Hearts earned a brilliant Europa Conference League win over Omonia Nicosia at Tynecastle and hold a 100 per cent record in the league phase.
The first half display in particular from the Jambos was impressive and too hot for their Cypriot visitors to handle.
A 2-0 lead earned in that opening period proved to be enough with the second half more about holding onto the lead and seeing it through, though there was still opportunity to score a third. Sub Jorge Grant did so but was ruled out for offside.
Omonia did look to launch a comeback but didn’t do enough to trouble their hosts.
Here are Not the Old Firm’s player ratings on a brilliant night for the Gorgie men.
Hearts player ratings vs Omonia Nicosia
Craig Gordon 6 – Not threatened all that match between the sticks.
Adam Forrester 7 – The youngster was back in at right-back. Stood up to the task very well as his opposite winger showed a real willingness but didn’t get any joy. Joined in with attacks too. Did pick up a booking after getting himself into trouble and taken off not long after.
Frankie Kent 7 – Won so much in the air as is now expected of him. Solid on the deck on top of that.
Kye Rowles 7 – Seems to have a new found confidence and didn’t put a foot wrong.
Stephen Kingsley 7 – Looking closer to the Stephen Kingsley of old again and there will now be real competition with James Penrice at left-back.
Malachi Boateng 8 – Won the ball so often and so impressively to perform a vital role at the base of midfield. Calm and composed on the ball.
Cammy Devlin 7 – His usual terrier like self and got involved in some passing moves.
Kenneth Vargas 7 – Was a threat down the right even if not everything was coming off and Hearts were more useful on the other flank.
Alan Forrest 8 – Along with Spittal, the next best attacking force in maroon. Got his goal but also worked relentlessly and caused problems with his direct running.
Blair Spittal 8 – A superb night as he scored his third goal in as many games. But he was much more than, tormenting the Omonia defence by popping up in space at will and linking up with teammates. Really come onto a game now but this was arguably his best display in maroon.
Lawrence Shankland 7 – Things still not falling for him in front of goal but some nice touches and link-up. Did come close on a couple of occasions.
Subs
Daniel Oyegoke 4 – Stuck to his task defensively after coming on for Forrester.
Jorge Grant 4 – Thought he had scored a third but flagged offside
Yan Dhanda 4 – Helped see the game out
James Penrice 4 – Helped out defensively as a left winger before slotting back to full-back.
Barrie McKay 3 – On for the final few minutes