B Team head coach Angus Beith was impressed with the controlled performance of his Hearts B side as they defeated East Stirlingshire 2-1 at Falkirk Stadium on Saturday.
The Wee Jambos sealed the victory over The Shire with goals from Henry James and Mackenzie Ross.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website at full-time, Beith said:
“We started the game really well. In the opening 10 minutes we had a good intent about us out of possession, we got after them and played the game in their half.
“Then we just got caught with a couple of channel balls and crosses in the box that we could have dealt with a bit better. But by and large I think we controlled the game first half, we passed it well and created some really good chances.
“In the second half we dealt much better with those channel balls, which meant we had even more control of the game, and we went 2-0 up with two good goals. I was disappointed to concede one at the end, but overall I’m really happy with the performance.
Beith was pleased with the performances of Henry James and Mackenzie Ross, who have both scored in their last two games for Hearts B. He spoke about their development this season:
“It's been a challenge for Henry because he's had to move up to the left hand side, when he's been playing left back pretty much all season, so it’s a different position for him. He’s coped with that really well and he's obviously managed to get two goals as well, so I’m delighted for him.
“Mackenzie has been working hard all year, specifically improving his movements and link play with the number 10 and the wide players. At the moment he's getting loads of rewards off the back of that and obviously a great finish for his goal today.
The manager looks ahead to next Tuesday’s fixture against Broomhill with his side hitting form in recent weeks.
“The two wins in a row have been brilliant for confidence, but the most important thing for me is the performance levels of the group. I think the intent and the aggression right from the start today was really good and it’s probably one of the best games that we've had in possession. Certainly from building out from the back up to the last third.
“We could have scored more goals today which is frustrating but in terms of how well we kept and moved the ball and competed off the ball as well was pleasing, so hopefully we can take that into Tuesday.”
