Heart of Midlothian 1 Aberdeen 3
Ladbrokes SPFL Premiership, Sunday 20 September 2015 – Tynecastle
Hearts suffered their third successive defeat in the Ladbrokes SPFL Premiership when Aberdeen outclassed the Maroons to run out 3-1 winners in Gorgie on Sunday afternoon.
A shambolic defensive display, particularly in the first half, contributed to Hearts downfall to ensure an afternoon of huge disappointment for the Maroon Army.
Hearts Head Coach Robbie Neilson brought in Blazej Augustyn, Jamie Walker, Miguel Pallardo and Gavin Reilly and the home side began the game as they usually do at Tynecastle by swarming forward.
However, early signs of optimism from the home support were soon thwarted when Aberdeen took the lead after just nine minutes. A free-kick from McGinn found Goodwillie whose header squeezed past Neil Alexander.
Hearts looked very shaky at the back and were exposed again in the 23rd minute when the dangerous McGinn left Blazej Augustyn for dead, cut into the penalty box, skipped away from Callum Paterson before firing a fine effort beyond the despairing Alexander to double the visitors lead.
Hearts tried to respond through Juanma who set off on a run with the Dons defenders giving chase but his shot on goal was deflected and trundled safely through to keeper Ward. Igor Rossi then met Jamie Walker’s corner but his effort was too high.
With half-time fast approaching, Aberdeen all but sealed the game. Again, it was McGinn who ran past Pallardo before finding Goodwillie who had the freedom of Gorgie Road to fire home.
Half-time Hearts 0 Aberdeen 3
Hearts brought on Sam Nicholson for the ineffectual Reilly at half-time and although the home team battled hard it was clearly a lost cause although Jamie Walker came close in the 50th minute. Moments later, Hearts did score when Sam Nicholson’s corner bounced around the penalty box before Igor Rossi fired home to give the home support some hope.
However, it was the Dons who came closest to scoring again when Pawlett really should have scored when through on goal but Alexander saved well – a feat the Hearts custodian repeated seconds later when McGinn was in a similar situation.
Callum Paterson then fired on a free-kick from 25 yards which smacked off the crossbar but, in truth, Aberdeen ended the game as comfortable winners.
Much for Robbie Neilson to think about before Wednesday’s League Cup tie at Kilmarnock and the visit to Celtic Park to face the league champions next Saturday.
Hearts: Alexander, Paterson, Ozturk, Augustyn, Rossi, Buaben (King, 84′), Pallardo, Sow, Walker, Reilly (Nicholson, 46′), Juanma.
Aberdeen: Ward, Logan, Taylor, Quinn, Considine, Jack, Shinnie, McGinn (McLaughlin, 90′), McLean, Pawlett (Rooney, 66′), Goodwillie (Parker, 84′).
Referee: Bobby Madden
Att: 16,702
Top man: Miguel Pallardo
Author of The Team for Me - 50 Years of Following Hearts. Runs Mind Generating Success, a successful therapy practice in Edinburgh. Contact me if you want rid of any unwanted habits. Twitter @Mike1874
