Hearts Archives - Page 2 of 3

Hearts survive scare to scrape past Kilmarnock

Two goals in quick succession saw Hearts pull away from Kilmarnock to take all three points at Tynecastle. Hearts raced into an early lead thanks to some excellent work from the young James Wilson to tee up Elton Kabangu. Continuing his fine breakthrough season, Bobby Wales equalised with a fine strike from Marley Watkins’ low cross. However Kilmarnock could not sustain the intensity and soon found themselves two goals behind. First from Jamie McCart’s header with his first goal for the club before a Kieran O’Hara blunder allowed Jorge Grant to score just a few minutes later. Fraser Murray pulled one back for the visitors but it proved little more than a consolation. Despite his work for the first, Wilson will be frustrated not to have done better with the effort he blasted over the bar. Kilmarnock could have equalised sooner but for Craig Gordon’s reflexes to deny Wales, whose header met an excellent Corrie Ndaba cross. Wilson came close once again after James Penrice’s cutback teed him up but his shot kept out by the flying Robbie Deas to keep the score down to one. As the home side intensified the pressure, Kilmarnock were at times fortunate to not concede another. Blair Spitall’s curling free kick just missing the goal. Defeat means Kilmarnock find themselves in the uncomfortable relegation play-off spot with Hearts propelling themselves up to ninth, just three points off rivals Hibernian in sixth. Line-ups: Hearts: Gordon (c), Penrice, McCart, Halkett (Neilson 11), Forrester, Spittal (Dhanda 69), Devlin, Baningime, Grant (Drammeh 69), Wilson (Shankland 69), Kabangu (Boateng 92) Unused subs: Clark, Forrest, Taylor, Vargas Booked: Grant, Boateng Goals: Kabangu (7), McCart (58), Grant (61) Kilmarnock: O’Hara, Deas (Anderson 87), Wright (c), Mayo, Ndaba, Murray, Magennis (Watson 68), Polworth (Donnelly 68), Ramsay (Armstrong 46), Watkins, Wales Unused subs: Armstrong, Branna, Brown, Mackay-Steven, Brown Booked: Deas, Magennis, Watkins, Armstrong, Watson Goals: Wales (50), Murray (67) Attendance: 18, 677 Referee: John Beaton

January 26, 2025

Aberdeen end 12 game winless run at Elgin and more in Scottish Cup Round-up

Aberdeen will hope their convincing 3-0 win over League Two side Elgin City will help get their season back on track as they earned a victory for the first time thirteen games. A Shayden Morris opener followed by a second half Duk double put the Dons on track for a breezy progression to the next round, the task made all the easier by Lyall Booth’s dismissal after two yellow cards with over fifteen minutes remaining. Defending champions Celtic overcame a stubborn Kilmarnock side in a 2-1 victory. Captain Callum McGregor had opened the scoring with long range effort but the visitors responded just before the break through teenager Bobby Wales. In the end, the home side proved too strong with Daizan Maeda putting the tie to bed in the second half. After going into the break just a goal up, Rangers turned on the style in the second half to dispatch the spirited Highland League Fraserburgh side 5-0. A Cyriel Dessers hat-trick and goals from Clinton Nsiala and Ross McCausland ensured the home side would have their name in Monday night’s draw. Despite an impressive turnout in the away end, West of Scotland Premier Division’s Clydebank were powerless to stop Hibernian coming away 3-0 victors at Easter Road. With his 5th and 6th goals in just three games Martin Boyle was in fine form to dispatch the sixth tier side. The captain also added an assist for eighteen year old Rudi Molotnikov to his tally for the afternoon. Hearts came back from a goal down to ease to a 4-1 victory over Highland League side Brechin City. Seventeenth minute substitute Scott Bright fired the home side ahead just six minutes later before Yan Dhanda ensured they went into the break level. Neil Critchley’s side pulled away in the subsequent half with Kevin McHattie’s own goal and a double from new signing Elton Kabangu sealing the tie. Championship club Livingston provided the upset of round, scoring in the penultime minute of extra-time to seal a 3-2 win over Ross County in Dingwall. A penalty from Robbie Muirhead had given the away side the lead before Jordan White equalised. David Martindale’s side re-gained the advantage courtesy of Cristian Montano’s goal before County pulled level once again thanks to Ronan Hale. However in the 119th minute Andrew Shinnie ensured there was no way back for the Premiership side to seal progression to the Last 16. St Mirren proved too strong for League One’s Queen of the South with a 3-1 victory in Dumfries. Toyosi Olusanya’s first half double had set the visitors on their way before Brennan Dickinson pulled one back for Queens. The third tier side struggled for a leveller until substitute Caolan Boyd-Munce dashed their hopes in added time. Manager Simo Valikari will hope St Johnstone‘s 1-0 win over Motherwell can kickstart a climb out of the relegation zone in the coming weeks. Scoring after just nine minutes, Makenzie Kirk ensured fans in Perth could finally celebrate a weekend of football. Meanwhile Championship side Ayr United delivered a 8-0 pummelling of Lowland League side Broxburn Athletic. League One’s Dumbarton suffered a 5-1 home loss to Championship strugglers Airdrieonians. There was extra-time joy for fellow Championship side Queen’s Park who came away 3-2 winners over League One team Montrose. Third tier Stenhousemuir could do little to prevent the Championship’s Dunfermline from powering to a 3-0 victory. Hamilton Academical of League One made their way to the next round after putting away East of Scotland Premier Division side Musselburgh Athletic 3-1. Meanwhile Cove Rangers ensured their would be another member of Scotland’s third division in the Last 16 as they cruised to a 2-0 win over Forfar Athletic.

