Heart of Midlothian Shrewd substitutions

This week there was no doubting the attitude or application of the players, but at times some seemed to lose all technical ability. It wouldn’t have been Craig Levein’s fault if those individual mistakes had led to defeat. Ultimately, Hearts earned a battling draw and might have had more, despite referee Craig Thomson continuing seemingly to try to compensate for that soft penalty in the 5-1 Scottish Cup final by never giving us a derby decision since.

Levein’s selections were brave and his substitutions changed the game. Harry Cochrane was excellent early on and the subs added drive and energy when he and Conor Smith tired. Fifth place remains possible but challenging and we must try to maintain momentum for the final.

Roddy Elliott