Hearts 2 Livingston 1

Last updated : 04 December 2005 By Dov

A double from Rudi Skacel fired Hearts back to the top of the league and gave head coach Graham Rix his first Hearts win.


Hearts came out the blocks strongly and were two goals up inside 15 minutes both from the lethal left foot of Skacel, at this point, it looked as if the Lions were in for a right good humping.




Young striker Calum Elliot had wasted a couple of early half chances, but Skacel settled the nerves with a brilliant opener that must be a candidate for goal of the season.




He left three Livingston defenders trailing in his wake before looking up and firing a vicious 20-yarder into the top corner of Ludovic Roy's net, a good goal, but I'm sure Roy will be dissapointed at letting the Jimbo score from that distance.





Livi had barely had the chance to regroup when Skacel had added to his account. He took a clever cross from Calum Elliot and hit a low left-foot shot into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

Comeback man Roman Bednar hit the post from a tight angle and Skacel was only inches away with a 25-yard free-kick.



But Livi grabbed a lifeline after 63 minutes with a spectacular long-range goal from Alan Walker.


It was more than they deserved at that point, but they got a lift and began to compete much more in the game. Having said that, Hearts hit the post again with a speculative effort from Michal Pospisil and then Paul Hartley missed a glorious opportunity from only 10 yards from Pospisil's cut-back.



The match ended in controversy when Livingston had the ball in the net only minutes from the end from Gabor Vincze's long throw-in. Livingston
claimed the ball had been deflected on its way in, but referee Alan Freeland saw nothing wrong and awarded Hearts a goal kick
.


The Hearts players and supporters were delighted at hearing the final whistle, as the Lions were all over them in the closing stages.



 
Get ALL the latest supporters reaction - only on www.livilions.co.uk - click the link to go livilions.co.uk


All photos copyright www.livilions.co.uk - www.liviultras.com - Steven Carrie