‘Negative’ Raith men humble hosts Hearts
HEARTS 2 Boyce (58, 90+3) RAITH ROVERS 3 Ugwu (5), Duku (pen 47), Tumilty (52)
Raith Rovers manager John Mcglynn heaped praise on his players after they came out of self-isolation to win at Tynecastle for the first time in 28 years.
Gozie Ugwu, Manny Duku and Regan Tumility had the visitors coasting before Hearts rallied in the second half with a Liam Boyce brace.
Robbie Neilson’s side might have even nicked a point had it not been for breathtaking goalkeeping from Jamie Macdonald.
Raith, who had not played since December 29, only had one training session on Friday to prepare for the game after a Covid-19 outbreak, which forced the postponement of last weekend’s visit of Inverness.
“I’m very proud of the boys for that performance,” beamed Mcglynn, whose team host Hearts again on Tuesday.
“More so because of what we’ve been through, but even regardless of that.
“To come here under any circumstances and win and score three goals is just fantastic.
“It’s an amazing effort from each and every one of the players. We went mostly with the guys who tested negative, so most of the ones who played were the fitter ones.”
Hearts started like the team who had been idle for over three weeks as the visitors drew first blood at Tynecastle after five minutes.
Dan Armstrong’s short corner led to panic inside the Hearts box and Ugwu picked up the loose ball with his back to goal before slotting a shot into the far corner from close range.
Raith had a great chance to double their advantage in the 24th minute when referee John Beaton pointed to the spot after Stephen Kingsley hauled down Armstrong at the by-line.
However, Regan Hendry’s spot-kick was brilliantly pushed on to the post by the outstretched Craig Gordon.
Hearts finished the half on the front foot, but failed to level, despite a neat bit of skill from Gary Mackay-steven culminating in the winger hitting a half-volley straight at Macdonald.
Rovers came flying out of the blocks at the start of the second period and scored two further goals inside seven minutes.
Substitute Duku scored from the spot, sending Gordon the wrong way, in the 47th minute after Michael Smith was adjudged to have fouled the impressive Kai Kennedy.
On-loan Rangers forward Kennedy then did brilliantly to provide the assist for Tumility to make it three as Hearts capitulated.
The diminutive forward skinned Craig Halkett before squeezing a pass through Gordon at the front post, leaving the right-back to slot home.
Hearts pulled one back in the 58th minute when Boyce’s glancing header from Josh Ginnelly’s cross beat Macdonald.
The Raith goalkeeper then produced heroics to deny Mackay-steven, Michael Smith and Steven Naismith.
Boyce managed to pull another back deep into injurytime after heading in Andy Irving’s corner, but Raith held on.
Raith boss Mcglynn singled out keeper Macdonald for praise, adding: “Jamie had a few cracking saves for us.
“He’s worth his weight in gold. He’s an outstanding goalkeeper, but also an outstanding character.
“He’s great in the dressingroom and his experience is vital. A top professional.
“I’m absolutely delighted. I don’t see Hearts losing many games at Tynecastle. They’re formidable opposition especially at home. So it’s an amazing three points for us.