Hearts Development team left out for the County

The Hearts Development team's recent poor run continued with a 4-1 defeat by Ross County at Ochilview.

Lewis Moore scored a consolation goal for Hearts

Hearts made a bright start with Daniel Baur narrowly heading over the crossbar. On 15 minutes, the referee waved away Hearts appeals when Liam Henderson appeared to be tripped in the box.

Tony Dingwall opening the scoring for County on 23 minutes with a 30-yard drive and, four minutes later, Dingwall crossed for Greg Morrison to score.

Hearts rallied with Baur having a shot cleared of the line and Anthony McDonald firing a free-kick wide. Three minutes from half-time, James Ross added a third for County, steering a Morrison knock-on past Kelby Mason.

In second half, Hearts’ Russell McLean headed a Chris Hamilton cross narrowly wide before County added a fourth on 56 minutes, substitute Ross McIver netting a Morrison knock-down. Lewis Moore pulled a goal back for the Jambos on 69 minutes with a 12-yard shot following a fine move between Andy Irving and McLean.

Hearts: Mason; C Hamilton, Baur, McKirdy, Howlett-Mundle, Reid, Baxter (Irving 46), L Henderson (Polson 46), Moore, McDonald (Roy 46), McLean. Unused subs: Fisher, Jones, K Smith.