Neil Critchley rues ‘off the pace’ Hearts and sloppy defending despite victory over Kilmarnock

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Neil Critchley admits his Hearts side were ‘off the pace’ at Tynecastle despite securing a 3-2 win over Kilmarnock.

The Jambos took the lead inside eight minutes through Elton Kabangu’s third goal in a maroon jersey since joining on loan from Union Saint-Gilloise.

It was 1-0 at half-time before goals began to fly in left, right and centre. Kilmarnock equalised through Bobby Wales’ excellent finish but a quick-fire double from Jamie McCart and Jorge Grant gave Hearts a two-goal cushion.

Killie gift-wrapped Hearts‘ second and third goals of the encounter and that was enough for Critchley’s men to earn three points.

Fraser Murray did pull one back for Killie which set up a nervy finish but an unconvincing Hearts managed to see out the victory in Gorgie.

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Critchley reacts to Hearts beating Kilmarnock

Critchley spoke to the BBC after the game and admitted that he wasn’t overly impressed with his team’s performance.

The Englishman lamented two poor goals conceded and thought his players lacked their usual intensity.

He told reporter Brian McLaughlin: “I didn’t think we were great all game if I’m honest. I think we looked at little bit off the pace a little bit and a bit reactive.

“We are normally playing with real intensity but we were just – our quality and our touch, we misjudged things a little bit, so we were a little bit off it.

“But we scored goals at the right times. Good goals as well, the first and the second goal. Two poor goals (conceded), I thought we stopped conceding goals like that, or at least we have done recently.

“We had a few chances to make it 4-2 but we didn’t finish the game off. But it’s three points and it means we are six unbeaten and it definitely helps the belief within the group.”

What victory means for Hearts

Despite the display, Hearts have now risen up to 9th in the Premiership and they are now only three points off the top six.

Ross County managed a draw against Hibs and that has the Staggies a point behind the Jambos, while Kilmarnock now sit 11th a further two points back.

It’s six unbeaten now for Hearts with four of those wins and next Saturday’s game away to Dundee has just gotten a little bit more appetising.

That’s because Dundee and Hearts are both locked on 27 points and victory for either side would be massive in their quest to reach the top six.