Hearts ran out 2-0 winners over Ross County to celebrate “Big Hearts Day” in ideal fashion. On a sun-kissed afternoon in the capital, goals from Elton Kabangu and Jorge Grant were enough to get the job done. Aaron Fraser reports from Tynecastle Park:
Neil Critchley made one change from the team that dispatched Dundee last Friday night. James Wilson returned to the starting eleven with Kenneth Vargas taking his place on the bench. Sander Kartum retained his starting spot after a tremendous performance in the Scottish Cup. The Norwegian netted a delightful double against the Dees, and was eager to build upon his excellent start as a Hearts player.
Don Cowie played Hibs loanee Nohan Kenneh from the start. Former Jambo Connor Randall skippered the Staggies at his old stomping ground, looking to earn a rare away victory against his former team. The Englishman had spent the 2017/18 season on loan at Hearts from Liverpool.
Truthfully, the first half was a largely dull affair. Hearts dominated possession but struggled to break down a stubborn and resolute County backline. The visitors were defending well, but struggled to make many attacking inroads, aside from Connor Randall’s effort being excellently foiled by Beni Baningime.
The aforementioned Baningime was instrumental in the afternoon’s opening goal. Darting forward from midfield with purpose, Baningime threaded a precise pass to the feet of Elton Kabangu. Despite being under serious pressure from the County defence, Kabangu kept his cool and poked the ball through the legs of Jordan Amissah to give Hearts the lead.
After finally getting their noses in front, Hearts were keen to continue rippling the rigging. Goalscorer Kabangu leapt excellently to direct a header towards the onrushing Shankland. Hearts’ number nine then slid Wilson through on goal but the teenager’s shot was easily saved by Amissah.
Half time came and went without any changes being made for either team. The first half had been devoid of any real entertainment, but crucially for Hearts they were ahead at the interval.
The second half was largely like the first: boring. There was a distinct lack of quality on show from both sides, which made the game a rather dull affair for the healthy crowd that had turned out at Tynecastle.
Hearts were looking overrun in midfield, so Neil Critchley made a double switch on sixty six minutes. Sander Kartum and Blair Spittal departed the pitch to be replaced by Jorge Grant and Calem Nieuwenhof.
With just over ten minutes to go, Hearts made a double change. Both James Wilson and Lawrence Shankland were brought off, the latter looking visibly dejected at being withdrawn from the action early. Musa Drammeh and Alan Forrest entered the field shortly afterwards.
Musa almost put the game beyond doubt on eighty seven minutes, getting on the end of Forrest’s cut back and blasting goalwards. Amazingly, Amissah somehow scrambled across his line and produced a sensational one handed stop to keep the score at 1-0.
Seconds later, Jorge Grant sealed the win for Hearts. Musa drove down the right flank with intent and delivered a low ball across the face of goal. Grant tapped home from close range and celebrated by putting his finger to his lips. The home support, who had been on edge for most of the afternoon, could finally relax as the result was beyond doubt. Unlike the reverse fixture in Dingwall, there would be no stoppage time drama, and Hearts saw out the remaining minutes with ease.
The game was by no means a classic, but three points were the most important thing. Hearts moved up to sixth place while Ross County dropped to ninth. While the performance may not have been the most polished, Hearts had picked up a vital win in their mission to finish in the top half of the table.
Hearts are on their travels next week to face champions-elect Celtic at Parkhead. Meanwhile, Ross County will be hosting Dundee United at the Global Energy Stadium.
