Stirling Albion 0 - 2 Hearts RECAP: Neilson reaction, player ratings, League Cup progression
Robbie Neilson’s men play their third competitive fixture of the campaign ahead of the start of the cinch Premiership. The team will know a win will all but secure passage to the knockout stages of the competition ahead of the Inverness CT match on Sunday at Tynecastle Park.
Despite their League Two status, Stirling Albion have performed well so far in the tournament, defeating Cove Rangers before drawing with ICT, earning the bonus point via a penalty shootout win.
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Hide AdHearts are set to welcome back key players who were rested for the weekend’s friendly with Sunderland.
It is the first competitive meeting between the sides since 2007 when they met in the second round of the League Cup.
We will have updates throughout the evening with team news expected at 6.30pm. Analysis and reaction will be provided during and after the match.
Stirling Albion v Hearts
Key Events
- Kick-off 7.45pm
- Team news 6.30pm
- Game live via Stirling Albion website
Neilson’s frustration
Neilson barks “second ball” at his team just after McNiff lashed a shot over the bar after latching on to a loose ball at the edge of the box.
Ginnelly struggles
It’s not quite happened for the winger so far. Everywhere he has run has turned out to be a dead end.
Stirling nearly score
Seconds after the restart and the home side get in through Carrick. He turns inside and out of Craig Halkett but the centre-back recovers well to produce a big block.
Stirling nearly score
Seconds after the restart and the home side get in through Carrick. He turns inside and out of Craig Halkett but the centre-back recovers well to produce a big block.
HT: Stirling 0 - 1 Hearts
A tough 45 minutes for the Premiership side. Dylan Bikey threatened early on from the home side to signal their intentions and threat in the final third through the craft of Dale Carrick and pace of Bikey.
But impressively, the Binos organisation was their key strength. Out of possession they kept a tight, compact shape with the defence squeezing up and no space between the lines for Hearts.
It resulted in building into the game slowly. At times there was too much time being taken over passes and passes going back and sideways when perhaps there could have been more risk.
Ginnelly was well marshalled throughout with GMS drifting from the left looking for space. It was he who produced that bit of magic to create the opener, flicking the ball through an opponent’s legs to set up Boyce.
He should have doubled the lead. Despite being in great goal scoring form, he passed up the chance to score to set up Smith in what was a hectic period when Hearts should have doubled the lead.
Just before half-time Michael Smith and Peter Haring exchanged words which saw the latter give the former a small push. It showed some of the frustration from the visiting team.
Decent but nothing spectacular.
Great chance!
Hearts get in in on the Stirling goal. Boyce squares to GMS. The winger should shoot but passes to Smith who has to steady himself and his shot is saved by Currie. From the resultant corner Boyce has an effort cleared off the line by Heaver. THEN Haring has an effort deflected over.
Smith barks
The Northern Irishman claps his hands and shouts: “Quick, quick! Quick, quick!”
It is something Hearts have been perhaps guilty of, playing through midfield too slowly.
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