Hearts lost their 100% Conference League record with defeat to German outfit FC Heidenheim at Tynecastle.
Neil Critchley’s side were left to rue a hatful of missed chances in a first half they dominated. Skipper Lawrence Shankland, Frankie Kent and Alan Forrest all had opportunities to break the deadlock but couldn’t find an opener. And the Bundesliga rookies stepped up a gear after the break before winger Sirlord Conteh headed past Craig Gordon – who was making his 300th appearance for Hearts.
Heidenheim sub Jan Schoppner killed off Critchley’s men in the last minute to secure a 2-0 victory. The loss leaves the Jambos on six points in the Conference League, with Heidenheim making it three wins out of three. Critchley’s side head to Ibrox on Sunday to face Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, with their next Euro test away to Belgians, Cercle Brugge, on November 28.
Boateng looks terrific business
Hearts have a gem in Malachi Boateng and he’s really beginning to flourish at Tynecastle under Critchley. Getting the midfielder in from Crystal Palace in the summer – after a loan spell at Dundee – looks like a terrific piece of business by the Gorgie club and he was superb here.
Boateng has formed a solid partnership in the Jambos’ engine room with Beni Baningime, where they protect the Hearts’ defence. But he isn’t just a destroyer. Boateng can do that side of the game and he broke up Heidenheim’s play brilliantly at times.
But he’s also calm and composed on the ball – and can go forward when he needs to create. He was excellent from the off against the Germans, especially as Critchley’s side dominated the first half.
And his performance was typified by a brilliant clearance off the line from Lennard Maloney’s header. Boateng is strong, powerful and there’s growth and development in him as a player. The fact Hearts have picked him up at just 22 years old on a three year deal should mean they eventually make a healthy profit on the Londoner.
Shankland goal drought goes on – but form shouldn’t worry fans
Lawrence Shankland’s goal drought continued against Heidenheim and the Scotland striker will be disappointed that he didn’t tuck away a couple of first-half chances he’d normally bury. But even though he’s not scoring regularly, Hearts fans shouldn’t be too worried about their skipper’s form.
Because, on this evidence, he can still contribute plenty to Neil Critchley’s team – and that’s why the gaffer is still picking him to lead the line. His opportunities early on here in front of goal were snatched at, which isn’t Shankland’s style.
That might be down to a dip in confidence but you get the feeling that when he finds the back of the net again, he’ll hit a rich vein of form. The good thing for Critchley is that his link-up play is still excellent.
Shankland was willing to battle with Heidenheim defenders to bring team-mates into the game – or drop off into space and use his close control to keep Hearts attacks going. He didn’t manage to equal John Robertson’s club record of eight European goals but if he keeps working hard and doing the right things – it will come.
Heidenheim continue perfect start in first ever Euro adventure
FC Heidenheim were described as the Ross County of German football in the build-up to this tie due to their club history and meteoric rise through the divisions to the Bundesliga. But Frank Schmidt’s side definitely have a bit more about them on the pitch than their Dingwall counterparts.
In their first ever European campaign, they now have maximum points in the Conference League after three games. This victory at Tynecastle puts them in a terrific position to qualify for the knock-out phase of the competition.
And despite being second best to the Jambos in the first half – when Critchley’s side dominated – they stepped it up a gear after the break. Experienced gaffer Schmidt made changes to his side around the interval which had the desired effect.
They pushed themselves higher up the pitch, pressed the home side – and got their reward with two goals. There’s a reason Heidenheim got into Europe and they didn’t beat Bayern Munich or draw with Borussia Dortmund twice last season by luck.
When they turned it on in spells at Tynecastle, they showed they’re a talented side allied with a natural grit and resilience as well.