Hearts lost out 1-0 against Kilmarnock in their Premier Sports Cup round of 16 tie as they suffered an exit from the competition.
The Tynecastle side are currently in the midst of a punishing schedule of fixtures that sees them play every few days due to competing in Europa Conference League group stage football. An easy ride here was not going to be forthcoming for manager Robbie Neilson as Innes Cameron struck early in the first half to give Kilmarnock the lead.
Despite controlling much of proceedings in the first half, the home side were unable to find a way past a stubborn defence set up by Derek McInnes and tumble out of this competition after one match, having not featured in the group stages due to European involvement. Here are three things we learned from the match as Hearts are made to wait another year for a crack at League Cup glory.
READ MORE: Hearts learn Europa Conference League fate as they face tough draw including Fiorentina
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Reinforcements needed
It's deadline day tomorrow and it could be a key 24 hours for the Jambos. With injuries longer term to Liam Boyce, Kye Rowles and Beni Baningime, they are already three bodies down, not including niggling knocks for a few others.
German midfielder Orestis Kiomourtzoglou has arrived but is waiting on his work permit, with Neilson down to the bare bones in terms of options, attack looking particularly light.
Bogey team
The Jambos must be sick of the sight of their opposition from Ayrshire whenever they rock up to Tynecastle Park.
Seven of the last eight matches between them in Gorgie have ended in Killie wins with the last Hearts win coming in 2016. Not a record they could put right this evening.
Missing link
Boyce has been taking up a number of roles in the Jambos attack but perhaps his role as a link man was missing tonight.
It was a largely controlled first half for Hearts despite the goal disadvantage, but it got frustrating from the middle to the final third. That's where Boyce is effective on top of his penalty box prowess.
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