"Two points dropped"
03.01.2013

Hearts boss John McGlynn bemoaned his side's ability to take their chances as the Jambos "dropped two points" at home to Hibs.

The manager couldn't believe his team never emerged with the victory despite bombarding the Hibees' goal in the 2nd half, with Ryan Stevenson, Jason Holt and John Sutton all somehow defying logic to not score thanks to a combination of bad luck and last-ditch desperate defending from the away side.
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Speaking after the match, a disbelieving John told the press he felt his side would be much higher up the table if they'd taken their chances.

"That's another game where we merited the win. It's a case of us dropping two points again. We should be sitting up there with Celtic based on the games we should have won."

With Ryan McGowan in China for signing talks and a medical with a Super League club, and Andrew Webster feeling under the weather, an unfamiliar back four lined up at Tynecastle with only Marius Zaliukas a first-choice stopper in the defence.

Despite this setback, the defence were solid, with youngsters Dylan McGowan and Kevin McHattie impressing as Hearts kept SPL top scorer Leigh Griffiths at bay.

"The defence held together well, Griffiths was quiet and we restricted their chances" he said. "Dylan and Kevin both did very well."

"Andy Webster has the flu. Ryan's away to China for a medical, and I'm delighted for the back four. Dylan will be delighted with his game".

Finally, Hearts go into the winter break at an inopportune time, according to the gaffer. With Saturday's game in Dingwall being washed out, and another game not scheduled for 16 days, John wished his side could press on from tonight's match and keep plugging away.

"We didn't play against Ross County, so we've played a game fewer. It is what it is. It was 11 degrees tonight, perfect playing conditions, so I'm not sure who the break is for really. Maybe it's for the supporters!"

Hearts World