Hearts battled back to earn a last-gasp victory over Dunfermline in this
enthralling east of Scotland clash.
Neil McCann, who has been out injured since the Real Mallorca Cup Winner's Cup
Tie on September 17, will have delighted watching Scotland boss Craig Brown.
A last-ditch bursting run by Jim Hamilton down the left and then an excellent
pass caught out the Pars defence, which had looked to be holding out grimly for
the draw.
McCann ghosted in at the back post to the delight of the Tynecastle faithful.
Hearts had started the game more brightly and Dunfermline keeper Lee Butler
did well to hold a dangerous cross from David Weir, with Thomas Flogel ready to
pounce.
But on 18 minutes Dunfermline took the lead against the run of play.
After a 25-yard shot by Gavin Johnson, on-loan Bradford City striker Edinho
pounced to give the visitors the lead.
Dunfermline could have added to the lead before the break, however Mackenzie
made a good stop and then Paul Ritchie produced a great sliding tackle.
In the second half Hearts came out fighting and created a lot more chances.
Neil McCann played a one-two with Steve Fulton on 51 minutes but he was unable
to catch the return ball.
Then on 61 minutes Hearts snatched a dramatic equaliser when Austrian Thomas
Flogel smashed a screamer from 20 yards straight into the bottom left corner of
the net.
Hearts continued to press and only stout defending by Dunfermline kept the
scores level.
Edinho, who had had such a great impact in the first half, was booked for a
late tackle on Gary Naysmith and then he was substituted late on as Dunfermline
struggled to contain the positive-playing Jambos.
With a few minutes left Hearts sent on young Spanish player Juanjo for
Stephane Adam and the youngster added to Hearts' determined effort to snatch a
victory.
Then just as time seemed to have run out on Hearts Hamilton went on a last
ditch run and his cross into the box led to McCann's last breath winner.
Teams:
Hearts: McKenzie, McPherson, Naysmith, Weir, Ritchie, McCann,
Fulton, Adam (Juanjo 86), Hamilton, Flogel, Murray.
Subs Not Used: Locke, McKinnon, Hogarth, Holmes.
Booked: Weir.
Goals: Flogel 61, McCann 90.
Dunfermline: Butler, Shields, McCulloch, Tod, Ireland, Smith,
Johnson, Edinho (Petrie 78), Squires, Graham (French 90),
Ferguson.
Subs Not Used: Westwater, Martin, Templeman.
Booked: Tod, Squires, Edinho.
Goals: Edinho 18.
Att: 13,268
Ref: S Dougal (Glasgow).
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