After looking down and out, Hearts staged a dramatic late comeback to draw 2-2 with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Chris Stokes had Killie 1-0 up before Craig Gordon got himself in a muddle with the ball at his feet, allowing Kyle Lafferty to slide the ball into an empty net. Stephen Humphrys pulled one back two minutes later to offer some hope before Nathaniel Atkinson slammed home a 94th minute volley with his weaker foot.
They should have taken the lead after just 90 seconds, but Barrie McKay produced a contender for miss of the season. Alan Forrest played in Lawrence Shankland and the Jambos number nine drove into the box before unselfishly squaring for McKay. Robert Snodgrass could have nabbed a first goal, but left the ball for McKay. All he had to do was roll it into the empty net, but somehow managed to scoop the ball over the bar.
Another big chance went begging on 20 minutes. McKay spotted Stephen Humphrys’ run towards the back post and clipped a ball over the top. The on-loan Wigan Athletic man connected with a header but sent the ball straight at Zach Hemmings.
The visitors were almost punished for sloppiness when Snodgrass gave the ball away. Dan Armstrong pulled the back for Blair Alston, but he sent a first-time effort straight into Gordon’s arms.
A similar move down the left after Humphrys lost the ball came even closer to breaking the deadlock. Chris Stokes picked out Alan Power and his strike was goal-bound until a great block from Alex Cochrane diverted it behind.
Snodgrass pulled rank to hit a free-kick after Humphrys was fouled by Ash Taylor. The midfielder hit the target but Hemmings was able to gather.
Gordon was relieved to see Jordan Jones’ swerving effort go wide. The winger cut inside and
Boxing
athletics
Rugby
Talking Points
as
Alex Cochrane
Robert Snodgrass
Nathaniel Atkinson
Barrie Mackay
Alan Forrest
Craig Gordon
Kyle Lafferty