While VitalHearts readers continue to show little faith in Christian Nade`s chances of scoring (via our poll), the French heavyweight is enjoying his most prolific scoring spell since arriving at Tynecastle over 2 years ago, His 2nd goal in as many matches was enough to see the visitors take all 3 points in a 2-1 win at Kilmarnock today.
It seems Hearts enjoyed some luck today for a change. From the reports, Killie created all the chances in the 1st half (including having a goal chalked off for offside), and the half-time 0-0 scoreline was largely thanks to Janos Balogh and some desperate defending.
Manager Csaba Laszlo must have said something severe at half-time, because the team seem to have enjoyed a more positive 2nd half. Eggert Jonsson was the scorer of the 1st goal, volleying in after a free-kick fell kindly for him in the 67th minute. 3 minutes later, Hearts found themselves in uncharted territory by going 2-0 up – and it was our deadly striker Nade who headed home a Craig Thomson corner.
Hearts wouldn`t be Hearts, of course, without throwing their lead away. Kilmarnock won a penalty in the 87th minute, when Dawid Kucharski fouled Sammon – and Kevin Kyle (a possible signing target in January perhaps ?) had his kick saved by Janos Balogh. The home side did score a minute later through Craig Bryson, and the final few minutes felt like 20 for watching or listening Hearts fans.
It sounds as if goalkeeper Balogh was the most important player for us today, and the 3 points are extremely welcome – not just because they help to open up a small gap between Hearts and the 2 teams at the foot of the league (Kilmarnock and Falkirk), but because confidence needs to be built within the team. Today`s win saw the return of Laryea Kingston to the midfield …. and the demotion of David Obua to the bench. Despite the Ghanaian`s prior suspect conduct, I think his experience is needed alongside Michael Stewart to help our youngsters “learn the ropes” in the SPL this season. It was encouraging to see Calum Elliot make a brief substitute appearance today. With Santana and Driver still missing, Hearts need as many options as possible in the forwards department.
Jose Goncalves will be available again for our next game at Hamilton on Sunday 6th December, in which fans will surely EXPECT an attacking Hearts performance right from the start.
What were your impressions of the game and performance today ?
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The glory days are back……(!)
2 goals in a game which yields 3 points is indeed glory these days !! Interesting also to see that the line-up included BOTH the Thomsons …. the Thomson Twins, for want of a better description.
..don’t take the ‘p’ out of Thomson……