HEART of Midlothian made it back-to-back wins in Europe after beating Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia 2-0 at Tynecastle Park on Thursday evening.
Two first half goals from Alan Forrest and Blair Spittal gave the Gorgie side all three points in their second game in the new-look UEFA Conference League- in what was Neil Critchley’s first European game as manager.
The Jambos are now joint-top of their Conference League table.
Hearts gaffer Critchley said: “It was a great evening. I loved it. Fantastic night from start to finish. I thought we had a fantastic first half.
“[We] Started with real intent. Our aggression without the ball was excellent.
“I thought we played some fantastic football as well, causing a lot of problems and deservedly won the game.”
In the opening minutes, Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland was booked by Slovakian referee Michal Ocenas for a high boot on midfielder Veljko Simic.
Hearts looked energised from the start though, winning nearly every ball and retaining possession, and would soon capitalise on a solid start to the first half.
With a quarter of an hour played, the ball found its way to winger Alan Forrest in the box – following a deflected Blair Spittal effort – before he smashed the ball into the roof of the net for 1-0, marking Forrest’s second ever goal in Europe.
Moments after, Shankland weaved his way into the box and got a shot off, forcing a low save from Fabiano and sending the ball spiralling out for a corner.
The Jambos doubled their advantage in the 23rd minute when, after a cut-back into the box from Kenneth Vargas, Blair Spittal’s first time shot curled past Fabiano for 2-0.
It makes it three goals this season for midfielder Spittal – and his first in Europe.
Omonia had an opportunity to cut the deficit straight away. Winger Willy Semedo whipped a cross in from the right which midfielder Simic met – but his attempted diving header went well wide of the post.
Former Rangers centre-back Filip Helander had two good opportunities to get Omonia back into the game from corners, but both of his headers sailed over the bar.
Indeed, the away side failed to register a shot on target in the first 45 minutes.
Ten minutes into the second half, Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon received a yellow card for time-wasting and from there on out, chances were few and far between for the Jambos as they looked to protect their 2-0 lead.
Despite Omonia having 59% possession during the match, they looked blunt in the final third.
A shot from substitute attacker Alioum Saidou from outside the area in the 70th minute sailed over the bar – which summed up Omonia’s attacking display.
Nearly a thousand Omonia fans in the away end were in full voice before kick-off but were left disappointed by a flat performance from their team.
Midfielder Malachi Boateng controlled the game for the home side. He made several interceptions throughout the match and looked to help Hearts forward at every opportunity.
Young full-back James Forrester, 19, also impressed for the Jambos. He looked solid defensively and bombed up and down the right flank relentlessly.
In the closing minutes, chants of “bring on the Hibees” reverberated around Tynecastle Park as Hearts sailed to a home victory in Europe.
Hearts will turn now their attention to league action in the Edinburgh Derby against Hibernian on Sunday October 27, slated for a 12pm kick-off at Easter Road.
