Heart of Midlothian FC

[DavidMc]

Celtic 3-0 Heart of Midlothian
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 16th February 08
Celtic Park, Glasgow

Celtic narrowed the gap on Rangers at the top of the SPL table with a fine win over Hearts at Celtic Park.
Jan Venegoor of Hesselink opened the scoring with a 14th minute toe-poke after good work by Aiden McGeady.

Scott McDonald doubled Celtic's lead and added to his ever-mounting goal tally shortly after the break with a simple header at the back post.

Andreas Hinkel picked up the third with a narrow-angled, close-range shot to give Celtic all three points.

The home side threatened immediately in the opening minutes when Scott Brown fired in a searching ball for Vennegoor of Hesselink to head in from close range, but the quick-witted Steve Banks soon cleared the danger.

Moments later, Shunsuke Nakamura lined up a free-kick when Eggert Jonsson fouled McDonald on the edge of the penalty area.

The Japanese dead-ball specialist delivered a powerful shot that scudded Banks' left-hand post, but McDonald was unable to capitalise on the subsequent rebound.

With 10 minutes played, Nakamura was again at the heart of the action when Venegoor of Hesselink fed a reverse pass on the edge of the penalty area, and the 29-year-old midfielder struck for goal, but once again Banks saved.


Aiden McGeady was instrumental in Celtic's victory over Hearts

Celtic's hard work finally reaped a reward in the 14th minute following a Nakamura corner that bobbled around in the penalty area.

Aiden McGeady picked up the loose ball and weaved his way past the Hearts defence on the left-hand side of the box and flicked in a neat cross for the Dutchman to stab home his 12th goal of the season.

Despite the early deficit, Hearts' build-up play looked promising, but ultimately failed to present a significant threat to Artur Boruc's goal in the opening stages.

Andrew Driver broke free out on the left in the 18th minute, and Boruc abandoned his penalty area in an attempt to clear the danger, but the English midfielder had already over-reached and the ball drifted wide for goal kick.

Stephen McManus was called in to defensive action when Andrius Velicka looked set to connect with a drifting cross from Andrius Ksanavicius, but the 26-year-old Celtic captain headed a goal-bound effort over the bar to safety.

Shortly after the half-hour mark, Driver missed another golden opportunity to level the scores, but his shot was parried by Boruc and Velicka hit the side-netting on the rebound.

As the half-time whistle approached, Celtic remained the dominant, but Hearts held out well to keep the score respectable at the break.

Shortly after the break, Celtic's new full-back Andreas Hinkel blasted in a powerful drive from the right-hand edge of the penalty area, but the direct effort went straight into the waiting arms of Banks.

At the other end, Driver picked up a long ball and outpaced the Celtic defence to line up a one-on-one with Boruc, but his final ball was feeble and Boruc saved easily.

With five minutes played of the second-half, McDonald notched up his 18th league goal of the season with a free header after Nakamura flighted in a corner from the left and the former Motherwell man was left unmarked to nod past Banks.

Hearts made an attempt to reply at the other end with a powerful right-footed shot from Velicka on the edge of the box after Boruc had surrendered possession.

Jonsson could have reduced Hearts' deficit in the 58th minute with a low drive, but couldn't significantly threaten Boruc.

With 60 minutes played, Celtic continued to force Hearts back and the visitors never looked likely to establish a foothold on the game.

Celtic confirmed their lead through Hinkel with 14 minutes remaining after the German international latched on to a loose ball on the left-hand side of the Hearts' penalty.

The 25-year-old full-back picked up a McGeady pass and sized up the narrow angle before blasting the ball high into the back of the net and effectively ending any hopes of a Hearts revival.

Bold efforts from McGeady and George Samaras in the dying minutes could have provided the home fans with a thrilling finale, but both were denied the final say.

Celtic now sit one point behind their city rivals Rangers in the SPL table, with the Ibrox side playing against Kilmarnock on Sunday.



