Dunfermline Athletic 0 - 0 Hearts LIVE: Pars with the best chances of first half
Robbie Neilson’s men face Dunfermline Athletic knowing three points will set the team up to be confirmed Championship winners on Friday against Alloa Athletic.
Despite how close Hearts are to winning the league it has not been a positive last couple of weeks or so. Defeat in the Scottish Cup to Brora Rangers followed by a loss at home to Queen of the South has brought fan unrest to the fore. Supporters have protested outside of Tynecastle Park and made themselves vocal on social media regarding the future of Neilson and Ann Budge.
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Hide AdThe Pars themselves are not in great shape. They have shifted eight goals in their last two games, losing to play-off rivals Dundee and Raith Rovers. They’ve won just four times in 16 league games since beating Hearts earlier in the campaign.
We will have updates throughout the day from East End Park, plus reaction and analysis.
Dunfermline v Hearts LIVE: Updates, reaction and analysis from East End Park
Full-time analysis
Once again Craig Gordon produced a point-winning save with a brilliant stop from Euan Murray late on.
It was a slog at times for Hearts as they blew the chance to win the league at Tynecastle next week.
Better chances were created after half-time, including a Boyce header, but they never looked like doing enough for three points. In contrast to Dunfermline who had good chances either side of the break and hit the woodwork.
Gnanduillet gave the team a bit more of a threat but there was still not enough from those in the attacking positions behind the strikers.
Peter Haring put in a strong performance and should be pleased with his 90 minutes.
This is a team stumbling towards the title without much of a swagger or style.
Gordon brilliance
Once again Craig Gordon comes to Hearts’ rescue. Murray gets free in the box to win a header but Gordon stretches out his left foot and makes a big save.
Naismith standards
Popescu sold Logan short with a pass and Thomas won a free-kick. Naismith responded by letting Popescu know “that’s not f****** good enough”.
Naismith denied
Boyce sends in a cross which finds Naismith but his turn and shot is repelled by Fon Williams who then pounces on the rebound and wins a free kick.
Handball?
Hearts players were shouting for a handball after it appeared to bounce up and strike an outstretched arm of a Dunfermline player just inside the box.
Hearts now 4-2-3-1
Boyce is now playing deeper, flanked by Naismith on the right and GMS on the left.