January 20, 2025

Hearts Pick Up Vital Win At Tannadice Over High-Flying Dundee United

James Penrice scored the only goal of the game as Neil Critchley’s side move 8 points clear of 12th place Dundee United were looking to win their 4th consecutive match in the league, with Hearts aiming to build on their 1-0 win over Motherwell on Thursday. There were 3 changes in the United team that beat Dundee, as Declan Gallagher returned to the XI to captain the side. Hearts named an unchanged lineup. It was the Jambos who started brighter of the two sides and looked threatening when they went forward. Musa Drammeh had the first shot of the game but his left footed attempted was well saved by Jack Walton. Liam Boyce came the closest to opening the scoring in the first half, with his shot from a tight angle outside the box firing off the United keeper’s crossbar. United struggled for any good possession but looked dangerous from every throw in. Their first chance of the afternoon fell to Kevin Holt inside the box, but his volley scuffed past the post. At the other end, Craig Halkett found himself free at the back post from Spittal’s corner, but his header was cleared off the line from Holt. Jim Goodwin opted to make a double change at the end of the first half, hoping to gain more control in the much. The first half petered out, however, as neither side were able to create any real openings. Half Time – Dundee United 0-0 Hearts The second half started the same way the first half ended as both teams struggled to get a hold of the ball. Ryan Strain had the first chance of the half as the ball fell to him from 12 yards out, but he blazed his shot into the Hearts fans behind Craig Gordon’s goal. Hearts hit the woodwork for the second time in the game when former Dundee United man, Blair Spittal, smashed the ball off the crossbar from a free kick 30 yards out. The scrappiness of the match continued throughout the second half, with the ball spending a lot of it’s time in the air. The breakthrough finally came at Tannadice in the 73rd minute. A headed cross from Forrester was aimed for Boyce, who fluffed his lines but the ball fell to Penrice who fired his volley into the back of the United yet. An excellent finish in a game in a game lacking any real quality. The late goal specialists searched for an equaliser but Critchley’s men looked like the only side scoring the second of the match as United pushed bodies forward. Hearts saw out the game well, with Goodwin’s sides only opportunity coming via a goal line scramble in added time. Over the course of 90 minutes, Hearts probably deserved the victory, in what was a rare away victory for them this season. The result sees the Jambos move 8 points clear of 12th place St Johnstone. As for Dundee United, they remain in 3rd spot despite the disappointing defeat. Dundee United – Walton (GK), Strain, Adegboyega, Gallagher (C) (Trapanovski 73), Holt, Ferry, Odada (Docherty 39), Sevelj (Fotheringham 86), Stephenson (Middleton 73), Thomson (Van Der Sande 39), Dalby Hearts – Gordon (GK) (C), Forrester, Rowles, Halkett, Penrice, Devlin, Grant (Vargas 86), Drammeh (Forrest 76), Boyce (Boateng 76), Spittal, Wilson (McCart 90) 10,214 attendance