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Celtic: Boruc, Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor, Nakamura, Donati (Robson 77), Scott Brown, McGeady, McDonald (Hutchinson 87), Vennegoor of Hesselink (Samaras 73). Subs Not Used: Mark Brown, O'Dea, Sno, Hartley.

Goals: Vennegoor of Hesselink 14, McDonald 51, Hinkel 76.

Hearts: Banks, Neilson, Berra, Goncalves, Karipidis, Cesnauskis (Mikoliunas 68), Palazuelos, Jonsson, Driver, Velicka, Ksanavicius (Nade 72). Subs Not Used: Basso, Wallace, Zaliukas, McCann, Elliot.

Att: 56,738

[LAF]

Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan's joy at signing a new contract quickly turned to despair as his own goal handed Hearts victory at Fir Park.
Hearts dealt better with a strong wind as Motherwell suffered a blow to their hopes of Uefa Cup qualification.

But Well were enraged that Eggert Jonsson's 11th-minute drive, deflected in by Craigan, took place as David Clarkson was down with a head knock.

Craigan was denied an equaliser by a fine save from goalkeeper Steve Banks.


Interview: Motherwell manager Mark McGhee
Media conference: Hearts caretaker manager Stevie Frail

Motherwell had gone into the game four points clear of fourth-top Dundee United.

Stephen Hughes returned to the midfield - replacing Darren Smith - after being ruled out of the midweek victory over Inverness with a knee injury.

Hearts were missing top scorer Andrius Velicka, who is expected to sign for Norwegian side Viking FK next week, with a pelvic injury.

MY SPORT: DEBATE
Give your reaction to the result at Fir Park

Andrew Driver failed to recover from a groin injury, while fellow midfielder Audrius Ksanavicius dropped to the bench.

And Christian Nade, Calum Elliot and Lee Wallace came into a starting line-up that immediately threatened the home goal.

But goalkeeper Graeme Smith beat away Nade's shot from 12 yards after Deividas Cesnauskis' driven corner was missed by Motherwell midfielder Marc Fitzpatrick.

Wallace flashed an effort wildly over the crossbar from the edge of the box after being set up by Cesnauskis.

However, the visitors soon took the lead in controversial circumstances.

Motherwell striker David Clarkson lay in the Hearts penalty area with a head knock following a clash with Tynecastle defender Jose Goncalves.


Hearts were the better side for much of the match

But referee Craig Thomson refused to stop play as Hearts sprung a counter-attack.

The move finished with midfielder Jonsson's wayward drive from 25 yards being deflected past Smith by Fir Park skipper Craigan.

A groggy Clarkson had to be replaced with Simon Lappin on the half-hour mark.

And Hearts looked the more steady side despite playing against the breeze.

The Motherwell fans showed their frustration by chastising referee Thomson over every decision as their side failed to threaten Hearts' goal.

And home manager Mark McGhee directed his own strong words at the official during the half-time break.

Hearts continued to threaten and Craigan was fortunate that another deflection did not lead to a second own goal.

Craigan's nightmare continued as he was shown a yellow card for a foul on Wallace.

Motherwell threatened from their first corner of the match, but Marc Fitzpatrick headed wide from Ross McCormack's dangerous cross.

And Craigan was denied by Banks after meeting a McCormack free-kick with a flashing header.

The goalkeeper parried the resulting corner straight at the feet of two Motherwell players but recovered to save and win a free-kick in the resulting goalmouth melee.

Craigan was replaced with Danny Murphy with six minutes remaining as the home side pressed for an equaliser, but Banks was on hand again to deny Lappin.



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Motherwell: Graeme Smith, Quinn, Craigan (Jamie Murphy 84), Reynolds, Hammell, Hughes (Darren Smith 55), Lasley, Fitzpatrick, Clarkson (Lappin 30), Porter, McCormack.
Subs Not Used: Daniels, Brian McLean, Danny Murphy, Archdeacon.

