Heart of Midlothian v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
From Hearts Media at Tynecastle Stadium
Hearts were denied a seventh straight win by a stubborn Inverness side in this afternoon's 1-1 draw at Tynecastle.

Adam Rooney's opener was cancelled out by Kevin Kyle's penalty in a result that see's Terry Butcher's men remain unbeaten away from home for 2010, and Hearts six points clear in third.

It was normal service resumed in terms of team selection for Jim Jefferies. Ian Black and Eggert Jonsson recovered from the illness that forced them to sit out Tuesday's win at Motherwell, with Barr and Stevenson dropping to the bench for this one.

The first real effort in anger came after 12 minutes. Templeton's free kick was partially cleared to Ian Black on the edge of the area. The returning No.8 shifted the ball to his left foot, although his effort failed to find the target.

The visitors proceeded to take the lead just after quarter of an hour. Nick Ross' free kick was knocked down at the back post, and Adam Rooney managed to force the ball over the line from close range past Marian Kello.

Neat play between Ross and Rooney gave Inverness another opportunity after 23 minutes, although Ross' shot was straight at Kello.

Hearts were awarded a penalty a minute later. Kevin Kyle seemed to be impeded in the area in attempting a flick on. Whilst all around were claiming for the spot kick, Stephen Elliott was quickest to the ball, getting a toe on it before Esson took him out. If Brian Winter was unsure about the initial challenge on Kyle, he was in no doubt that Elliott was fouled.

Kyle stepped up to stroke home his second pen in five days, and in turn, his eighth Hearts goal of the season.

The big man showed great technique to bring down Black's free kick on 27 minutes, before volleying in to the side netting, several sections of the home support believing he'd given Hearts the lead.

Inverness were still proving to be a threat on the break, Rooney's 31st minute header looping in to the grateful arms of Marian Kello.

A sweeping Hearts move allowed Rudi Skacel his first involvement, his 18 yard volley deflected wide after Palazuelos' lofted delivery.

David Templeton's flair for the spectacular was evident after 33 minutes. The winger jinked inside before crashing a right foot shot off the outside of the post from distance, much to Ryan Esson's relief.

Sub Ryan Stevenson's persistence took him in to the Inverness box, before sending in a left foot shot on the angle that Esson did well to parry.

Hearts were enjoying a period of pressure in the lead up to the interval, although Inverness, keen to protect their impressive away record, were holding firm.

Stephen Elliot maybe should have nudged Hearts in front in first half injury time. Templeton's back heel found Skacel, whose first time ball picked out Elliot. The Irishman let the ball drop before shooting, although he could only fire high over the cross bar.

Templeton was allowed a clear sight of goal six minutes after the restart. Skacel's flick released him down the left flank and the young wide man accelerated in to the box, before opening his body and side-footing just wide of the far post.

Rooney had the ball in the net again in the 52nd minute, although the offside flag dampened the travelling support's celebrations.

Kyle again showed ability when pulling Jonsson's pass out the air, although he was eventually crowded out whilst preparing to pull the trigger.

Esson nearly gifted Hearts the lead after 63 minutes. Jonsson motored down the right before sending in a cross that Kyle met with his head. The Inverness keeper fumbled, but managed to grab the ball before it spun goal-wards.

Templeton was again trying his luck from distance with 15 minutes left. His right foot effort dipped and swerved all over the place, and unfortunately in the end, just wide.

Rudi Skacel, who had been unusually quiet, burst in to life in the 77th minute. The Czech drove in to the box before lashing a left foot effort inches wide of the far stick.

Skacel again found himself in space on the left hand side with eight minutes left. He drilled the ball across the face of goal, although no one in maroon was able to make contact.

Marius Zaliukas rose to meet Skacel's corner with two minutes left. His header was parried by Esson, and cleared behind before the ball could be slammed home.

The game swung from end to end in stoppage time with both side trying to nick a late winner, although in the end had to settle for a point in an entertaining encounter,

Hearts: Kello; Jonsson; Bouzid (Stevenson 19); Zaliukas; Palazuelos; Mrowiec; Black; Templeton; Elliott (Elliot 82); Kyle. Subs not used: MacDonald; Barr; C Thomson; Novikovas; Glen;

Inverness: Esson; Tokely; Duff; Cox; Duncan; Foran (Sutherland 77); Rooney; Hayes (Odhiambo 82); Munro; Ross (Innes 89); Shinnie. Subs not used: Tuffey; Golabek; McBain; Sanchez.

Referee: Brian Winter

Top man: Ruben Palazuelos

Hearts World