Clydesdale Bank SPL, Sunday 29 August 2010 - Tynecastle
Good news, bad news. Hearts remain unbeaten in the SPL (yes, I know it's only three games but it's more than most of the others can say). However, they threw away two points and therefore the chance to move into third place in the table by allowing Dundee United to snatch a scarcely deserved equaliser near the end of an entertaining game at Tynecastle.
When I read the team lists prior to kick off I was dismayed. Last week's hero, Calum Elliot, had failed a last minute fitness test. Lee Wallace had passed - only to pull up during the warm up. With Palazuelos suspended and Zaliukas, Driver, Stephen Elliott and Gary Glen all injured it was another patched up Hearts team with Ryan Stevenson pairing Kevin Kyle up front. Nevertheless it was Hearts who dominated most of the game with Suso Santana and Eggert Jonsson particularly impressive.
After dictating the play it was no surprise when Hearts took the lead after half an hour. Suso raced clear of Garry Kenneth from deep inside his own half before finding Templeton charging into the box. The youngster seemed to lose control of the ball initially but he narrowed the angle and with Pernis rushing from his line, Temps did enough to slip the ball past the advancing keeper. Hearts could and should have added to their lead but failed to do so - something they would regret.
The warning signs were there particularly when United were awarded a very soft penalty with fifteen minutes left. However, justice was done when home keeper Marian Kello brilliantly palmed away Daly's effort. Sadly, there was nothing Hearts could do about Gomis' rasping twenty five yard effort flew high into the net past the despairing arms of Kello with just five minutes left to give United a barely deserved share of the spoils.
For the second home game in the SPL in succession, Hearts let a lead slip. That said, there was much to be pleased about with this latest performance particularly when you consider the players who were missing. Hearts are playing decent stuff again, the players are fighting for each other and when the casualties are back results will come.
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