Hamilton Academical 0 Hearts 3
Ladbrokes Premiership – Wednesday 24th January 2018 – Superseal Stadium
After the high of knocking Hibernian out of the William Hill Scottish Cup on Sunday, Hearts maintained the feel-good factor currently felt in Gorgie as they returned to Ladbrokes Premiership business with a fine win over Hamilton Academical in Lanarkshire.
Head Coach Craig Levein made four changes to the team that triumphed at the weekend. There was a welcome return from injury of Ross Callachan while Don Cowie and Lewis Moore returned to the starting eleven. There was also a first team debut for 17-year-old Andrew Irving following his return from his loan spell at Berwick Rangers. Making way were Arnaud Djoum, David Milinkovic and Aaron Hughes who sat on the substitutes’ bench while Isma Goncalves was omitted from the squad, the striker believed to leaving Hearts in the next few days.
Hearts almost made the perfect start when, in the opening minute, Steven Naismith set Demetri Mitchell free and the on-loan Manchester United youngster’s cross caused panic in the Accies defence.
However, there wasn’t a great deal to shout about in a lacklustre first half. Former Jambo David Templeton almost created a chance but was thwarted by Demetri Mitchell.
Young Lewis Moore was then caught in possession but, thankfully from a Hearts perspective, Redmond shot straight at McLaughlin.
Templeton came close twice as the first half drew to a close with Hearts looking a tad weary.
Half-time Hamilton Accies 0 Hearts 0
Hearts started the second half brightly and young Andrew Irving produced fine skill to beat his man before his shot on goal was deflected to Mitchell whose attempt on goal was thwarted by Accies.
Hearts appealed for a penalty eight minutes into the second period when Lewis Moore scampered into the Accies penalty box before appearing to be tripped but referee Nick Walsh ignored Gorgie claims.
It was beginning to look like one of those nights but, midway through the second half, Hearts went in front. Accies’ Gogic was woefully short with a pass back. Steven Naismith collected the ball before crossing for Ross Callachan who couldn’t miss from six yards out.
This buoyed the visitors who doubled their advantage five minutes later. Again, it was another defensive error from the home side as substitute David Milinkovic was allowed to run unchallenged into the penalty box before showing fine composure to fire the ball past Woods.
Accies almost grabbed a goal back in the 80th minute when Imrie’s corner eventually found Gogic but his header went over.
With three minutes remaining Hearts sealed the win at the Super Seal Stadium when more slack defending from Accies allowed Steven Naismith to set up Milinkovic who set up substitute Dario Zanatta – back from his loan period at Raith Rovers – to volley home Hearts third.
A fine win for Hearts who take their unbeaten run to 11 games – with the last eight seeing no goals conceded.
Hamilton Accies: Woods, McMann, Tomas, Imrie, Redmond (Rojano, 71′), Gogic, Templeton, MacKinnon, Lyon, Ferguson, Ogkmpoe.
Hearts: McLaughlin, Randall, Souttar, Berra, Mitchell, Cochrane (Djoum, 46′), Irving, Callachan, Cowie (Zanatta, 84′), Naismith, Moore (Milinkovic, 61′).
Referee: Nick Walsh
Att: 2,077
Top man: Steven Naismith
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
