Remarkable stat between Hearts and Ross County continues after draw at Tynecastle

This one wasn’t quite as dull as the goalless scoreline suggests. Both teams played decent football and Hearts in particular enjoyed a strong second half without managing to find that elusive breakthrough.

Liam Boyce found himself with the best two scoring chances of the afternoon in the second period. The County goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw stopped the first and the striker sent the second past the post. In total, Hearts had ten shots blocked as the visiting defence stood firm.

Both clubs are in the Premiership’s top six and Hearts are already assured of third place, while County remain fifth as they cling to the league’s last European berth. That quest was helped to an extent by the point gained in Edinburgh as sixth-placed Motherwell lost at Dundee United.

County brought in David Cancola for Harry Paton in midfield, while Hearts reinstated Ben Woodburn instead of the injured Aaron McEneff following last week’s win at Tannadice.

The visitors struck the afternoon’s first meaningful attempt at goal as former Tynecastle loanee Connor Randall dispatched a 22-yard shot which forced Craig Gordon into a fine save low to his right.

A round of applause complete with twirling scarves took place after 20 minutes to mark Scott Wilson’s final match as Tynecastle Park’s PA announcer. He admitted being “mortified” at the attention but responded by clapping all four stands as he prepared to relinquish the role after 20 years.

Back on the field, there was little between these two teams. County saw a goal disallowed when Jordan White was flagged offside from Blair Spittal’s low cross, a disputed decision which outraged the big striker.

Hearts delivered several inviting crosses during the first 45 minutes – three of them from advancing