Hearts undone by moment of magic
With John Souttar having already agreed a pre-contract move to Ibrox this summer, this was the last time that Hearts fans would see their defensive triumvirate of Souttar, Craig Halkett and Stephen Kingsley. Typically, they did not disappoint.
The 3-4-3 shape employed by head coach Robbie Neilson meant that Rangers’ attacking forays were always going to come down the flanks where they had the numerical advantage. Calvin Bassey, in particular, was getting a lot of joy from his overlapping runs down the left but allowing the Nigerian to do so was a calculated risk from Hearts.
They allowed the occasional delivery in because they knew the back three would greedily hoover up any crosses – and they were right. When the opening goal eventually arrived through Ryan Jack, there was little that could have been done to prevent it. Hearts opened up as they pushed for an equaliser, and a well-executed counter-attack that was finished off by Scott Wright sealed their fate.
No Plan B proves costly
Rangers’ bench was always going to be stronger than Hearts’ but it was notable that the capital club flagged as the game wore on while their opponents seemed to gather momentum. When Liam Boyce and Barrie McKay were brought off, their team’s goal threat was reduced significantly.
The players toiled in the final third and as 90 minutes approached, it was Neilson’s men who were pinned back and subjected to wave after wave of Rangers attack. They held out to secure extra-time – thanks to a superb save from Craig Gordon on Joe Aribo with a few minutes left to play – but as soon as Jack broke the deadlock after the restart, Hearts never looked like getting back into the game.
Retaining Simms must be priority
Ellis Simms might not have ended up on the scoresheet at Hampden – although he was within inches of opening the scoring on 10 minutes – but the Hearts forward can be proud of his all-action performance. The on-loan Everton striker led the line admirably, winning his fair share of aerial duels against Leon Balogun and Connor Goldson.
Simms’ combination play with Boyce will have encouraged Neilson and the Tynecastle head coach will surely be looking at extending the 21-year-old’s stay in the capital. Seven goals since arriving in Scotland during the January transfer window is a fine record, and this performance hinted that there is plenty more to come.