January 6, 2025

January 2025 Transfer News: Scottish Premiership Signings, Departures, and Deals

Stay Updated: All the Latest Scottish Premiership Transfers on SNN Sports The January transfer window is in full swing, and clubs across the Scottish Premiership are making key moves to strengthen their squads. From last-minute deals to blockbuster signings, SNN Sports has you covered with real-time updates. Follow our Transfer Centre blog for breaking news, confirmed signings, and expert analysis. Plus, explore our comprehensive list of all the ins and outs from the 2025 January transfer window—only on SNN Sports! Aberdeen Transfers In Alexander Jensen – – IF Brommapojkarna, undisclosed Jeppe Okkels – Preston, loan Kristers Tobers – Grasshopper Club Zurich, undisclosed Alfie Dorrington – Tottenham, loan Alexander Jensen – IF Brommapojkarna, undisclosed Out James McGarry – Athens Kallithea, loan Celtic transfers In Jota – Rennes, £8m Out Stephen Welsh – KV Mechelen, loan Odin Holm – LAFC, loan Alexandro Bernabei – Internacional, £5m Kyogo Furuhashi – Rennes, £10m Dundee transfers In Aaron Donnelly – Nottingham Forest, undisclosed Imari Samuels – Brighton, undisclosed Victor Lopez – Queretaro, loan Cesar Garza – Monterrey, loan Out Sammy Braybrooke – Leicester City, recalled from loan Curtis Main – Ayr United Dundee United transfers In Ruari Paton – Port Vale, loan Lewis Fiorini – Stockport County, loan Out Jack Newman – Livingston, loan Hearts transfers In Elton Kabangu – Royal Union SG, loan Jamie McCart – Rotherham United, undisclosed Lewis Neilson – St Johnstone, recalled from loan Michael Steinwender – IFK Värnamo, undisclosed Sander Kartum – SK Brann, undisclosed Out Liam Boyce – Derry City, undisclosed Kye Rowles – D.C. United, undisclosed Daniel Oyegoke – Hellas Verona, undisclosed Hibernian transfers In Alasana Manneh – Odense Boldklub, undisclosed Out Josh O’Connor – Crusaders, undisclosed Nohan Kenneh – Ross County, loan Jake Doyle-Hayes – Released Kilmarnock transfers In Calvin Ramsay – Liverpool, loan Out Jack Burroughs – Coventry City, recalled from loan – Motherwell transfers In Kai Andrews – Coventry City, loan Archie Mair – Norwich City, loan Ellery Balcombe – Brentford, loan Luke Armstrong – Carlisle United, loan Out – Rangers transfers In Rafael Fernandes – Lille, loan Out Robbie Fraser – Livingston, loan Cole McKinnon – Ayr United, loan Kieran Dowell – Birmingham City, loan Ross County transfers In Nohan Kenneh – Hibernian, loan Kieran Phillips – Huddersfield Town, undisclosed Zac Ashworth – Blackpool, loan Jonathan Tomkinson – Norwich City, loan Out Eamonn Brophy – Falkirk, loan Ricki Lamie – Hamilton, loan St Johnstone transfers In Victor Griffith – Arabe Unido, undisclosed Sam Curtis – Sheffield United, loan Jonathan Svedberg – Allsvenskan, undisclosed Daniels Balodis – RFS, undisclosed Out Kyle Cameron – Notts County, recalled from loan Lewis Neilson – Hearts, recalled from loan Connor Smith – Hamilton Accies, undisclosed St Mirren transfers In Owen Oseni – Gateshead, undisclosed Zach Hemming – Middlesbrough, loan Out Kieran Offord – Linfield, undisclosed

