seeing ex-Jambo Callum Paterson scored for the Bluebirds. Arrived at my seat around 14.20 and had a chat with Eric about events around Tynecastle recently. We both agreed that Neil Lennon, the Hibs manager, has a ‘chip on his shoulder’ and while it is impossible to condone throwing coins his actions did not help in what was a very partisan atmosphere.

Hearts made four changes to the side that lost at Parkhead last week. Ben Garuccio replaced  Demi Mitchell while Olly Lee returned in place of Harry Cochrane. Callumn Morrison came in for Jake Mulraney, and Craig Wighton made his second start for the club, replacing Sean Clare.

Hearts had an early penalty claim when Morrison was taken down in the box but referee Don Robertson waved play on. Kilmarnock then had a chance when Chris Burke latched onto a through ball but Bobby Zlamal rushed out and got down to push the ball away with his legs. Peter Haring who was playing in midfield then had a twenty-five yard shot which went narrowly past the post. Wighton then beat a defender but fired his shot wide. Hearts were well on top but Kilmarnock were dangerous on the break. Just before halftime Arnaud Djoum fed Garuccio in the box but the Killie keeper was out quickly to block this shot.

Hearts started well in the second half with Garuccio looking threatening down the left with good crosses into the box, however the strikers were unable to capitalise. On the hour mark Steven MacLean had a goal ruled off for offside although I though the ball had deflected off a Kilmarnock defender on the way through to his feet. Haring had another shot saved by Bachmann in the Kilmarnock goal at the second attempt before disaster struck. Greg Taylor went past Michael Smith on the right before sending the ball into the box for Burke to set up Ross Millen, who shot  under the diving Zlamal from eight yards. Hearts continued to press and Wighton had a header cleared off the line late on. Kilmarnock were now trying to waste time and when Kris Boyd was substituted I though he was waiting for a taxi the length of time it took him to leave the field. However although Hearts were playing good football there appeared to be a lack of striking power and know-how in the absence of Steven Naismith and Uche Ikpeazu. Peter Haring was immense today in midfield. Played a captains part winning the ball and finding other players with both short and long passes particulary out to Garrucio in the left. Haring was also not afraid to have a go at goal.

After the final whistle walked home feeling a bit down and watched Crystal Palace v Spurs on TV. Never mind Hearts are still top of the league prior to Celtic playing at Livingston tomorrow.

Teams

Hearts: Zlamal, Smith, Dunne, Haring, Lee, Djoum, Wighton, Garuccio, MacLean, Dikamona, Morrison. 

Subs: McDonald, Clare, Mitchell

Kilmarnock: Bachmann, Taylor, Broadfoot, Power, Dicker, K.Boyd) , Ndjoli, Findlay, Millen, Tshibola, Burke. 

Subs: McKenzie, Jones, Wilson