Hearts (H) U19s | Match report

Kilmarnock FC 2-4 Heart of Midlothian FC | Under-19s

By Sarah Harrison

Kilmarnock fell just short in a fast-paced, eventful match, despite creating chances throughout in a six goal thriller on Monday, March 23. 

Killie began brightly, immediately putting Hearts under pressure with aggressive pressing and a series of early corners. Deliveries into the box caused problems, with multiple headers and second-ball opportunities, but the finishing touch was missing. Against the early run of play, Hearts struck in the 2nd minute to take the lead.

Rather than letting their heads drop, Killie continued to push forward, winning free kicks in dangerous areas and testing the Hearts goalkeeper with efforts from inside and outside of the box. Several of Killie’s corners led to headed chances, including one which was forced over the crossbar. A number of shots on goal were saved or deflected, denying Killie a deserved equaliser. However, Hearts showed their efficiency, scoring again in the 27th minute and then again on the 44th minute to give the hosts a mountain to climb at 3-0. 

Killie came out in the second half with renewed intensity and continued to dictate large parts of play. Early pressure nearly paid off with a goal from Remo Margiotta being ruled offside. Shots were saved and efforts went narrowly wide as Killie searched for a goal to get them back in the game.

Killie were then awarded a penalty after a handball. Cole Coughlin stepped up to the spot to smash the back of the net in the 53rd minute.

Minutes later, Logan Foster found the net to make it 3-2. Killie showed continued momentum by pushing forward trying to find another goal. Kris Doolan brought on fresh legs to force the issue, with Aaron Peacock and Cole Bickerton entering the fray. Shortly after he replaced Cooper Eaglesham with Connor Sweeney. Soon after further substitutions were made with Jonathan Orr and Jack Lusk on for Reece Craig and Guy Feeney.

However, as Killie pushed for a leveller, in the last 10 minutes, Hearts were awarded a penalty which saw their lead extended to 4-2.

Killie’s creativity, work-rate, and sustained pressure unfortunately couldn’t get the better of Hearts’ clinical finishing and ability to take chances.

While the result did not go in Killie’s favour, the performance demonstrated clear positives, particularly in attacking play and their second-half response. 

Team: Brown, Martin, Craig, Barlow, Feeney, Foster, Coughlin, Davis, Margiotta, Eaglesham, Simpson.

Subs used: Bickerton, Sweeney, Orr, Peacock, Lusk.

Subs not used: Mullen.