Booked: McCormack, Craigan.

Hearts: Banks, Neilson, Berra, Goncalves, Wallace, Cesnauskis (Mikoliunas 73), Jonsson, Palazuelos, Karipidis, Nade (Beniusis 83), Elliot (Zaliukas 89).
Subs Not Used: Basso, Thomson, Ivaskevicius, Ksanavicius.

Booked: Elliot, Jonsson, Mikoliunas.

Goal: Craigan 12 og.

Att: 5,925

Ref: C Thomson

BBC SPORT | Football | Scottish Premier | Motherwell 0-1 Hearts

[DavidMc]

St Mirren 1-1 Hearts
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 15th March 08
Love Street, Paisley

Saulius Mikoliunas salvaged a point for Hearts with a late strike in a dour encounter in blustery conditions.
Saints keeper Chris Smith denied Hearts early on with superb stops to deny Andrew Driver and Christos Karipidis.

Jim Hamilton broke the stalemate against his former club after 58 minutes with a left-foot volley from Craig Dargo's clever lay-off.

Andy Dorman then hit the post but Mikoliunas' solo effort four minutes from time denied Saints a deserved win.

Hearts were without injured trio Christian Nade, Laryea Kingston and Ibrahim Tall and Jamie Mole was brought in for his first SPL start.

St Mirren had no fresh injuries with in-form Andy Dorman retaining his place.

The hosts opened brightly, taking the game to the visitors with some neat inter-linking play between Franco Miranda and Dargo.

But they were unable to threaten Steve Banks in the Hearts goal.

Ruben Palazuelos tried his luck for Hearts in the sixth minute, but his driven effort from 30 yards flew harmlessly past Smith's right-hand post.

After 12 minutes, Ian Maxwell connected with a low corner and from six yards out hit a shot goalwards - but Christophe Berra blocked.

The home team claimed a hand was used, but referee Willie Cullom turned down the half-hearted penalty appeal.

In the 27th minute veteran defender Andy Millen replaced injured John Potter.

The unfortunate Saints player was stretchered off after receiving an accidental foot in the face from Mikoliunas.

Two brave point-blank saves from Smith kept the scores even after 35 minutes.

The home keeper first denied Andrew Driver and then from the resulting corner a Karipidis header.

A rasping shot from Dorman had the home support on their feet, but his long-range effort never troubled Banks as it screamed over the bar.

Straight after the restart, Hearts made their intentions clear when Callum Elliott came within inches of putting the visitors ahead.

His powerful half-volley was struck convincingly, but Smith in the St Mirren goal was alert and managed to get a fingertip to the ball.

Hearts again threatened with a pinpoint pass by Palazuelous towards the onrushing Elliott, but his shot from 16 yards was weak and wide of the target.

In the 59th minute, Hamilton blasted St Mirren into the lead with a ferocious strike from seven yards after a clever Dargo knock-down.

St Mirren nearly doubled their lead 10 minutes later but Dorman's shot cannoned off the post with Banks beaten.

Hearts rescued a point with only four minutes remaining when Mikoliunas hit an unstoppable shot from 18 yards.

Then Dorman squandered two great chances to pinch victory for St Mirren.



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St Mirren: Smith, Barron, van Zanten, Potter (Millen 29), Maxwell, Mason, Dorman, McGinn (Murray 77), Miranda, Hamilton, Dargo (Mehmet 83). Subs Not Used: Howard, Kean, Corcoran, Docherty.

Booked: McGinn, Miranda, Smith.

Goals: Hamilton 58.

Hearts: Banks, Neilson, Berra, Palazuelos, Wallace, Mikoliunas, Jonsson (Stewart 58), Karipidis, Driver (Cesnauskis 39), Elliot, Mole (Beniusis 67). Subs Not Used: Basso, Zaliukas, Ksanavicius, Thomson.

Goals: Mikoliunas 86.

