GINNELLY GIVES IT SOME WELLY
Classy Josh back from a ban to sink Saints
Last time at Tynecastle the points were sealed with a sensational 60-yard welly.
But with no big Humph in this one Hearts were grateful for some classic Josh Ginnelly.
The forward returned from suspension and took his season tally to eight with a double to see off St Johnstone.
While Stephen Humphrys’ wonder goal was still talk of the toon before kick-off it was Ginnelly who was the toast of Tynecastle come full-time.
The former Preston ace is in the form of his life, dovetailing brilliantly with Lawrence Shankland, and left the park to a standing ovation when Garang Kuol took his place with 12 minutes to go.
How the Jambos faithful must be hoping to see a new contract heading his way with his deal due up in the summer.
Hearts were ultimately comfortable with Jorge Grant adding a third thank s to a Barrie McKay assist as they geared up for a huge doubleheader with Celtic.
Delighted boss Robbie Neilson has now challenged his side to go to Celtic Park on Wednesday and win before welcoming the Hoops to Tynecastle in the Scottish Cup quarter- f inal next weekend.
He said: “The win was really important. We go to Parkhead and then they come here, it is always difficult.
“If we go there and just bang it we will get beaten so we need to go and play the way we want to.
“We miss Josh’s pace, his energy, when he’s not playing. He allows Shankland to drop in because Ginnelly will threaten in behind. The two of them work really well together.” Neil son – who revealed
Humphrys missed out with a knee injury but should be back for the Cup clash – also praised McKay who had to defend himself last week from fan criticism.
He said: “Barrie’s probably technically the best player we’ve got.
“Teams will put two players on him or three players and it can be difficult at times.
“We had so many injuries at the start of the season we were asking our creative players to play Sunday-ThursdaySunday-Thursday. They lose that spark. You’re starting to see the best of Barrie now.”
The scoreline was harsh on a St Johnstone side – without injured Andy Considine and Nicky Clark – that left Gorgie cursing former hero Zander Clark who produced a string of first-half saves.
The keeper had to get down smart early on to parry Stevie May’s low drive after gifting away possession. Clark’s successor in the Saints goal is no slouch either and Remi Matthews reacted superbly to block Michael Smith’s volley.
The Crystal Palace loanee had absolutely no chance as Hearts blasted ahead after 21 minutes though.
Ginnelly picked the ball up on the right and was afforded too much room as he cut across the 18-yard line before firing a left-foot effort that flew off the toe of Liam Gordon, leaving Matthews helpless.
Clark produced heroics when he clawed out Drey Wright’s effort from May’s cutback. He then touched a dipping Cammy MacPherson effort over.
With the pace Hearts can break at, Saints were always vulnerable to the counter.
A slick move down the left involving Alex Cochrane and McKay saw the latter tee up Ginnelly. He tapped in from inside six yards to double the lead after 63 minutes.
And the points were secured with 18 minutes left when Grant whipped a ball in from the right which flew through a ruck of players and nestled in the far corner.