April 27 2024 Matchzone: Hearts (H)
Kilmarnock picked up another point to make it six unbeaten in the cinch Premiership.
A 0-0 draw with Hearts left both teams frustrated, but it could prove to be a vital point in the Ayrshire side’s hunt for European football.
Stuart Findlay had a decent chance in the opening minutes as he met a corner with his head, but he couldn’t quite keep it down as he fired over the crossbar.
Lawrence Shankland tried his luck in the 12th minute as the ball fell nicely to him on the edge of the box, but he couldn’t quite steer his shot on target.
Matty Kennedy tried to pull off the spectacular in the 17th minute as he attempted to curl an effort into the top corner from 25 yards out, it didn’t quite dip as he’d hoped though.
Kenneth Vargas had a fantastic chance in the 25th minute as he was slipped in by Shankland, he thundered a powerful shot off the crossbar much to Will Dennis’ delight.
Jorge Grant looked sure to fire the visitors ahead from close range 10 minutes before half-time, but Dennis did well to deny him with a good save.
Cammy Devlin then had a great chance from the resulting corner as he picked up the ball about 16 yards out and curled a fine effort, but the crossbar again denied the Edinburgh side.
Derek McInnes opted to change shape at half-time as defender Robbie Deas made way for Brad Lyons, who made his first appearance at Rugby Park in 2024.
Grant had a decent chance in close again, but Dennis was again alert as he reacted quick to get down and deny any chance of a goal.
In the 76th minute Derek McInnes made a triple change to inject some freshness into the side as Liam Polworth, Danny Armstrong and Kyle Vassell made way for David Watson, Gary Mackay-Steven and Kevin Van Veen.
Marley Watkins had strong appeals for a penalty in the closing minutes after a trip, but referee Ross Hardie was having none of it.
Score: Kilmarnock 0-0 Hearts
Team: Dennis, Mayo, Wright (Ndaba 82), Findlay, Deas (Lyons 45), Armstrong (Mackay-Steven 76), Donnelly, Polworth (Watson 76), Kennedy, Watkins, Vassell (Van Veen 76)
