Hearts B have all but secured second in the Lowland League after a thrilling 4-2 comeback win against Bo’ness Utd at Ainslie Park.
A long-range free kick from Ryan Stevenson has initially put the visitors on their way in the second 45 before a second half goal blitz saw the Wee Jambos tip the scales.
On a crisp, but windy, evening in Pilton, both sides enjoyed their chances in a frenetic 45 minutes of football. Kyle Johnston had a great chance inside the opening minute but skied over the crossbar from a good position.
Johnston was again at the heart of events on the ten minute mark after his low drive at goal was spilled back into play by Liam McFarlane, with the attempted clearance cannoning back off a maroon shirt and over the bar.
After a shaky start, Hearts grew back into the game. A whipped ball across goal from Sandilands required a last gasp clearance from Michael Travis to steer it away from danger, whilst McLuckie blasted high and wide after drifting into space the back post.
On the cusp of half-time, Bo’ness right-back Ryan Stevenson presided over a stunning free-kick from 25-yards – which flew past McFarlane and rippled the top right corner of the net.
HT: Hearts B 0-1 Bo’ness United
Whatever Liam Fox said to his young charges at the break clearly provided some needed spark as Hearts tore through Bo’ness with four goals in a fifteen-minute spell.
James Wilson, Gus Stevenson, and Mackenzie Ross notched three times in close succession as Bo’ness suffered a defensive collapse within moments of the second half getting underway.
Wilson grabbed his second of the afternoon on 68 minutes before Bo’ness pulled one back late on through Hamilton with six minutes to go.
A fine win for the Wee Jambos who look forward to facing Celtic on the final day of the campaign.
Hearts: McFarlane, McLuckie, Dall, Wilson, Sandilands, Stevenson, Gordon, Forrester, Smutek, Ross, Gillies
Subs: McConnell, Thomas, Friel, Crookston, Thompson, Smith
