It cost them some personnel, but Hearts recovered from an early setback to beat St Johnstone 3-2 at Tynecastle.
Just three days after their Europa League playoff defeat to FC Zurich, the Jambos returned to winning ways. And the three points took them up to third in the Scottish Premiership table as they look to get themselves back into the competition again next season. It will be the Conference League this term, and winning on the back if midweek exertions will be important over the next three months if they are to finish best of the rest again.
Craig Gordon mistakes are as rare as hens' teeth, but the Scotland number one was culpable for St Johnstone ’s early opener. He got a right-footed clearance all wrong, gifting the ball to Graham Carey and the Irishman controlled then sent a finish with the outside of his left foot into the empty net.
Hearts tried to hit back through Josh Ginnelly after he was sent in behind by Liam Boyce, but the wide man sliced his shot high and wide of goal. Boyce then had a good effort blocked before the Jambos did draw level. Gary Mackay-Steven floated a corner into the six yard box and Kye Rowles wanted it the most, powering a header past Remi Matthews to score his first Hearts goal.
They turned the game around on the half hour mark. Peter Haring found Ginnelly’s run down the right and the winger waited on support arriving. It came in the form of Liam Boyce and Ginnelly picked him out perfectly, leaving the striker with a simple headed finish.
Ginnelly was inches from making it 3-1 five minutes later. A wayward header fell nicely for him in the box and he sent a left foot volley flying towards goal, but Matthews was able to turn it onto the post.
Shankland replaced the injured Liam Boyce and almost scored with his first attempt. The ball broke kindly for him and he sent a low left foot strike towards goal, but Matthews got down well to save.
Ginnelly rounded Matthews after the break but rather than trying to put the ball into the empty net past the covering defender, he tried to tee up Shankland. By the time the number nine got his shot away, Matthews was back in goal and kept it out.
It proved pivotal as Saints went up the other end and equalised. Stevie May flicked on a corner at the near post and Andy Considine was on hand at the far post to nod home his first St Johnstone goal.
Hearts then hit the woodwork again. Alan Forrest collected Halliday’s knock down and shifted the ball onto his right foot before striking at goal, but Matthews again got a hand to the ball to divert it onto the bar.
With ten minutes to go, Hearts were handed the chance to re-establish their lead when Barrie McKay burst past Liam Gordon, who inexplicably wiped him out in the area with the ball seemingly running through to Matthews. Shankland didn’t pass up the opportunity, calmly sending the keeper the wrong way from 12 yards.
Squad games
Robbie Neilson had injuries and suspensions to contend with even before this one kick-off. Alex Cochrane and Toby Sibbick's red cards away to Celtic last week meant they were missing for this one, and Craig Halkett is yet to recover from a hamstring injured against FC Zurich.
The Hearts boss made changes after Thursday night's second leg defeat to the Swiss champions. But he was forced into even more over the course of the 90 plus minutes. Kye Rowles hobbled off after heading Hearts level. The big Aussie landed awkwardly after turning home Mackay-Steven's corner.
Fellow goalscorer Boyce also had to come off. He looked to roll his ankle in attempting to make a tackle and was clearly in some pain as he was stretchered off. Nathaniel Atkinson was a second half casualty as the injuries mounted up. Neilson wants more players in before the window closes on Thursday and he'll need them at this rate.
Gord's gaffe
If anyone can be forgiven for a mistake in this Hearts team, it's Craig Gordon. The Scotland number one has produced stunning save after stunning save since returning to his boyhood club.
But a poor kick with his weaker foot gifted Carey the opener after five minutes. It's not like Gordon, and he'll be glad that those in front of him were able to rectify the situation and claim all three points.
Neilson slots in
Teenage defender Lewis Neilson was handed his first start since arriving from Dundee United. And on the evidence of his performance, nabbing him for free looks like a nice bit of business for the Jambos.
Despite an ever changing cast around him as his namesake was forced to tinker on the touchline, the centre back was solid, used the ball well and snuffed out danger on several occasions. He's far from the finished article, but there's plenty for Hearts to work with. Given the lack if defensive options after today, then this could be a chance for Neilson to rack up a run of games.
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