Head coach Neil Critchley has praised his players character to fight back and earn a point at Easter Road after a gruelling three games in eight days.
The Jambos found themselves behind in Leith as Mykola Kukharevych netted the opening goal, but 17-year-old James Wilson came off the bench to ensure a share of the spoils in Leith.
Speaking to Hearts TV at full-time, Critchley said:
“I think we deserved a point. I think that’s a fair reflection of the game. I was pleased with how we coped with the atmosphere, coming here and playing away from home. I thought we had real control in the game, which is what we wanted to do.
“We didn’t want to just have possession though; we wanted to have dangerous possession. I thought we got into some really good areas in the first half, but our quality and decision-making let us down.
“The message at half-time was to make more passes in the final third and push them further back to their goal. I felt we were doing that in the second half, and then they score from a really poor goal from us to concede. We didn’t get first contact or second contact, so from being in the ascendency, we’re now chasing the game.
“I thought our character after that was fantastic. The subs made a difference. I think we deserved the equaliser, and we were in the ascendency, and we had a few moments in and around the box at the end, but it didn’t quite fall for us. After the week we’ve had though, to finish the way we did, was a really pleasing aspect.”
On Wilson’s equaliser, Critchley added: “A fantastic moment for him. A special moment. We decided to make attacking subs and subs that we felt would make an impact and I think they all did. Alan gets a little touch, and James is there to finish it off. It was a goalscorers goal. Sometimes they just arrive in the right place at the right time and James has done that, so I’m made up for him to get to celebrate in front of the supporters. A great moment for him.”
You can watch Neil’s interview in full and all the action from the derby on Hearts TV.
