Ikpeazu scores decisive header as Hearts maintain perfect start

Posted Sunday, August 26, 2018 by PA

Uche Ikpeazu was the hero once again for Hearts as they overcame 10-man Kilmarnock in the Ladbrokes Premiership to secure their sixth successive win.

There are now real comparisons being drawn between Craig Levein’s side and the one led by George Burley in 2005, with the Jambos sitting top of the league with a 100 per cent record.

But this was not a win filled with attacking flair and lots of goalmouth opportunities but a match of hard work and determination, something typified by the goalscorer Ikpeazu who nodded home with just 10 minutes to go.

The visitors started the match brightly and nearly took the lead on the 10-minute mark when Michael Smith’s cross found new signing Jimmy Dunne alone on the penalty spot. The on-loan Burnley man’s shot was well saved by Jamie MacDonald, and in the ensuing goalmouth scramble Ikpeazu was penalised for a push on a Killie defender.

The Jambos had another glorious chance to take the lead right on the stroke of half-time. Ikpeazu was strong on the left-hand and delivered a sumptuous cross for the onrushing Olly Lee. But the midfielder, who scored the winner at Dunfermline last week, could not find a corner with his header and MacDonald parried away.

The home side did have fleeting moments with Jordan Jones at the heart of most of their good play. But it was the visitors who continued to apply most of the pressure.

That pressure was intensified when Killie were reduced to 10 men. Gary Dicker saw red for an over the ball challenge on the bright Callumn Morrison with referee Willie Collum wasting no time in reaching for his back pocket.

Levein’s side used the extra man to their advantage and had Kilmarnock penned back for the majority of the final 20 minutes. Steven MacLean was denied by a stunning MacDonald save and then Ikpeazu could not finish from the follow up as the Killie keeper once again spread himself.

But the English striker’s frustration was soon to turn to joy. He nodded Peter Haring’s cross into the corner of the net from the edge of the box in what was a stunning finish. The six foot three centre-forward celebrated his fourth goal at the club by sprinting across to the dugout and celebrating with Hearts assistant Austin MacPhee.

The margin of victory could have been greater too with Steven Naismith dragging a shot off the post against his former employers in the closing stages of the match.

But that would have only added some gloss to what was a very good day for Levein’s men. The Tynecastle side sit top after three wins from their first three league matches, while Killie go fifth after defeat.