January 1, 2025

Retiring Gayle breaks Hearts in Edinburgh derby

Venue: Tynecastle Park Date: 26/12/24 Time: 12:30 Hibernian fans will be begging Dwight Gayle to reconsider his retirement at the end of the season after his derby winner pushed the Leith side to just four points off the play-off places. Using all of his nous, the 35 year old met Nicky Cadden’s fantastic cross with the slightest touch to take the ball past Craig Gordon. A Kye Rowles own goal put Hibs in front after just nine minutes, deflecting Josh Campbell’s header past a helpless Gordon. The visitors looked to have shot themselves in the foot when Rocky Bushiri’s own goal allowed Hearts to draw level against the run of play after the defender mishit his attempt to clear Lawrence Shankland’s header. Despite being under the cosh for large parts of the game, Neil Critchley’s men had opportunities to get themselves on the scoreboard beforehand. Musa Drammeh could not put James Penrice’s cross on target, heading far wide of Jordan Smith’s goal. His next attempt was improved, albeit slightly, hitting the target but failing to trouble the keeper. Aside from the header leading to the goal, Shankland endured a frustrating afternoon, firing a couple of shots straight into Smith’s arms. Hearts were fortunate not to go two when Gordon spilled Nicky Cadden’s low driving shot from outside the box, the home side’s blushes spared by Hibs not having a poacher to profit from the mishap. The Scotland international quickly made amends using almost every part of his body, denying Chris Cadden with his legs and later flinging himself to meet goal bound attempts from Campbell and Elie Youan before his chest kept Cadden out once again. With the defeat Hearts drop back to 11th in the table, just two points off the bottom. Attendance: 18,726 Line-ups: Hearts: C. Gordon, J. Penrice, K. Rowles, C. Halkett (L. Boyce 85′), D. Oyegoke, B. Baningime (M. Boateng 78′), C. Devlin, B. Spittal (Y. Dhanda 70′), L. Shankland (c), M. Drammeh (K. Vargas 79′), J. Wilson Substitutes: M. Boateng, L. Boyce, Z. Clark, Y. Dhanda, A. Forrest, A. Forrester, J. Grant, A. Salazar, K. Vargas Hibs: J. Smith, J. Iredale, R. Bushiri, W. O’Hora (L. Miller 77′), N. Cadden (J. Obita 85′), J. Newell (c), (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu 69′), N. Triantis, C. Cadden, J. Campbell, E. Youan (D. Gayle 68′), M. Boyle Substitutes: L. Amos, J. Bursik, D. Gayle, J. Hoilett, Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, D. Levitt, L. Miller, N. Moriah-Welsh, J. Obita Referee: Nick Walsh

December 26, 2024

Birthday boy Penrice helps send St Johnstone bottom

Venue: Tynecastle Park Date: 22/12/24 Time: 15:00 Hearts responded to the their humiliating midweek exit from the Europa Conference League to earn a crucial three points and ensure St Johnstone fell to the foot of the table. After just fifteen minutes a towering header from Penrice, celebrating his 26th birthday, met Adam Forrester’s long ball into the box to open the scoring. Penrice soon found himself giving out gifts after his handball in the box allowed substitute Graham Carey to level the score eight minutes after the break. Hearts responded just five minutes leader when Blair Spittal met a cleared header from a corner and lashed home the winner from outside the box. The home side had the lions’ share of chances throughout the encounter. James Wilson had an opportunity to put Hearts ahead after cutting past Josh Rae to find an empty goal, albeit at a difficult angle, but the shot was lacking the right connection as it fizzled to allow the Saints to clear. Hearts were denied again later in the half as Bozo Mikulic’s mishit clearance fired straight at his own goal but a reflexive save from Rae was able to keep the score down. Rae was called into action multiple times after that, first when Penrice’s shot met Lawrence Shankland’s head, but the striker could not get the requisite power to trouble the keeper before denying Kenneth Vargas and Alan Forrest with a double save late on. Adama Sidibeh wasted his side’s best opportunity of the game, driving the ball forward holding off the Hearts defence only to send his attempt wide. Line-ups: Hearts: C. Gordon, J. Penrice, K. Rowles, D. Oyegoke, A. Forrester, B. Spittal (K. Vargas 80’), M. Boateng, C. Devlin, M. Drammeh (A. Forrest 61’), L. Shankland (c) (L. Boyce 94’), J. Wilson Substitutes: L. Boyce, Z. Clark, Y. Dhanda, A. Forrest, J. Grant, C. Halkett, A. Salazar, M. Tait, K. Vargas St Johnstone: J. Rae, A. Raymond (G. Carey 46’), B. Mikulic, J. Sanders, A. Essel (D. Keltjens 83’), B. Kimpioka, J. Holt (c) (M. Smith 83’), S. Sprangler, D. Wright, M. Kirk, A. Sidibeh Substitutes: A. Brookfield, G. Carey, B. Dair, F. Franczak, D. Keltjens, M. Kucheriavyi, J. McPake, R. Sinclair, M. Smith Referee: John Beaton

December 23, 2024

FC Copenhagen vs Hearts: What to expect?

