2021/22 Season Review: March

Hearts 2-0 Aberdeen

Hearts earned their second win in four days, and kicked off our March schedule, with a dominant victory over Aberdeen at a noisy Tynecastle Park.

Goals from John Souttar and Stephen Kingsley saw off the Dons, who were denied a consolation goal when Craig Gordon saved a penalty from Lewis Ferguson.

It was largely one way traffic, and Hearts took a deserved lead into the break after opening the scoring on 38 minutes.

A corner from the left flank wasn't cleared by the visitors and Souttar made them pay by smashing home a brilliant finish on the volley from inside the area.

Aberdeen started the second half with a bit more purpose, although never got near the Hearts goal in any meaningful way, and it was no surprise when the Jambos doubled the lead on the hour.

McKay was played in by Boyce and cut back into his left foot but was denied by a fine save, preventing his first goal for the club.

But while he didn't net, the assists king McKay was at it again, whipping in a ball from the right and it was met by a bullet header from Kingsley which flew into the net past Lewis.

Dundee United 2-2 Hearts

Hearts fought back to earn a share of the spoils against Dundee United in what proved to be a challenging afternoon at Tannadice. 

Hearts were unchanged from the victory over Aberdeen in midweek and showed why after an opening minute counter attack. Craig Gordon threw it out to Barrie McKay, he drove at goal and squared to Gary Mackay-Steven, who slipped in Boyce and the striker smashed a first time finish in off the post.

After the break, it got worse when Liam Smith rifled in a shot from 25 yards after just ten seconds of the half.

Then, John Souttar brought down Marc McNulty in the area to give United the chance to lead, with Nicky Clark converting. Souttar then had to be subbed off after injuring himself giving away the penalty.

The Hearts shape had to be changed multiple times by now but they kep battling away and probing the Utd defence, and that persistence finally paid off. Simms had a shot diverted for a corner and, after United failed to heed the warning of Haring earlier heading wide, Halkett rose highest to nod home inside the six-yard box.

Hearts 4-2 St. Mirren (Scottish Cup)

Hearts saw off St Mirren to book a trip to Hampden after a pulsating Scottish Cup tie at Tynecastle. 

First half goals from Beni Baningime and Peter Haring looked to have Hearts on easy street but two superb strikes from Eamonn Brophy and Connor Ronan brought the visitors level.

However, the Jambos roared back and further goals from Aaron McEneff and Ellis Simms sent the Jambos into the Scottish Cup semi finals.

Hearts 2-0 Livingston

Hearts strengthened their grip on third place in the cinch Premiership with a confident victory over Livingston in Gorgie. 

An Beni Baningime goal inside the opening three minutes was followed up midway through the second half with an absolute beauty from Barrie McKay as the Jambos saw off their West Lothian opponents for the fourth time this season to go 14 points clear in 3rd place.