Zeefuik adds loads of zeal to five-star Hearts with debut double
HURRICANE conditions, placing their trust in an untested signing to lead the line and a rejuvenated Dumbarton — who had won four of their past seven games — could all have spelled trouble for Hearts at the Bet Butler Stadium yesterday.
As it was, Robbie Neilson’s men easily proved their title credentials to those, if they still exist, who retain niggling doubts. This dismantling of their hosts was Hearts’ 20th league game unbeaten and maintained a 13-point lead over nearest rivals Rangers, while new striker Genero Zeefuik grabbed a double in an impressive debut.
Neilson was full of praise for the loanee from Groningen, who arrived earlier this week, and believes he will be a vital cog in the charge for the title.
‘He had a difficult time at Groningen last year,’ said Neilson. ‘I thought he was fantastic today. He gives us that big link that allows the other guys to play off him.
‘He’d lost his focus but he’s got it back now. Hopefully, he can be a big asset from now until the end of the season.’
The 900-strong travelling maroon contingent didn’t have long to wait to make themselves heard as Hearts midfielder Sam Nicholson expertly brought the ball down 35 yards out and lashed a stunning half-volley into the bottom-left corner of Danny Rogers’ net with eight minutes gone.
The home side were nearly back on level terms swiftly, though, when Prince Buaben’s foul on Chris Kane was waved on by referee John Beaton, letting the St Johnstone loanee burst through. He was one-onone and Hearts keeper Neil Alexander could only angle his block out to an unmarked Mark Gilhaney.
The winger would have levelled there and then — if not for the heroics of Danny Wilson, who threw himself in front of the strike on the line.
There was to be no plucky comeback for the part-timers from here, with Nicholson running the show for Hearts and Zeefuik slotting into the side easily, showing glimpses of trickery and a deftness that belies his NFL battering-ram physique.
His colossal frame helped set up the second. Holding off Sons skipper Andy Graham, the Dutchman cushioned a lofted ball, spun and played through Jamie Walker, who drilled his shot across Rogers and into the opposite corner.
Hearts should have gone in three up at the break, Nicholson unlocking the home rearguard again to release Walker, who took one too many touches and fired wide.
James Keatings and Callum Paterson made sure the pressure kept up from the off in the second half, the former rattling the crossbar with a 25-yard strike before the latter slid one just wide of the post.
With the rain pelting sideways into their faces, the home defence’s day went from bad to worse as Walker cut the ball back to Zeefuik in the six-yard box, letting the 24-year-old tap in on his debut.
Nicholson topped off a stellar showing in the 57th minute with his second goal, turning in at the back post to make it 4-0.
Zeefuik then grabbed a second, latching on to a Walker cross in a carbon copy of the new Hearts man’s first strike.
The Jambos’ support were more elated than anything else when Kane struck a consolation from close range in the 63rd minute, leaping out of their seats to chant ‘We only win 5-1!’ in tribute to their famous derby win.
Then Scott Linton brought down Walker in the home box and there was no doubt about who was taking the spot-kick, with not a soul in the stadium keen — or able –- to wrestle the ball from Zeefuik’s grasp.
The big man’s dream debut hat-trick was ruined, though, by Rogers, who saved strongly to his right and again on the follow up.
However, this did nothing to quell the standing ovation for the Dutch Under-21 cap when he was Zeefuik (right) gets a hug from Walker after his first goal for Hearts replaced by Jason Holt moments later.
Dumbarton manager Ian Murray was convinced the brutal weather should have seen the game called off, but did not want to absolve his team’s performance.
‘It can get really windy up here,’ he said. ‘It’s so tough for the referee, however. He is in a no-win situation.
‘If he abandons the game, everybody’s annoyed and Hearts are kicking up a fuss.
‘It’s done now — it’s probably best we got this game out of the way.’
DUMBARTON (4-4-2): Rogers; van Zanten, Graham, Mair, Linton; Campbell (Megginson 55), Turner, Agnew, Gilhaney; Kane (McCallum 89), Nish (Taggart 71). Subs (not used): Ewings, Fleming, Whitefield. Booked: Turner.
HEARTS (4-4-2): Alexander; Paterson, Wilson, Ozturk, Eckersley; Walker, Buaben (Pallardo 75), Gomis (King 80), Nicholson; Keatings, Zeefuik (Holt 66). Subs (not used): Walker, Hamilton, Oliver, McKay, McGhee. Booked: None.
Referee: John Beaton. Attendance: 1,537.