Att: 4,557

[DavidMc]

Heart of Midlothian v Falkirk
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 22nd March 08
Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh

Hearts will be without winger Andrew Driver and striker Christian Nade, while Christos Karipidis is doubtful.

However, the home team will welcome back influential midfielder Laryea Kingston from a foot injury as they aim to secure a top six finish.

Falkirk are without Tim Krull, Michael Higdon, Brian Allison and Dean Holden.

Ross Jack is fit again, while Arnua Riera, Russell Latapy and Billy Clarke are all pressing for starts after impressing as substitutes last weekend.

[DavidMc]

Hearts 0-0 Falkirk

Hearts came up short after drawing a game with Falkirk that caretaker manager Stevie Frail described as a must-win for the Edinburgh outfit.

Darren Barr was superb in the Bairns defence as they subdued the home side to remain three points clear in sixth place in the Scottish Premier League.

Scott Arfield and Tam Scobbie went close for Falkirk on the break.

And Kenny Milne missed a good opportunity to to clinch victory over a disappointing Hearts side.

Laryea Kingston had returned to the Hearts side after four months out through injury.

He was one of four changes to the starting line-up, Marius Zaliukas, Deividas Cesnauskis and Michael Stewart also coming as Eggert Jonsson, Jamie Mole and injured pair Christos Karipidis and Andrew Driver dropped out.

Fit-again Jack Ross replaced Pedro Moutinho in Falkirk's first 11.

Falkirk had easily contained Hearts until Milne's slack pass forced Barr into an excellent sliding block to prevent Calum Elliot's drive reaching the target.

Lee Wallace hauled Graham Barrett to the ground, but the Hearts defender was fortunate that the offside flag had already been raised following Arfield's threaded pass.

Falkirk's Robert Olejnik rushed out to block Saulius Mikoliunas, with Hearts fans claiming that the goalkeeper had handled outside the area and ought to have been sent off.

Hearts suffered a blow when Cesnauskis had to go off injured in the 15th minute, being replaced with fellow Lithuanian Audrius Ksanivicius.

And Falkirk grew in confidence, Arfield firing just over from 20 yards, while Barrett shot straight at goalkeeper Steve Banks.

Scobbie headed over after a floating cross by Ross, while Gerard Aefjes headed over from a decent position.

But Hearts ended the half on top, Barr producing another crucial block from a Ksanavicius volley.

Milne fired just over from just outside the box as Falkirk passed up their best opportunity of the match so far.

Scobbie mis-kicked another half-chance inside the box, but the Falkirk camp were still smiling when the final whistle blew.



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Hearts: Banks, Neilson, Berra, Zaliukas, Wallace, Mikoliunas, Stewart, Palazuelos, Cesnauskis (Ksanavicius 15), Kingston (Screpis 90), Elliot (Mole 68).
Subs Not Used: Basso, Tall, Thomson, Jonsson.

Booked: Zaliukas.

Falkirk: Olejnik, Ross, Barr, Milne, Scobbie, McBride (Riera 81), Aafjes, Cregg, Arfield, Finnigan (Moutinho 72), Barrett.
Subs Not Used: Supple, Clarke, Latapy, Mitchell, Moffat.

Booked: Aafjes, Scobbie.

Att: 16,682

[DavidMc]

Kilmarnock v Heart of Midlothian
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 5th April 08
Rugby Park, Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock midfielder Rhian Dodds, who has not featured since December, remains out due to a hernia problem.

Martyn Corrigan could return after an ankle problem, while there may be room on the bench for Paul Dalglish who has been out with a groin injury.

Hearts goalkeeper Steve Banks is "touch and go" because of illness, with Anthony Basso again on stand-by.

Defender Marius Zaliukas is also a doubt because of an infection while Andrew Driver is definitely out.



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Kilmarnock: (from) Combe, Gibson, Lilley, F Wright, Hay, Fowler, Hamill, Bryson, Flannigan, Taouil, Invincibile, Di Giacomo, Fernandez, Johnston, Locke, Wales, Rascle, O'Leary, Clancy, Corrigan, Dalglish.

