Jambos ‘have to find cutting edge’ after draw
HEARTS 0 ROSS COUNTY 0
CONOR SAMMON insists Hearts need to develop a ruthless streak after Robbie Neilson’s side fired a blank for the second week running in a goalless draw with Ross County.
A combination of poor finishing and an inspired display from Staggies keeper Scott Fox saw Hearts fail to capitalise on any chances.
The Gorgie outfit, who lost 1-0 at St Johnstone last weekend, piled on the pressure in the final stages of the match after County midfielder Ian McShane picked up a second yellow in the 84th minute but the Highland side saw the match out.
Sammon said: “As a group we need to become more ruthless, it’s as simple and as basic as that.
“We’ve got the pace and talent in the team to cause teams problems. We know what our strengths are. We just need to get into that good habit of putting the ball into the net.
“It was a frustrating afternoon, we created so many chances and just didn’t take any of them. It’s cost us in the end.”
Hearts head coach Neilson agreed with marksman Sammon.
He added: “I thought first half especially we played really well and created a lot of chances.
“But similar to last week against St Johnstone we didn’t have that final touch at the end.
“That’s the disappointment. The positive thing was the chances we made. We’re dominating large periods of games and giving up very, very few chances at the other end.”
A counter-attack led by Sammon after 10 minutes culminated i n To n y Watt having a drive from inside the box expertly pushed over the bar by keeper Fox.
County’s only real opportunity of note in the opening period gave Hearts a mighty fright.
Callum Paterson could only flick Martin Woods’ dangerous set-piece delivery up into the air and Andrew Davis’ close range header came off the
underside of the bar and bounced the wrong side of the line.
Hear ts then tur ned defence into an attack in the blink of an eye and Sammon had a low shot saved by Fox.
After Fox saved an Igor Rossi header from a Don Cowie corner, Sammon should have put the hosts ahead but the Irishman’s tame effort was blocked by the shot-stopper after being put through by Watt.
County grew in confidence after the break but Hearts went close following another counter. Watt played in Sam Nicholson inside the area but the winger failed to find the target from a tight angle.
Referee Alan Muir played five minutes of additional time but it still wasn’t enough for Hearts as 10-man County held on to claim a point that propels them into the top six.
County boss Jim McIntyre heaped praise on his keeper.
He said: “Fox is very reliable, he’s a good goalkeeper and you can see why he was away with the Scotland squad in the summer.
“We showed a lot of discipline when we were defending in numbers at times. But we also know we can’t keep drawing games.”