Hearts V Motherwell – Cinch Scottish Premiership (29/01/2022)
Safe to say storm Malik wreaked havoc today and I was a little nervous about making it to the game, with several trains being cancelled and delayed. But luckily the 1313 train to Edinburgh was running although delayed by quarter of an hour. Due to these cancellations the train was rammed, but can’t complain as I got a seat and I was getting to go to the game. Made the familiar walk through Gorgie and got the goosebumps as Tynecastle appeared through railway bridge.
I checked the Hearts lineup on my way and was surprised to see McKay and Haring on the bench, as recently they have been standouts in my opinion but I have faith in Robbie to pick the right players for each game, especially with the derby against Hibs coming up. It was good to see after Wednesdays performances that Simms and Baningime starting.
Grabbed myself a prematch feast of a steak pie, packet of Salt & Vinegar crisps, and a Fanta all for the price of £6.70. To be fair the pie was a little burnt compared to usual but still it filled a hole, which is what I got it for. But annoying to see that the electronic clock wasn’t on today, as the electronic advertising board had parts missing and wasn’t turned on.
Hearts got a free kick in the box for a pass back early on and good to see the referee book the keeper for throwing the ball away and complaining. The free kick came to nothing as it was just too close for Kingsley to get up and over the wall.
Hearts were struggling to settle into the game and with 10 minutes gone following a slip from Cammy Devlin, and Kevin Van Veen went close for Motherwell side footing the ball just past the post.
It was nice to see Simms linking up the play well up top, playing balls out to the wide men and those supporting him up front. But Baningime was struggling to get a stronghold on the game, as nothing seemed to be going through him.
A familiar face came off the bench for Motherwell as Sean Goss, ex Shrewsbury Town player, came on just after the half hour mark.
Some great play by Cammy Devlin, saw him play the ball into Andy Halliday who was in acres off space inside the box, he put the ball into the far corner with ease to make it 1-0 to the Jambos with 37 minutes played.
Although Hearts went in 1-0 up at halftime, it wasn’t the greatest of halves. They didn’t look settled and weren’t playing good football, the midfield weren’t seeming to click.
There was a second Hearts debut for Toby Sibbick at half time, after signing from Barnsley in the week, as he came on to replace John Souttar who appeared to take a knock in a 50/50 challenge in the first half.
More comedy from the SFA officials, this week a free kick was given to Hearts but due to miss-communication Devlin took a throw, the referee and linesman kept looking at one another until the referee blew up after at least 4 passes and advised it was a free kick.
More great play from Hearts, started by Cammy Devlin on halfway, as he broke into the Motherwell half and found Liam Boyce in space, who played the perfect ball into Ellis Simms at the back post. Simms opened his Hearts account with a well taken finish, for 2-0 Hearts on 58 minutes.
Hearts should have made it 3 following another good break as Boyce played a ball into the far post but Woodburn’s shot was blocked close to the line.
Another 3 points for the Jam Tarts, and a 10 point gap now opened up between us and Motherwell in fourth. To be fair to Motherwell they didn’t stop pressing and trying to find a way back into the game.
So onto my ratings…
Ticket Price – Season Ticket
Programme Price – £4 (Double edition)
Programme Rating – 8/10
Refreshments – 8/10
Stadium Facilities – 7/10
Getting To Stadium – 8/10
Stadium Rating – 9/10
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Motherwell.
Daz Carding
Football Days With A Salopian Jambo 