Hearts: (from) Banks, Neilson, Goncalves, Berra, Stewart, Jonsson, Kingston, Palazuelos, Nade, Mikoliunas, Tall, Ksanavicius, Ivaskevicius, Elliot, Wallace, Basso, McGowan, Glen.

[Lemmy]

HEARTS midfielder Bruno Aguiar was due to return from injury today in a reserve outing against Dundee United following a year-long absence with a persistent ankle problem.
The 27-year-old has completed his rehabilitation programme under the watchful eyes of club medical staff. Stephen Frail, Hearts' interim manager, revealed that Aguiar is now free to augment his fitness at reserve level, starting this afternoon at Forthbank Stadium, before a possible first-team return before the end of the season.

A training-ground tackle from former team-mate Julien Brellier last year left the Portuguese midfielder requiring two operations on the damaged ankle. He also underwent a third procedure to remove a tumour from his foot, further delaying his recovery.

His last appearance in a Hearts shirt was exactly a year ago today in a 2-1 defeat by Rangers at Ibrox, and Frail is heartened to see such an integral player finally ready to return. "Bruno's in line to play some part of the reserve match," he told the Evening News. "He'll probably come on and get involved later on when the game is stretched and I'm delighted he's now at this stage of being ready to play games.

Bruno set for Hearts return after reserve clash - Scotsman.com Sport

[DavidMc]

Heart of Midlothian v Inverness CT
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 26th April 08
Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh

Inverness Caledonian Thistle welcome Russell Duncan back from suspension for the trip to Edinburgh.

The Highlanders have doubts over the fitness of Grant Munro and Barry Wilson and Phil McGuire is out for the rest of the season.

Hearts have called up 16-year-old striker Scott Robinson with Christian Nade suffering from concussion.

Robbie Neilson is suspended but Calum Elliot could return to the fold having recovered from a heel problem.



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Hearts (from): Banks, Thomson, Zaliukas, Berra, Wallace, Stewart, Kingston, Palazuelos, Glen, Mole, Basso, Tall, Jonsson, Elliot, Mikoliunas, Screpis, Robinson, Ivaskevicius.

Inverness CT (from): Fraser, Tokely, Hastings, Munro, Proctor, Watt, McBain, Cowie, Hart, Duncan, Black, Imrie, Paatelainen, Bayne, Niculae, Wyness, Gillespie, McAllister, Vigurs, Kerr, Wilson, Malkowski.

[DavidMc]

Falkirk v Heart of Midlothian
Scottish Premier League
Monday 5th May 08
Brockeville Stadium

Falkirk head coach John Hughes must decide whether to field Jack Ross after the defender signed a pre-contract agreement with St Mirren.

The Bairns will definitely be without Arnau Riera after the midfielder failed in an appeal against a red card - and injured defender Dean Holden.

Hearts winger Andrew Driver has recovered from a thigh tear and striker Christian Nade is over a head injury.

Defender Robbie Neilson continues to struggle with a pelvic complaint.



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Falkirk (from): Supple, Ross, Scobbie, Milne, Barr, Cregg, Arfield, Finnigan, Latapy, Barrett, Higdon, Moutinho, Aafjes, Stewart, Bradley, McBride, Olejnik, Clarke.

Hearts (from): Banks, Thomson, Goncalves, Karipidis, Berra, Jonsson, Cesnauskis, Palazuelos, Mikoliunas, Glen, Elliot, Ridgers, Kingston, Zaliukas, Screpis, Ivaskevicius, Nade, Driver.

[DavidMc]

Heart of Midlothian 0-2 Kilmarnock
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 10th May 08
Tynecastle Stadium

Kilmarnock sealed their first win since March thanks to two second-half goals at Tynecastle.

Hearts' Fernando Screpis missed the best opportunity of the first half when his shot was saved by Alan Combe.

