Hearts strike hammer blow before cup replay

ALEX O’HENLEY AT TYNECASTLE

HEARTS 3-0 KILMARNOCK

HEARTS officially ushered in the Vladimir Romanov era with a comfortable win that gives John Robertson’s side a psychological advantage as they prepare for the final part of this trilogy at Rugby Park on Wednesday.

After the drama of last week’s Scottish Cup tie when Kilmarnock equalised in the final minute, this result was never in doubt and with city rivals Hibs losing 3-0 at Ibrox, Hearts are now just two points behind Tony Mowbray’s side in the race for third place and a place in next season’s UEFA Cup.

Romanov and interim chief executive Sergejus Fedotovas were formally introduced just before kick-off to warm applause from the home fans. The Lithuanian businessman jetted into Edinburgh with another loan signing from FBK Kaunas on Friday night and Robertson now has the talents of Deividas Cesnauskis, Lithuania’s player of the year, at his disposal until the end of the season.

If he has the same effect as his fellow countryman Saulius Mikoliunas, the Gorgie Road faithful will be more than happy. The Lithuanian international has become a firm favourite at Tynecastle already and his reputation was further enhanced after 14 minutes when he scored his first goal for the club.

Stephen Simmons took a quick free-kick some 25 yards out and Mikoliunas, showing the same level of alertness, darted between two defenders before rounding Alan Combe and slotting the ball into the unguarded net.

"Miko was fantastic for us today," said Robertson. "He’s the kind of player that gets fans on the edge of their seats and he seems to be improving with every game."

The same player was involved in the second goal ten minutes later which turned out to be a personal disaster for young defender James Fowler.

Mikoliunas picked out Robbie Nielson who had made an overlapping run down the right and before his cross could reach its intended recipient, Dennis Wyness, Fowler intervened to clumsily club the ball past his own goalkeeper.

Fowler had been one of four changes made by Killie manager Jim Jefferies as he sought to freshen up his side ahead of next week’s cup replay, but he was forced to introduce Freddie Dindeleux just before the half-hour mark after Fulham’s on-loan defender Liam Fontaine had to go off with a face knock. Still the one-way traffic continued towards Combe and Hearts should really have added to their lead before half-time.

The second half started as the first had finished with Hearts pushing forward looking for a decisive third and within minutes of the re-start Wyness should have put the result beyond doubt. Once again Mikoliunas was the orchestrator, twisting past Peter Leven before curling in a shot which Combe did well to parry, but only as far as Wyness who delayed his header allowing the keeper to scramble across his line and turn the ball away for a corner. Hearts would not be denied, though, and they duly added a superb third on 67 minutes when Miller crashed a thunderous 20-yard shot off the underside of the crossbar.

Hearts: Gordon; Nielson, Pressley, Berra, Wallace; Mikoliunas, Hartley, Simmons (Kizys 74), McAllister; Wyness (Burchill 69), Miller (Thorarinsson 81). Subs not used: Moilanen; MacFarlane, Hamill, Sives.

Kilmarnock: Combe; Fowler (Wales 57), Fontaine (Dindeleux 28), Lilley,

Leven; Johnston, McDonald, Locke, Murray (Hay 54); Boyd, Naismith. Subs not used: Bell; Invincible, Ford, Dodds.

Referee: J Underhill

Taken from the Scotsman