JEFFERIES: WE SHOULD HAVE WON

With Killie leading through Peter Leven's first league goal, Gary McDonald and then Allan Johnston missed opportunities to double that advantage within a few seconds of each other.

Hearts lost little time in making them pay with Dennis Wyness netting his first of the season to earn his side a point.

Jefferies said: "If we had gone 2-0 up we would have won the game and I don't think Hearts could have had any complaints.

"We took a wee bit of time to get into our stride but once we took the lead we went up a level.

"In the second half, Hearts were a little bit more direct but we had chances to make it 2-0, there is no doubt about that.

"Gary McDonald has missed from six yards from a free-kick that came in, Allan Johnston had a good chance and so did Danny Invincibile at 1-1.

"We had the better chances and the most saves were definitely made by Craig Gordon. Our defence was outstanding."

Wyness' finish had been an assured one, latching on to a ball to the back post from substitute Ramon Pereira.

Jefferies conceded: "Hearts scored a really good goal. I thought it was too quick for Wyness but it was a terrific finish.

"Hearts then put us under pressure, from corners and free-kicks mostly, but at 1-1 we had another great chance when Invincibile was right through with only the goalie to beat."

Killie had been forced to regroup early on when defender Freddie Dindeleux limped off with a groin injury.

Jefferies said: "No disrespect to Freddie because he has been playing well at left back but the change seemed to help us."

Hearts head coach John Robertson praised striker Wyness and predicted his goal would be the first of many.

The forward has not been a prolific scorer since leaving Inverness two seasons ago, but Robertson, who has just made that same journey to succeed Craig Levein, insisted: "We are passing the ball a lot more to feet now and Dennis is pivotal to that because he is a terrific football player.

"I have said before that he can score goals. He took his goal terrifically well and was unlucky with a header later on.

"We have no doubts at all. If you ask any player at Hearts, they will tell you Wyness is a quality player.

"He looks like he has found his goalscoring touch again and we will look forward to Dennis scoring even more."

But the Jambos' boss was pleased with the quality of the game at Rugby Park.

Robertson added: "I thought it was a terrific game. I thought we controlled the first half passing-wise, but never had enough threat behind it.

"Killie took their goal well and had a couple of good chances before half-time.

"We started quite well again but Killie hit us on the break superbly.

"They were a big threat and had another couple of chances but then we got our goal.

"It was a good goal and I thought the last 20 minutes were fantastic.

"Both teams were desperately going for the win, which I don't think there is enough of at times.

"All in all, it was a decent point from a very decent game."

After the final whistle, Hearts were paired with Motherwell in the draw for the semi-finals of the CIS Insurance Cup.

Robertson said: "People talk about being glad to avoid Rangers, but Hibs showed what can be done last year by knocking out both of the Old Firm.

"I'm sure Terry Butcher will see it as the same as ourselves - a fantastic opportunity to reach a cup final.

"It gives us an opportunity - but only an opportunity."

Taken from sportinglife.com