Neil Critchley admits Hearts ‘nervy’ vs Ross County but shares what made the ‘difference’

Add as preferred source on Google

Hearts made it three home wins in a row as they beat Ross County to move into the Premiership’s top six.

The Jambos were being touted for a relegation battle as recently as December, particularly after losing to Hibs in the Boxing Day derby.

But boss Neil Critchley has turned things around at Tynecastle and the club are now looking up the table as opposed to downwards.

Elton Kabangu scored in the first-half to give Hearts a 1-0 lead at the break, but it took a little while for the Gorgie side to find the all-important second goal.

That came late on from Jorge Grant with Hearts finding it difficult to break down a resolute and defensive Ross County outfit in Edinburgh.

It capped off a great week for Hearts after James Wilson and Craig Gordon’s call-ups to the senior Scotland squad.

• READ MORE: What prospective Hearts investor Tony Bloom has said after buying stake in another club

Critchley pores over Hearts 2-0 Ross County

Critchley spoke to the BBC after watching his Hearts team get past the Staggies and admitted to reporter Brian McLaughlin that things were a bit ‘nervy’ in the second-half.

But the Englishman feels it was a thoroughly deserved win and delivered a gig at County for being so defensive throughout the encounter.

Critchley said after being asked if his team were nervous at 1-0 up: “I think that’s only natural when it’s 1-0, you know, the game’s in the balance.

“I thought we were in control of the game for long periods, although Ross County make it very difficult for you when they are a team with basically 11 men behind the ball.

“It’s not easy to break down and they have a threat on the counter attack. Getting the first goal was really important, we scored a fantastic goal, a really brilliant team goal through the middle of the pitch.

“I don’t think Craig’s had a save to make really in the whole game. They’ve obviously put more attacking players on to open the game up, which they had to.

“And then we’ve capitalised by scoring the second goal on the break and I thought the subs all made a difference as well which is what we want, a competitive squad fighting for places.

“I thought it was routine in the end. You could say a comfortable 2-0, but whilst it’s always 1-0 or even 2-0 – remember the Ross County game away from home – the game’s never over.”

What win over Ross County means for Hearts

As mentioned, the three points have moved Hearts into the Premiership’s top six at the expense of Motherwell, who had to fight back and earn a point against St Mirren.

Hearts are now on 39 points and sit just two behind Dundee United, who will compete in the Dundee derby at Tannadice on Sunday.

The Jambos will be extra delighted at the fact they gained ground on Hibs and Aberdeen. The Hibees conceded a last minute equaliser against Kilmarnock, while the Dons played out a stalemate with St Johnstone.

Critchley’s men have two tricky games in store next, however. It’s Celtic away on March 29 before a massive home game versus Dundee United.