Hearts 0 vs. Rangers 1 - Nov. 19 2006

KINGS OF “TYNE”CASTLE

It wasn’t great, it wasn’t pretty but it was a result. Back to back victories, the first in the league this season, provides a timely boost ahead of the midweek trip to France and also shows that the team is now learning to grind results out.
The fist pumping reaction of the players after the game showed how much it meant to them as well and renewed my confidence in there dedication to the cause. Fight and spirit have been lacking in some games, but the five yellow cards showed there was a bit more edge about this one.
First spot in the league is not mathematically out of the question but second is a must for our season and progression under PLG.


Today’s Team :-

McGregor: - Dropped a couple of catches early on but grew in confidence as the game progressed. Long range shots were the most of his worries.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Hutton: - Defended better today than he has for most of the season. A good all round performance and one that I hope he can replicate for the rest of the season.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Svensson: - Slipped up with a back pass early on which didn’t instil confidence but came onto form and had a solid game after that. Looked physically stronger too.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Hemdani: - Cut out so many of the Hearts attacks by reading the game and seeing the danger early, proves that you don’t have to be big to be a good defender. Clean sheet again from this centre back pairing which can only be good
Rmed Verdict :- 8

Smith: - Not his best game of the season as he was caught out in behind on a couple of occasions. Still, got forward to support as well and as ever and never stopped running.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Clement: - Patrolled the back line and, like Hemdani, reads the game exceptionally well. Like the fact that he always looks for a forward ball even in defensive situations. Kept Hearts efforts to long range ones.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Bazza: - The heart beat of the team and proved it once again with great vision and passing. Very menacing when he gets into the final third and unlucky not to score in the second half. Gives the team much needed drive.
Rmed Verdict :- 9 (Much needed drive in the middle of the park)

Adam: - Quiet but effective in the midfield. You get the feeling that he is more comfortable going forward and is still learning the more defensive side of the game but didn’t let anyone down.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Novo: - Started brightly but faded as the game went on. Was actually looking for him to be subbed when he picked the ball up in the centre, ran forward into the space before drilling the ball into the corner of the net. Thank god I’m not he manager.
Rmed Verdict :- 8

Prso: - Wasn’t quite up to match speed in the first half but came onto a game in the second. Started to drive in from the left and laid on two or three chances in the box.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Boyd: - Kind of frustrating day for him as the game was scrapped out more in the midfield. Must have thought he’d scored in the second half only to see a great save from Gordon.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

PLG: - Will be more glad than anyone that another win was recorded and with just the one change from last week we may just be settling on a starting eleven.
Rmed Verdict : - 7

Life being a bear got slightly easier to bare with this win today and the next step is a winning run in the league starting next week against Killie but for the time being bring on Auxere and lets keep our Euro results rolling.


WATP

Baz.