Seeing as I won’t be going to any games any time soon, I’ve decided to document the games I watch online/on tv that I should have been going to.
We start with the first competitive game for the club that I hold a season ticket for Heart Of Midlothian as they began there quest towards League Cup glory with a group game at home against Inverness, on Premier Sports.
I may not have been at the game in person but cardboard cut out me took its place in the main stand, bit of a shame they couldn’t put it in my season ticket seat in the Wheatfield but that’s just me being picky.
Must admit, I’m glad not many Hearts games are on Premier Sports as there is only so much Chris Sutton I can take, had a proud husband moment at half time though as I was in the kitchen I heard my wife shout “Fair play Chris Sutton can be a wank sometimes”.
So on to the game, there were a few debutants for the Jambos with Popescu and Ginnelly donning the maroon shirt for the first time. On the flip side we were without Boyce and Smith who are away with Northern Ireland.
It was clear this was the season opener as both teams had a few cobwebs to shake off but Hearts looked the better side. Think the ref should have maybe got a card out as Storey clearly shoved Halkett into the advertising boards, even though the commentator said he was going for the ball… yeah if the ball was on the back of Halkett’s shoulder.
Ginnelly and Walker were getting on the ball and using it really well, both making the most of the width and creating chances. I do feel that Hearts still need more back up for Boyce as poor Craig Wighton just doesn’t look good enough, many a time he was in a good position but just lacked the final touch.
Craig Gordon returned for Hearts and showed why his so highly rated, making what can only be called an amazing save. Getting Gordon back in Gorgie could be the signing of the season in my eyes as he commands his area so well and is exactly what you want as your last line of defence.
Captain Steven Naismith was his usual self taking control of what was happening on the pitch and guiding players through the game, I think when him and Boyce are both on the pitch together it could be a fun season ahead.
The teams went in at half time goalless and to be fair I think (not being biased) that Hearts should have been in front as they were the stronger of the two sides as the stats showed.
I was really impressed with Ginnelly as he was creating some great space out wide and always looked capable of making a chance when on the ball and linked up well with Brandon on the right.
It was great to see the effort on show by the players, night and day compared to last seasons shambles. I think Robbie as a Hearts man has installed belief and passion back into a squad that on paper is more than capable to win promotion.
A dubious penalty was awarded in the 61st minute to Hearts as a Josh Ginnelly shot was blocked by what looked like the arm of Caley’s Cameron Harper. Was surprised to see Jamie Walker step up to take the penalty but was jubilant in the Carding household when he sent the keeper the wrong way and put it in the back of the net to make it 1-0 to Hearts. A lead that we deserved.
Just after the goal the first changes for Hearts were made and two debutants came on as Jordan Roberts and Andy Halliday replaced Irving and Wighton. I was excited to see both these players as they arrived with some fanfare and both didn’t disappoint as they got stuck in and had a good half hour each. On the subject of subs with 10 minutes to go Peter Haring came on and showed what Hearts had been missing as he controlled the game from the middle of the pitch, very happy to see him back in a maroon shirt.
A lot of positives out of tonight’s game, lots of players not scared to have a go from distance which was missing last season and the effort was 10 times better. I think the midfield looks the best I’ve seen at Tynecastle in a few years. A much deserved win and a good 90 minutes to get back into competitive football. Think once Souttar is fit again Popescu may slip onto the bench, he seemed to make a few mistakes and got in Halkett’s way a few times. Also can’t see how when he’s back from injury, how Berra is going to fit into the team or even the squad.
My Man Of The Match goes to ex Shrewsbury Town player Josh Ginnelly, he may not have scored but he showed his class taking on Caley defenders and getting in space on several occasions. Going to be exciting seeing him as the season progresses and hopefully can turn the loan deal into a permanent one.
Watching on the TV was alright but made me want to return to Tynecastle and to a live football match soon, hopefully Hearts have the chance to trial with fans back in the stadium.
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Inverness.
Daz Carding
Football Days With A Salopian Jambo 