Ross County 0 Heart of Midlothian 0
Ladbrokes Premiership – Wednesday 22nd January 2020 – Global Energy Stadium
Hearts may have flirted with the feel-good factor after Saturday’s Scottish Cup demolition of Airdrieonians, but it was back to the reality of a relegation dogfight in Dingwall on Wednesday evening as the Gorgie men fought out a goalless draw with Ross County.
Hearts were without the injured Michael Smith and Aaron Hickey as well as the suspended Sean Clare although they did give a debut to new signing Donis Avdijaj. The changes seemed to affect Hearts rhythm and they struggled all evening and failed to muster a shot on target.
The home side had the best chances of a scrappy affair although Avdijaj had a great chance to score on his debut – but slipped at the vital moment. Hearts improved after a lacklustre first half but still couldn’t get the win they yearn.
With Hamilton Academical letting slip a 1-0 lead at Easter Road to lose 2-1 to Hibernian, Hearts hard-earned draw moves them to four points behind both Accies and five behind St Mirren at the bottom of the league table.
That said, it’s league wins Hearts need badly, and they have now gone ten Ladbrokes Premiership games without a victory. With Rangers visiting Tynecastle on Sunday it will be a difficult task to end that run at the weekend.
Ross County: Baxter, Fraser, Kelly, Erwin, Mckay (Shaw, 74′), Vigurs, Mullin, Watson, Spittal (Paton, 75′), Tillson (Spence, 90′), Donaldson.
Hearts: Pereira, Souttar, Bozanic (Walker, 80′), Washington, Naismith, Garuccio, Halkett, Moore, Dikamona (Ikpeazu, 61′), Irving, Avdijaj (Henderson, 61′).
Referee: Gavin Duncan
Attendance: 4,301
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
