HEARTS’ Europa League ambitions suffered another set-back as they were held to a drab 0-0 draw by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Ian Cathro’s team were hoping to apply some pressure on St Johnstone as they prepare for the Ladbrokes Premiership’s final stretch.
But their toothless display in Ayrshire means the Perth men could open up a seven-point lead in the race for fourth place if they beat Aberdeen on Saturday.
Jambos chairwoman Ann Budge issued a statement in midweek which branded press coverage of Cathro’s four-and-a-half moth reign “ludicrous’ – but even she would have been hard pressed to defend this display.
Killie battled well for their point but boss Lee McCulloch will feel they probably should have walked away with the win. The result is Killie’s fourth stalemate in five games but could yet prove handy as they look to kill off lingering relegation fears as they move 10 points clear of basement boys Caley.
Hearts controlled the opening stages but lacked the tempo needed to breakdown McCulloch’s well-organised Killie defence.
And with the visitors growing ever more frustrated, Kilmarnock’s confidence surged. The hosts were happy to go direct and a clever first time pass from Luke Hendrie released Sean Longstaff into space, but the on-loan Newcastle youngster’s 25-yard effort flew over.
Dean Hawkshaw’s back-heel created Killie’s first chance after the break as Callum Roberts went close with a near-post drive. Kris Boyd then got his head to Luke Hendrie’s cross but saw his attempt roll wide.
Hearts were finding it harder and harder to get a grip on the game and their irritation almost boiled over when Kystian Nowak slid in late on Iain Wilson, but ref Euan Anderson showed mercy with only a yellow.
The home support were also beginning to grow crabby as their side failed to make more of their opportunities, especially when Boyd lashed over from 12 yards out.
Hearts finally got themselves on the front foot five minutes from time but saw Goncalves’ strike deflected wide before the Portuguese striker someone kicked at fresh air after Smith hooked the ball into the danger zone.
Boyd had two goes in stoppage time to snatch victory but first blasted a free-kick off-target before his diving header flew wide.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here