Kilmarnock opened the scoring in the 74th minute when Grant Murray rose to head a David Fernandez corner into the net for his first goal for the club.

Substitute Paul Di Giacomo made sure of the win seven minutes from time when he fired home from a Paul Dalglish cross.

Hearts were looking to bounce back from Monday's 2-1 defeat at Falkirk while Kilmarnock approached the game having taken only three points from their previous five games.

Kilmarnock were first to threaten when David Lilley's left-foot shot drifted wide of Steve Banks' goal.


At the other end, Laryea Kingston tried to break the deadlock with a dipping shot that just missed the far post.

The visitors were looking to the pace of Dalglish on the wing to unlock the Hearts defence.

But, despite several crosses from the former Hibernian player, Kilmarnock failed to produce a meaningful effort on goal.

As half-time approached, Fernando Screpis missed an excellent chance to score his first goal for Hearts.

The Argentine, making his full debut for the Tynecastle side, was played in on goal by Eggert Jonsson, but his tame effort was comfortably saved by Kilmarnock keeper Combe.

David Fernandez was set up by Dalglish early in the second half, but his miss-hit shot landed at the feet of Mehdi Taouil, who fired off target.

Screpis then dispossessed Jamie Hamill and found Kingston, whose fierce effort from 25 yards drifted just over the bar.


Screpis continued to be heavily involved in the action and missed another chance when he sent his snap shot over.

Combe was then called on to prevent an own goal when Murray's misdirected header crept towards goal.

The breakthrough came 16 minutes from the end when Fernandez sent an inswinging corner onto the head of former Hearts defender Murray, who nodded home.

Fernandez was booked for his celebration following the goal, but it mattered little as Di Giacomo clinched victory late on.

The midfielder, who had replaced Allan Johnston, got on the end of Dalglish's cross and finished well past Hearts keeper Banks.

The victory was Kilmarnock's first away from home in the SPL since September.



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Hearts: Banks, Thomson, Karipidis, Zaliukas, Wallace, Screpis, Stewart (Mole 64), Jonsson (Ivaskevicius 57), Cesnauskis, Kingston, Glen.
Subs Not Used: Ridgers, Palazuelos, Goncalves, Rapnik, McGowan.

Kilmarnock: Combe, Murray, Lilley, Ford, Hay, Johnston (Di Giacomo 71), Fowler, Hamill, Taouil (Locke 87), Dalglish, Fernandez (Cox 87).
Subs Not Used: Rascle, Flannigan, McInnes, Anson.

Booked: Fernandez.

Goals: Murray 74, Di Giacomo 83.

[DavidMc]

Goncalves on loan to Nuremberg

Hearts defender Jose Goncalves has agreed a season-long loan move to German club Nuremberg.

The 22-year-old Portuguese arrived at Tynecastle in January 2006 on a loan deal from Kaunas immediately after his switch from Swiss side FC Thun.

Goncalves, who cost the Lithuanian club £700,000, made 47 appearances during an injury-hit period at Tynecastle.

Nuremberg are aiming to bounce straight back into the Bundesliga following their relegation last season.

[Lemmy]

Hearts have announced an extraordinary general meeting on July 31 to allow shareholders to vote on a plan to reduce the club's debt by £12 million.

The "debt for equity" scheme would mean UBIG, the club's main creditor, would buy the debt in the form of shares.

"The directors believe that the current proposal demonstrates the strength of UBIG's continued financial commitment to Hearts," said the club.

The move would save Hearts around £600,000 a year in interest.

The club also believes that the financial restructuring will help in its aim to redevelop its Tynecastle stadium and speed up the point at which the club returns to profitability.

"UBIG and its, chairman Vladimir Romanov, have a considerable long-term interest in Hearts, said a statement on the club's website.

"Hearts will continue to deliver what is required for success."

The board of directors also stated that the club should be in a position to appoint a new manager "shortly".

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Hearts | Hearts plan to cut debt by £12m