IBV 0 Hearts 2

By Ian Rodgers, PA Sport, Reykjavik

Scott Severin and Darren Jackson scored a goal each to put Hearts within touching distance of the UEFA Cup first round proper.

The Edinburgh club struggled to come to terms with Icelandic hosts IBV in the first period despite the part-timers playing away from their home stadium.

But after a half time 'pep' talk by manager Jim Jefferies, a rejuvenated Hearts hit back with style in the second period.

Severin struck his first goal in Europe just four minutes into the second half, and then with confidence rising in the team, Jackson struck halfway through the period.

But the visitors had not always looked quite so comfortable. The Icelandic front men - Baldur Bragason and Steingrimur Johanesson - were proving particularly troublesome against the Jambos' backline with some encouraging play for the 'home' support, who had travelled 250 miles south from their own ground because of safety requirements.

And Johanesson was unlucky to arrive too quickly to meet Ingi Sigurdsson's low cross. But Steve Fulton was not prepared to let the home side have the game all their way and cleverly out-thought Bjarni Vidarsson after 16 minutes before delivering a cross to Colin Cameron at the far post.

Cameron inadvertently put the ball into the path of Robert Tomaschek, who flashed his shot just wide. Thomas Flogel took a chance with a back header three minutes later which Antti Niemi did well to claim ahead of the incoming Sigurdsson.

McSwegan appeared to be celebrating his first start of the season with the opening goal after 21 minutes when he drove Cameron's knock down goalwards.

But IBV midfielder Hlynur Stefansson thrust his leg out to clear from under his own crossbar.

However McSwegan was guilty of wasting a better chance moments later when he headed Fulton's perfect cross weakly at IBV keeper Birkir Kristinsson.

Confusion between McSwegan and Darren Jackson meant Gary Naysmith's ball into the area was also wasted later.

But the visitors missed their own glaring opportunity seven minutes from the break when Bragason could only guide Stefansson's cross wide of Niemi's goal, despite enjoying a clear acre of space on the corner of the six-yard box.

Despite the disappointing first period, Hearts manager Jim Jefferies kept faith with his starting eleven, although he did move Jackson further forward.

Jefferies did not have to wait long for his team to respond to his half-time team talk. Fulton floated over a free-kick in the 49th minute and Scott Severin rose highest to head the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Cameron almost grabbed a second when he connected with Jackson's low cross but could only turn the ball past the post.

Hearts were now motoring and Jackson was combining well with Fulton and Cameron. And Fulton was unfortunate to see his low cross sliced over by Pall Almarsson for a corner.

Naysmith and Fulton combined on the left before the ball arrived at Cameron's feet - the Jambos' captain miskicked completely but Jackson rifled home the second.

But the Icelanders reminded Hearts that there was still some life in the game when Johanesson pushed the ball past Niemi from Johann Moller's pass. However match official Mr Moulin blew for a foul against the home team.

It might not have been the greatest Hearts performance but Jefferies and his team can consider it a job well done.


Taken from sportinglife.com