Clydesdale Bank SPL, Saturday 23 October 2010 - Tynecastle
At last! Hearts recorded their first win of the season at Tynecastle in the SPL and like last week's victory in Aberdeen it was thoroughly deserved. The return of Rudi Skacel was questioned by many but today the Czech star showed what he is made of with a fine hat-trick to destroy the Paisley Saints who sit bottom of the SPL.
Skacel opened the scoring after just 75 seconds. Fine linking play from Suso and Kyle saw Special K lay the ball into the path of Skacel and Rudi blasted home a fine shot from around twenty yards to put Hearts ahead. The home team looked good in the first half with Suso continuing his fine form of late and Skacel dictating midfield. The return of Zaliukas has made a huge difference to the Hearts defence and there was a confidence about the team that was pleasing on the eye.
Hearts doubled their lead on 24 minutes when Skacel curled home a magnificent free-kick from the edge of the penalty box. Hearts were on fire at this point and Skacel really should have completed his hat-trick just before half-time after a pulsating run by Zaliukas but the midfield man's effort was too deliberate and his shot was deflected by a Saints defender on to the crossbar.
Saints started the second half determined to get back into the game and for a little while Hearts were on the back foot. However, Calum Elliot should have scored early in the second period and it seemed like it was just one of those days for him and striker partner Kevin Kyle. It was left to Rudi Skacel to end the scoring in some style in injury time when he danced into the St. Mirren penalty box to slot the ball past keeper Samson for a memorable hat-trick.
A good day at the office for Hearts. Their first home win of the season in the league; a clean sheet; a hat-trick from the prodigal son and, unusually for the maroons, no bookings. Oh, and Hibs lost again. Carlsberg don't do Saturdays but if they did...
Bring on the Hibbys!
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