Kisnorbo grand finale makes Hearts soar

ALAN PATTULLO AT MURRAYFIELD

Hearts 3
Webster (52), Hartley (62), Kisnorbo (90)

Braga 1
Paulo Sergio (65)

Referee: A Genov (Bul). Attendance: 18,769

GIVEN the pessimistic mood that has prevailed among much of the Hearts support, it was hardly surprising that Craig Levein’s team had been expected to struggle in last night’s first leg of their UEFA Cup tie against Braga. As has happened so often in recent years, however, the side rose to the occasion, and thanks to a rousing second-half display have a 3-1 advantage to take into the second leg in Portugal.

After a slow start to the first competitive football match to be held at Murrayfield, Braga were only stung into action after going two goals behind. They then did enough to show they are a quality side, and within a couple of minutes of Paul Hartley’s strike for Hearts’ second they had pulled a goal back.

That away counter looked ominous for the Scottish side, all the more so when Dennis Wyness failed by inches to find the net with time running out. A minute into injury time, however, Patrick Kisnorbo scored the goal which could make all the difference.

Levein, of course, was never going to presume the tie is over. He was, however, immensely proud of the effort his players had put in - especially given the background controversy over the projected sale of Tynecastle and move to Murrayfield.

"There were a lot of things against us going into this match," he said, "The players have character and resilience, but it was a difficult occasion. They handled it very well, and most importantly gave our supporters something to cheer about. The team kept going and the third goal might be vital, but there’s still a lot of work to do. We’ll save any celebrations - if there are going to be any - until after the second leg."

Hartley, a revelation since joining Hearts at the start of last season, was the most influential player on the field. His transformation may still be a surprise to many, but his manager has long grown accustomed to it.

"I’ve been thrilled by Paul," Levein added. "His attitude is exemplary and he has an abundance of skill. I’ve been harping on about Paul for a while, and other people are beginning to listen now."

Levein was almost as pleased by the display of the referee, who acted firmly to cut gamesmanship to a minimum. "I want to say that the referee had a particularly good match. He didn’t allow any of the antics of the players to disrupt the flow of the game."

Jesualdo Ferreira, Levein’s opposite number, had been extremely confident on the eve of the match, predicting that his team’s superior speed and technique would see them win through. Half an hour after the match he still looked shellshocked by what he had seen.

"I didn’t expect it - either this result or the way my team played," he admitted. "Hearts played more calmly and with greater self-belief than us.

"In the first half they were just too strong for us and we couldn’t get control of the game. In the second we played differently, but then they scored twice. We improved again, got a goal back, and were going for the equaliser when they got a third."

Hartley stressed that that third goal could be vital. "To lose a goal so soon after going 2-0 up was disappointing, so the third goal was really nice for us. To take a two-goal lead against a team that drew with Porto at the weekend is really pleasing. We know we can go over there and defend - and hopefully nick a goal." Hartley concluded by paying tribute to the fans, who had done so much to make this Murrayfield debut a success. "The atmosphere was tremendous," he said. "The fans made it."

Taken from the Scotsman