Andy Irving class, Jamie Walker's juggler touch, Hearts' highlights focus - Recap of 2-0 win over Greenock Morton

A look back at the 2-0 win over Greenock Morton which took Hearts back to the top of the league.

Andy Irving was excellent in the middle of the park for Hearts. Picture: SNS

Star man

While Jamie Walker grabbed a double and looked threatening for large periods, the introduction of Andy Irving to the starting XI had a large influence on the performance, result and direction of play.

It didn't start too well for the midfielder, or Hearts for that matter, a pass out the park early on encapsulating a frustrating opening against obdurate opponents. But through Irving the team started to build. No matter the pressure or quality of the pitch, he would take the ball and move it.

With the score at 1-0 he opened the Morton defence, playing a penetrative pass from the midfield for Michael Smith to run on to and set up Olly Lee. The 20-year-old provides that incision.

He then showed his range of passing with the cross field ball to Walker for the second goal. If you are ever looking for a visual explanation of the term pinpoint, it is that pass.

No wonder fans are continuously calling for a contract extension.

Key moment

Jamie Walker grabbed a double playing from the left. Picture: SNS

If we are looking at the key turning point then it has to be Sean McGinty's early chance for Morton. Hearts struggled to clear a long throw and the centre-back was smart in his movement pulling away from the crowd before the ball found him but his side foot effort went narrowly past the post. If that has found the net, it would have been fascinating seeing the response from the visitors.

As for THE moment, Walker's touch when collecting Irving's cross-field pass. He brought it down then moved it in front of him in one movement with the delicate grace of a juggler. It allowed him to veer towards goal and score.

In hindsight

Who needs wide players?! Especially when Walker and Steven Naismith perform their role so effectively. Not to sound like Frank Lampard, but seriously, Hearts need more and better width to make them a more balanced attacking unit. Over the course of a season the quality of Walker and Naismith will tell at this level but width provides to the attacking arsenal.

Ref watch

There was only one big moment of note from Gavin Aitken. In the first half, half a dozen Hearts players turned to the official and called for a handball in the box, like a gaggle of fielders appealing to the umpire for an LBW. Their calls fell on deaf ears. This writer was unsure at the time and having watched back replays still unsure whether it warranted a penalty with the Morton player on close vicinity to where the ball was struck.

Laugh of the match

Walker’s opening. The attacker scudded the ball into the net via the ground. Although on some replays it looks like the ball veers off his boot into the corner, not hitting the ground but taking an unusual trajectory.

I’m 99 per cent sure it hits the ground...

Moment you may have missed

The aforementioned penalty call. The admin of the Hearts Twitter account was certain on its view of the “clear handball”. And that was reflected in the Hearts TV highlights. There were no replays of some key chances but there was one of the handball.