Hearts won 2-1 in their penultimate Europa Conference League Group A match with RFS.
Manager Robbie Neilson knew his side's chances of reaching second and the knockout rounds were over after Fiorentina beat Istanbul Basaksehir earlier in the evening, but were still keen to arrest a form slide of 11 defeats from their last 15 games. It started brilliantly as Lawrence Shankland opened the scoring and Andy Halliday made it 2-0 before the 15-minute mark.
The hosts had other chances to score in the match but it was their visitors who struck next through Kevin Friesenbichler and he was so close to doubling the lead with an equally-impressive effort from 25 yards that rattled Craig Gordon's bar. Eventually they got over the line to move the Gorgie outfit onto six points ahead of their group closer against Istanbul next Thursday, although it was another night of defensive injury worries with Stephen Kingsley going off. Here is how we rated the Hearts players against Latvian opposition.
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Craig Gordon - 7
Couple of point-blank saves from the ever-present number one. Commanded his area well and helpless with the RFS goal.
Michael Smith - 6
Solid enough shift from the right-back. No real issues from down his end, other than when he took a blow to the head and was down on the ground.
Stephen Kingsley - 7
Looks like a proper centre-back now, even if it's been forced a little by injuries. Couple of key blocks and one last-ditch. Injury a big concern.
Jorge Grant - 6
Played a big role in the opener but sometimes caught a bit flat-footed in midfield. Got into some nice positions.
Kio - 6
Seemed a bit slow in certain tackles and but passed the ball in tight situations. Still adjusting to life in Gorgie so worth bearing in mind.
Lawrence Shankland - 8
Another goal added to his tally in fine fashion. After his weekend hat-trick, beginning to show he'll score with supply.
Andy Halliday - 7
Got into a great position to deflect an effort into the net for his 10th Gorgie goal. Also managed to play the ball down the channels effectively.
Barrie McKay - 6
Quiet-ish night for the winger. Did try to make a couple of neat moves but very little came off for him, although he was an outball.
Alex Cochrane - 6
Provided attacking threat with a couple of balls into the box and his side of the field was rarely troubled,.
Toby Sibbick - 9
Had to stand up and be counted when Kingsley went off injured. Huge challenge in his own box to deny RFS a certain leveller, and did so again minutes later. Perfect performance amid some criticism.
Josh Ginnelly - 8
A really impressive night for the winger. Ran the away defence ragged and was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet. Has to keep this up.
Connor Smith - 5
A sub midway through the second half to provide fresh legs. More good experience for him on the European stage.
Lewis Neilson - 5
Replaced the injured Kingsley. In a position to score at one end and had to be careful not to commit an error leading to one at the other.
Euan Henderson - 4
Late sub in this one and had a chance open up for him, but couldn't put his name in lights.
Alan Forrest - 4
Another late introduction to this game as he looked to stretch the Latvians.
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