Simms keeps it simple to surge away from Steelmen
WHEN the moment arrived, it was all rather simple for Ellis Simms. A straightforward goal on what was a comfortable first start in a Hearts shirt.
The on-loan Everton striker would be advised, however, not to fall into the trap of thinking all matches are as smooth as this, even if boss Robbie Neilson wasn’t completely satisfied with his team’s display. But, nevertheless, he gave the Tynecastle faithful reason to cheer.
Indeed, there was a fair bit of noise inside the stadium yesterday — and not just because of a result which elevated Neilson’s thirdplaced side ten points clear of nearest challengers Motherwell in the Premiership table.
Andy Halliday got the hosts off and running with a first-half strike before Simms tapped home in the second half.
As news arrived of Hibernian’s defeat at home to Livingston, the volume cranked up one final time. The men in maroon and their fans can go into Tuesday night’s Edinburgh derby at Easter Road with confidence. ‘Bring on the Hibees,’ chanted the Hearts support.
The only negative for the hosts was the half-time departure of John Souttar, who came off with a knock. The defender, who has signed a pre-contract with Rangers, did not suffer as many boos here from angry fans compared to previous matches since his future plans were revealed.
The sight of Simms starting wasn’t a surprise given his impressive substitute appearance off the bench at half-time during the midweek defeat to Celtic. The 21-year-old led the attack for Hearts against the Steelmen, playing just ahead of Liam Boyce and Gary Mackay-Steven.
Liam Shaw, on loan from Celtic, and Ross Tierney made their first starts for Motherwell, with Liam Donnelly suspended after his red card against Hibs on Wednesday.
Hearts almost took the lead in unusual circumstances within the opening few minutes. Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly was penalised by referee Craig Napier for holding onto the ball for too long and was booked. The indirect free-kick, taken by Stephen Kingsley, was blocked as the visitors raged at the decision.
They were soon feeling a lot happier on 13 minutes when Kevin van Veen adjusted his body to fire an effort from the edge of the box but it flashed inches wide.
Just after the half-hour mark, visiting midfielder Barry Maguire was forced off with an injury and was replaced by Sean Goss.
The breakthrough for Hearts came eight minutes before half-time as Motherwell were punished by quick, swift passing. Simms’ backheel looked to be harmless but actually worked out a treat. Boyce nicked back possession, fed the ball inside to Cammy Devlin, who likewise slipped it further across to Halliday and the midfielder slotted it back across Kelly into the corner.
Van Veen rued another wasted opportunity on the stroke of halftime when he met Jordan Roberts’ cross from the left but his header from six yards went wide.
Souttar didn’t appear after the interval following an earlier collision with Callum Slattery, as he made way for Toby Sibbick. The defender, who has joined permanently from Barnsley, saw a previous loan spell two years ago in Gorgie cut short due to injury, illness and the first lockdown.
Mackay-Steven wasted a great chance less than ten minutes after the restart when the ball was played into his path on the edge of the box. However, his effort was weak as Kelly gathered comfortably.
Hearts kept pressing and Halliday should have added another goal to his collection. Boyce’s flick found the former Rangers player but his attempt at the back post saw Kelly save with his legs.
Halliday turned provider moments later, but his delivery from the left was just a little too far ahead of Simms who was racing to meet it at the back post.
No matter. The second goal for Neilson’s side arrived on 58 minutes and it was another wonderful passing move to punish their opponents.
Devlin nicked the ball off Shaw and burst forward before passing wide to Boyce. The Northern Irishman delivered across the face of goal from the right to Simms, who could not miss at the back post for a tap-in.
‘I’m delighted for him — and it was from a good range as well!’ joked Neilson. ‘That’s the distance you want for your first goal. I thought he did well but the players still need to figure out the runs he makes and what he’s good at.’
Tynecastle was soon filled with chants directed at their city rivals. Clearly enjoying this occasion, Hearts fans began to turn their attention towards Tuesday night’s Edinburgh derby.
They almost had more reasons to cheer when Simms fed Boyce. He took the ball round Kelly, his attempt fell to substitute Ben Woodburn, who tried to bundle the ball home but the visitors survived. An offside flag spared the on-loan Liverpool attacker’s blushes.
Motherwell almost pulled a goal back in stoppage time when sub Justin Amaluzor drilled a low effort but Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon dived low with a terrific one-handed save.
Visiting boss Graham Alexander, who confirmed defender Ricki Lamie has signed a pre-contract with Dundee, said: ‘The clinical side of Hearts, particularly in those two attacks, was the difference in the result. I thought over the whole game we played some really good stuff.
‘I’m frustrated because I want to win and my team wants to win. I will take playing less well and winning. So, for me, it is a frustration because we want to pick up points, we don’t want accolades for playing well and passing the ball without results.’