Keith Lasley was on the scoresheet today
Lehmann filled the slot in the back three caused be Deloumeaux's suspension but the plan was abandoned before half time. Not because of any defensive frailty on Dirk's part (though the opener came from Severin getting to the ball ahead of him) but because we had no presence up front.
The game started with us trying to settle to the strange formation. Ferrere and McFadden worked hard as twin strikers but the service to them was poor. Too many high balls.
After half an hour (and a goal down) normal service was resumed. Lehmann up front, Corrigan in defence and Ferrere slipping back to midfield. Immediately we began to look like a team with a purpose.
We controlled the second half and after a smashing volley from Keith Lasley drew level ten minutes after the restart. We looked in command thereafter and came close several times.
On the hour we produced the best move of the match. From the back the ball was fed out to the left wing and after four or five quick passes Dirk Lehmann had the chance of a shot from twenty yards. Niemi had to produce a great save to protect his goal. From the corner, with the crowd giving great vocal support, a stramash ensued and Lehmann had a goal bound shot block by Greg Strong!
Then another brave run from Lehnamm and a shot from the corner of the six yard box when a square ball to Faddy would surely have produced a winner.
But with ten minutes left we fell for a succer punch. A good pass from midfield gave young Sloan a chance and the ball went in off the post.
Despite a determined attempt to get the second equaliser Hearts held on to take the points.
The game was punctuated by niggling fouls and the referee had his hands full contolling the game.
We hope to get back to winning ways next week and hope for Eric's first away win.