Ex-Hearts ace's stormer, Halliday frustration, Kennedy v Halkett - Hearts 2 - 3 Raith Rovers

Regan Tumilty scores what proved to be the crucial third goal for Raith in their win over Hearts. Picture: SNS

Player of the match

It would be negligent to pick a Hearts player. Kai Kennedy, a loan signing from Rangers, terrorised Michael Smith and Craig Halkett with his close control, turn of pace and body movement. A real talent. But it was former Hearts goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald who won the match for the visitors with a string of excellent saves. His stop from a Stephen Kingsley free-kick was the most special of the lot. Reaching behind him to produce the goods and turn the ball out for a corner, like reaching down the back of a sofa and unearthing a 20 note.

Defining moment

It should have been Craig Gordon’s excellent save to tip Regan Hendry’s penalty on to the post with the scores at 1-0. However, it was Mihai Popescu’s superfluous touch in the middle of the park which went awry allowing Raith Rovers to counter-attack. The ball was played wide to Kai Kennedy. The winger danced around Craig Halkett, who looked like a traumatised grandparent trying and failing to usher an unruly grandchild around the supermarket, before setting up Reghan Tumilty to make it 3-0. It was only at that point Hearts started playing but that goal turned out to the winner.

Ref watch

By all accounts John Beaton got the second penalty award incorrect, while Robbie Neilson had an issue with a handball for the third. The Hearts boss was not happy and ultimately showed a red card after the full-time whistle.

Benefit of hindsight

Start Josh Ginnelly. The winger once again showed his importance, assisting Liam Boyce for the first goal and setting up Steven Naismith with a chance. He now has three goals and an assist in fewer than 200 minutes of league football. When fit, first name on the team sheet.

Moment you may have missed

Andy Halliday did not have his finest afternoon. He has played much better in maroon but the game passed him by and he didn’t look like getting a foothold on proceedings or even near to doing so. His frustration was clear when subbed, throwing a bottle in the Main Stand.