Venue: Parken Stadium Date: 12/12/24 Time: 17:45 GMT With just two games to go, Hearts’ chances of securing an automatic qualifying spot in the Conference League hang in the balance as they travel to Copenhagen for the group stage’s penultimate game. Having started the campaign with two wins against Dinamo Minsk and Omonia, the side were defeated by Heidenheim and Cercle Brugge, failing to score a goal in either fixture and falling down to the middle of the pack. In FC Copenhagen they face a side similarly underperforming in Europe. Having beaten Kilmarnock in the Playoff round, the Danes have managed just one win so far against Dinamo Minsk. A crucial three points recovered for their hopes following draws with Istanbul Basaksehir and Real Betis and defeat to Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok. Shankland reborn After scoring not one but two goals against Dundee at the weekend, Lawrence Shankland no doubt felt the weight of the world lifted off his shoulders. Thirteen games felt like a hundred as the striker simply could not find a way to break his duck, with sections of the Hearts fans singling him out as the cause behind their league struggles which have left them sat in the relegation play-off spot. To his immense credit, all throughout the barren spell Shankland persevered with attempts at goal and impressive link up play, biding his time for the opportunity that looks set to turn his season around. What a relief it will be for Neil Critchley whose side have not so much failed to create chances, averaging ten shots a game, but put them away, converting a meagre 12% of attempts. The Edinburgh side depended heavily on their talismanic striker last year, Shankland’s contribution of thirty-one goals seconded by Kenneth Vargas’ paltry nine in comparison and they will need call on him once again to revive a flailing season. Despite earning himself a suspension for their trip to Kilmarnock at the weekend, Shankland will need all his mental strength to carry their campaign on his shoulders once again Table topping Danes and a familiar face Manager Jacob Neestrup will be under no illusions that his side have underwhelmed in Europe’s tertiary competition, having exceeded expectations on its biggest stage last season. Coming second in a group featuring Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Galatasaray was far better than most predicted, especially considering the performance they put in to beat United 4-3 before taking a point against the Germans. Ultimately they were soundly beaten 6-1 on aggregate by Manchester City in the Round of 16 but it is little surprise that Copenhagen currently sit top of the Danish Superliga, unbeaten in nine league games. Whilst Hearts have their Shankland, Copenhagen’s potency is spread more evenly across the squad. With Orri Oskarsson, Viktor Claesson and defender Kevin Diks contributing twenty-one goals between them. However, the jewel in this multi-pronged crowned is a man who might be familiar to Scottish Premiership fans. Mohamed Elyounoussi’s time at Celtic last just a year and a half but he will remain a part of the club’s history forever as a member of the 2019-20 treble winning side. For the past two seasons the Norwegian international has been the side’s most valuable player, topping their current campaign’s goals and assists charts with seven and six respectively. Hearts defenders will have their work cut out trying to keep him quiet this evening.

December 12, 2024

Shankland’s Dundee double lifts Hearts off bottom of the table

Hearts 2 – 0 Dundee Lawrence Shankland ended his goalless drought to help his side to strong win over Dundee. Two and half months after his last goal, the Hearts captain’s header arced over a static Jon McCracken and doubled his tally just ten minutes later. Musa Drammeh had a chance of his own by he could only send Blair Spittal’s cross wide in the first half. Dundee’s Oluwaseun Adewumi could not build on his impressive midweek outing against Motherwell, sending one of his side’s few opportunities sky high. Antonio Portales also unable to find the target with his header. McCracken was granted a get out of jail free card when his mishit clearance fell into the path of Drammeh, but was ruled marginally offside. Attendance: 18,737 Line-ups: Hearts: C. Gordon, J. Penrice, K. Rowles, C. Halkett, D. Oyegoke, M. Boateng, C. Devlin, B. Spittal (K. Vargas 76′), L. Shankland, M. Drammeh (J. Grant 76′), J. Wilson (A. Forrest 67′) Substitutes: Z. Clark, Y. Dhanda, A. Forrest, A. Forrester, J. Grant, Y. Oda, A. Salazar, M. Tait, K. Vargas Dundee: J. McCracken, B. Koumetio, A. Portales, R. Astley, F. Robertson (E. Ingram 46′), M. Sylla, J. McGhee, J. Mulligan (J. Vetro 84′), O. Adewumi (S. Murray 46′), L. Cameron, S. Palmer-Houlden (S. Tiffoney 61′) Substitutes: S. Braybrooke, T. Carson, E. Ingram, S. Kelly, C. Main, S. Murray, H. Sharp, S. Tiffoney, J. Vetro

