Hearts 3-1 Kilmarnock

Apr 5 2009

HEARTS boss Csaba Laszlo hailed two-goal hero Calum Elliot after the striker marked his return with a matchwinning contribution as the Jambos cemented third spot in the table.

Kilmarnock took the lead in the eighth minute through Danny Invincibile, but Elliot struck twice before the break to earn his manager's praise.

"I was very happy with Calum's performance, not only for the two goals," said Laszlo.

"He is a guy that does not talk much, he is quiet and does not want to be the centre of attention.

"His goals were not easy, especially the second. It was a fantastic goal and I appreciate it.

"I must also compliment the fans, especially the relationship between Elliot and the fans. We took a big step, it was very positive."

Bruno Aguiar extended the Jambos' lead five minutes after the restart with a close-range finish before then smashing a penalty against a post.

In blustery conditions, Hearts made a composed start as they casually passed the ball around the slippery Tynecastle pitch.

However, in Kilmarnock's first real attack in the eighth minute, Jim Jefferies' side took the lead through Invincibile.

Mehdi Taouil crossed and the Aussie marksman was afforded time to power a header beyond Janos Balogh from close range.

Shocked by going behind, Hearts were quick to reply and Michael Stewart's left-footed shot was deflected into keeper Alan Combe's path.

The Killie keeper was called upon in the 12th minute to expertly tip Andy Driver's looping volley over the bar, but Hearts then equalised in the 22nd minute through Elliot. Combe could only block Marius Zaliukas' close-range effort from Aguiar's free-kick and Elliot bundled the ball over the line.

Elliot then gave Hearts the lead in the 28th minute. He got in front of David Lilley to direct Lee Wallace's cross in at the near post.

Cushion

Elliot passed up a great chance five minutes before the interval to claim his hat trick, mis-hitting a shot from 18 yards.

Within five minutes of the restart, Hearts opened up a twogoal cushion through Aguiar.

The ball broke to the Portuguese ace after Elliot slid in on Driver's cross and he made no mistake right in front of Combe. It was then one-way traffic as Ruben Palazuelos headed over from six yards from Wallace's cross. Hearts were then awarded a penalty on the hour mark after Killie sub Ryan O'Leary felled Elliot in the area.

Aguiar ignored calls from the home fans for Elliot to be given the ball before seeing his shot come back off an upright.

Elliot was still chasing his hattrick and was presented with another chance in the 79th minute, but Combe got down well to his low, curling effort.

Kilmarnock missed a great chance to drag themselves back into the match when O'Leary headed wide right in front of goal just seconds later.

The visitors remain just three points above bottom side Falkirk and Jefferies insists they are all aware they are stuck in a relegation dogfight ahead of next week's clash with the Bairns.

He said: "We were in a precarious position beforehand. We have been for about three weeks and so have five other clubs.

"We got off to a terrific start against Hearts, it was a terrific ball and a great header, but we gave them too much room. We never put them under pressure."

Taken from the Sunday Mail