Kilmarnock 0-0 Hearts: Report and reaction


Hearts' Europa League ambitions suffered another setback as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Ian Cathro's team were hoping to apply some pressure to St Johnstone as they prepare for the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership's run-in.

But their toothless display in Ayrshire means the Perth men could open up a seven-point lead in the race for fourth place if they beat Aberdeen on Saturday.

Jambos chairwoman Ann Budge issued a statement in midweek which branded press coverage of Cathro's four-and-a-half-month reign "ludicrous' – but even she would have been hard pressed to defend the team's meek display.

Killie battled well for their point but Lee McCulloch will feel they probably should have walked away with the win.

The result is Killie's fourth stalemate in five games but could yet prove handy as they look to kill off lingering relegation fears, with basement boys Inverness now 10 points back.

Hearts controlled the opening stages but lacked the tempo needed to breakdown McCulloch's well-organised defence.

It took the Jambos 18 minutes before they finally got in behind but Isma Goncalves fired wide from 10 yards out.

And with the visitors growing ever more frustrated, Kilmarnock's confidence surged.

The hosts were happy to go direct and a clever first-time pass from Luke Hendrie released Sean Longstaff into space, but the on-loan Newcastle youngster's 25-yard effort flew over.

Dean Hawkshaw's clever back-heel created Killie's first chance after the break as Callum Roberts went close with a near-post drive. Kris Boyd then got his head to Hendrie's dangerous cross but saw his attempt trundle wide.

Hearts were finding it harder and harder to get a grip on the game and their irritation almost boiled over when Krystian Nowak slid in late on Iain Wilson, but referee Euan Anderson showed mercy to the Pole by producing only yellow.

The home support were also beginning to grow crabby as their side failed to make more of their opportunities, especially when Boyd lashed over from 12 yards out.

Hearts finally got themselves on the front foot five minutes from time but saw Goncalves' strike deflected wide before the Portuguese striker somehow kicked at fresh air after Smith hooked the ball into the danger zone. 

Boyd had two goes in stoppage-time to snatch victory but first blasted a free-kick off target before his diving header flew wide.

Post-match reaction


Hearts boss Ian Cathro admits his men are feeling vulnerable after suffering another setback on the road: "There is a wee bit of vulnerability, a wee bit of low confidence and we saw some of those things towards the end of the Dundee game on Saturday and tonight as well.

"But the positive thing is we have got through both of those situations and not conceded. That's important for the players.

"The feeling after tonight though is one of disappointment that we have not taken our chance to win the game." 

Kilmarnock caretaker manager Lee McCulloch: "We possibly should have got more for the second half and the way we finished the game. But the way we started wasn't good enough.

"Up to 40 minutes was the worst we've played since I've been interim manager - and I don't know what was up.

"We weren't getting close to the ball and maybe showing them a little bit too much respect. So I had a bit of a go at them at half-time and the character the boys showed in the second half was brilliant.

"I thought we were the better team and Boydy was unlucky with a half-chance. So I've got to be pleased with the point, another clean sheet and the character shown." 

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