December 7, 2024

Hearts Hold Aberdeen in Dramatic Tynecastle Clash

A resilient Hearts side fought their way to a 1-1 draw against Aberdeen, extending the Dons’ winless streak at Tynecastle to seven years. Despite contrasting domestic campaigns, some Aberdeen fans travelled to Edinburgh without high hopes – a sentiment that proved justified as their Tynecastle hoodoo continued. Early Drama and Dons Breakthrough Hearts began the match with purpose, dominating early exchanges and energising the home crowd. However, the atmosphere quickly soured as injuries to Stephen Kingsley and Frankie Kent disrupted the defensive line. With the makeshift back four unsettled, Aberdeen struck. Leighton Clarkson latched onto Shayden Morris’ cross, volleying it past Craig Gordon to give the visitors the lead, much to the delight of the away fans. Hearts Fight Back Facing increased pressure after Hibernian’s emphatic win over Motherwell the day before, Hearts showed determination. Musa Drammeh, making his first start for the club, made a pivotal impact. Blair Spittal’s cross found Drammeh, whose header deflected off Nicky Devlin and into the net. The goal lifted the Tynecastle faithful and set up a tense finale. A Tale of Missed Opportunities Aberdeen had chances to reclaim the lead, with Clarkson nearly doubling his tally before half-time, only to be denied by a superb save from Gordon. The second half saw Hearts’ Jorge Grant twice come close to sealing victory. First, his goal-bound effort was heroically blocked by Devlin, and later, his volley was spectacularly saved by substitute keeper Ross Doohan. Controversy and Defensive Struggles VAR took centre stage when Jack Milne’s reckless challenge on Beni Baningime escaped punishment, leaving Hearts fans furious. Aberdeen, fielding a backline that had never played together, showed signs of vulnerability but managed to hold firm. Jimmy Thelin’s decision to rotate heavily during this congested period brought mixed results, with the Dons lacking their usual cohesion. Manager Reactions Hearts boss Neil Critchley praised his side’s spirit despite the setbacks: “We started well, but the injuries disrupted us. To respond with hunger, passion, and desire after going behind shows the character of this team. A point was the least we deserved.” Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin focused on the positives: “The fight was there, and the players worked for each other. We need to find our rhythm again, but I’m confident in this group’s quality.” What’s Next? The result leaves Aberdeen four points behind league leaders Celtic, with questions lingering over their ability to sustain a title challenge. Hearts, meanwhile, remain at the foot of the table, two points adrift of Hibernian. With fixtures piling up and defensive injuries mounting, Neil Critchley faces a daunting task in steering his side to safety. For all the endeavour and drama, both teams will likely feel this was a missed opportunity. Tynecastle, however, remains a fortress that Aberdeen just can’t seem to conquer. Attendance: 18, 810 Line-ups: Hearts: C. Gordon, S. Kingsley (C.Halkett 30′), K. Rowles, F. Kent (A. Forrester 35′), D. Oyegoke, B. Banigime, C. Devlin, A. Forrest (J. Grant 80′), B. Spittal, M. Drammeh (K. Vargas 80′), L. Shankland Subsitutes: M. Boateng, L. Boyce, Z. Clark, Y. Dhanda, A. Forrester, J. Grant, C. Halkett, K. Vargas, J. Wilson Aberdeen: D. Mitov (R. Doohan 46′), J. McGarry (J. Milne 59′), G. Molloy, A. MacDonald, N. Devlin, S. Heltne Nilsen, A. Palaversa (G. Shinnie 59′), J. McGrath, L. Clarkson, S. Morris (T. Keskinen 80′), E. Sokler (Duk 75′) Substitutes: V. Besuijen, R. Doohan, Duk, T. Keskinen, J. Milne, K. Nisbet, D. Polvara, S. Rubezic, G. Shinnie Referee: Kevin Clancy

December 2, 2024

Celtic class above Hearts in capital win

Heart of Midlothian 1 – 4 Celtic Celtic applied the afterburners against Hearts to leave Tynecastle with a convincing win, moving three points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership. In truth Neil Critchley’s side should have had something to show for their efforts in the first half but were sorely lacking a composed presence up front. Blair Spittal could only tamely fire at the keeper before Lawrence Shankland continued to look a shadow of his former self, sending a James Penrice cut-back wide. Having kept the tiring hosts out, Celtic took a hold of the game as Daniel Oyegoke’s poor clearance was deflected into Kygo Furuhashi’s feet, the Japanese forward finishing after Craig Gordon’s opening save. Brendan Rodgers’ men soon doubled their lead with Nikolas Kuhn firing home a second. Hearts were nearly back in when Anthony Ralston’s clearance hit the post and Shankland not making the most of another opportunity, instead teeing up Cameron Devlin, who could not guide the ball past the bodies in front. Adam Idah’s finish put the game to bed but the goals didn’t stop there, Musa Drammeh’s rocket from outside the box providing some consolation before Idah put home a penalty in added time to make sure Celtic had the final word on the night.

November 24, 2024

Hearts

Copyright © 2024 SNN Sports. All Rights Reserved.