How the Hearts players rated in the 1-0 win over Livingston; Craig Gordon the hero again
Liam Boyce scored the winner to give Hearts a five-point cushion in third place, and although Robbie Neilson’s men could have won by more they had Craig Gordon to thank for some outstanding saves.
Hearts were battered in the first half, Livingston hassling, harrying and dominating. Only an incredible triple save from Gordon kept the scores level.
Neilson hooked Ben Woodburn in the 29th minute, bringing on Peter Haring to stiffen up the midfield and stem the tide on Livingston attacks. It worked.
The visitors were much better in the second half and Liam Boyce latched onto to Barrie McKay’s pass to score the winner. It could have been more. But Livingston could have equalised too.
After going with four at the back against Celtic, Neilson reverted back to his favoured and familiar 3-4-3 formation.
Aaron McEneff kept his place in the centre of midfield with Peter Haring dropping to the bench and Alex Cochrane coming back in at left wing-back.
Boyce was restored to the attack, supported by Woodburn and Barrie McKay.
After scoring, the Irishman was taken off as a precaution after feeling his calf and Michael Smith suffered a back spasm after 15 minutes, forcing his withdrawal. Taylor Moore replaced him at right wing-back.
Player ratings scale - 10: One of best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: Terrible day at office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of worst performances you've seen.
Neilson hooked Ben Woodburn in the 29th minute, bringing on Peter Haring to stiffen up the midfield and stem the tide on Livingston attacks. It worked.
5. CD - Stephen Kingsley - 7
Solid under pressure in what was a physical encounter. Started to step forward and threaten as an overlapping centre-back in the second half. Photo: Roddy Scott - SNS Group
6. MR - Michael Smith - 6
Decent enough for 15 minutes until he hurt his back and limped off. Replaced by Taylor Moore Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
7. MC - Cammy Devlin - 7
It's always about energy for Devlin. He was at it again the middle of the park. Got more joy when Haring came on to join him. On the end of a sore one from Jason Holt in the second half but gritted his teeth, battled on and threw himself into challenges. Booked late on Photo: Sammy Turner - SNS Group
8. CM - Aaron McEneff - 6
Jury is still out. Hassled out harried out of it in the first half. Much better in the second when the game opened up. Had a great chance when sent through by Boyce but blazed over the bar when composure was needed Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group