MX23RW : Sunday, January 12 22:09:36| >> :600:122781:122781:
[monks data]
Hearts logo
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 7
Sep 25, 2021 at 3pm UK
Tynecastle
Livingston logo

Hearts
3 - 0
Livingston

Smith (25'), Boyce (33' pen.), Cochrane (64')
FT(HT: 2-0)

Shinnie (49'), Omeonga (76'), Fitzwater (78')

Hearts move up to second in the Premiership table with comfortable victory

Hearts move up to second in the Premiership table with comfortable victory
© Reuters
Michael Smith, Liam Boyce and Alex Cochrane scored in a 3-0 success against Livington.

Hearts climbed above Edinburgh rivals Hibernian into second in the cinch Premiership table with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Livingston.

The Gorgie outfit dominated throughout and went in at the break in front courtesy of a Michael Smith strike and a Liam Boyce penalty.

Livingston improved slightly after the interval but Robbie Neilson's side added a third through Alex Cochrane to ensure they remain only a point behind leaders Rangers at the summit.

The hosts began the game without John Souttar after the defender picked up a knock in training. That meant Taylor Moore kept his place in the side, despite the return of Smith.

Livingston manager Davie Martindale opted for an attacking line-up after naming both Andrew Shinnie and Odin Bailey in attack in a 4-4-2 formation.

As expected Hearts saw plenty of the ball during the early exchanges but came up against a well-drilled Livingston defensive wall that was difficult to penetrate.

The home side had a chance to test Max Stryjek in the 24th minute when Barrie McKay earned a free-kick just outside the box but Stephen Kingsley – who notched a stunning set-piece in last weekend's draw at Ross County – hit the wall with his effort.

But Hearts stormed ahead a minute later when Smith finished off a flowing move. McKay spun away from Adam Lewis and crossed for Cochrane, who laid a first-time pass back to the defender.

Smith then curled a first-time left-footed drive high into the corner of the net from 12 yards.

Hearts had their tails up and went searching for a second. It arrived in the 33rd minute from Boyce from the penalty spot.

Beni Baningime was clipped by Ben Williamson inside the area and Northern Ireland forward Boyce made no mistake from 12 yards, sending Stryjek the wrong way.

Stryjek at least made a morale-boosting save before the half was out, palming a fizzed half-volley from Smith over his bar.

Livingston brought on Stephane Omeonga and Jackson Longridge at half-time but it was Hearts that continued to press.

And after Stryjek pulled off an excellent save to keep out a Kingsley free-kick, Cochrane made it three in the 65th minute.

McKay fired a low cross straight across the box and the on-loan Brighton man was left with a simple tap-in at the back post.

ID:465388:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4406:
Written by
P A
No Data Analysis info
Game History

How you voted: Hearts vs Livingston

Hearts
85.2%
Draw
9.3%
Livingston
5.6%
54
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard pictured on August 3, 2021
Read Next:
Saturday's Scottish Premiership predictions including Dundee vs. Rangers
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Steelers
14-28
Ravens
FT
Broncos
7-31
Bills
9.30pm
Packers
@
Eagles
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic2219216185359
2RangersRangers22135441182344
3Aberdeen2210573230235
4Dundee UnitedDundee Utd239763124734
5Motherwell2394102837-931
6Hibernian237883436-229
7St Mirren2383112738-1127
8Dundee2275103438-426
9Kilmarnock2367102537-1225
10Ross County2367102342-1925
11Hearts2366112531-624
12St Johnstone2343162547-2215


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!