Cathro afforded breathing space
HEARTS returned to winning ways following a run of three straight losses after Isma Goncalves scored the only goal to see off relegation threatenened Dundee.
However, head coach Ian Cathro and the club’s supporters are likely to refrain from considering that they have, metaphorically, turned the corner. Last month’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Hamilton triggered a three-game losing run. Kilmarnock are next up for Hearts in Friday’s last pre-split Ladbrokes Premiership match, a game they are desperate to win to have a chance of clinching a potential Europa League spot.
“We all know how important it is to build on this,” said Cathro, who savoured only his second success in 10 outings. “We’re pleased to have dealt with today but we’ll move on immediately. We have to make sure this isn’t another false start.”
The pressure had been building on Cathro and the questions over whether he could cut it in the dugout were becoming louder. His players, however, have given him some vital breathing space. Hearts had already threatened before Goncalves opened the scoring for the hosts. Don Cowie’s corner was flighted to the edge of the area but Alexadros Tziolis, who made a late run, hit a volley well wide.
Goncalves made no mistake, however, when he was presented with an opening in the area. Running on to Cowie’s pass, the Portuguese eased past goalkeeper Scott Bain and squeezed in an effort from an acute angle.
The goal was just what was needed to settle a home crowd that seen their side lose six of their seven previous matches. They would have been happier had Goncavles buried another great chance after 22 minutes. Cowie crossed from the right and the marksman completely missed the ball with his attempted volley from 12 yards.
The second half was effectively a non-event. Hearts enjoyed the lions’ share of possession but struggled to create any openings, while the Dens Park club wasted their only chance of the period in the 62nd minute.
And it was a good one. Just seconds after climbing off the bench, Craig Wighton raced clear of Krystian Nowak after cutting out the Polish defender’s attempted pass. Wighton only had Hamilton to beat but he lacked composure and skewed a woeful effort wide.
“Craig had a great opportunity and didn’t take it and that’s what happens when it’s not going your way,” lamented Dundee manager Paul Hartley, whose side remain just a point above the relegation play-off zone.