Hearts B 7-0 Gretna

Hearts B 7-0 Gretna

Lowland League

Friday 21st July 2023

Wow!

What an absolute pleasure to watch this game was as Hearts B Team were at their devastating best, ripping apart Gretna, racking up the goals and surging to the top of Lowland League in a team performance where the standards, work-rate, drive and desire was brilliant right the way across the team.

On another night watching these lads yet again filled with numerous positives, it really was an onslaught from start to finish with no mercy whatsoever shown to Gretna!

It took the Wee Jambos just seven minutes to open the scoring with Bobby McLuckie claiming the honour of bagging the first goal in the Lowland League this season with a left-foot drive across the ‘keeper and into the bottom corner after Callum Sandilands (what a baller) slipped him through with a piercing ball which cut the visiting defence open.

Massive appreciation for that pass - and some good celebration photos too no doubt as Sandilands hoisted McLuckie aloft; both beaming in delight at making the early breakthrough.

Less than a minute later there were even more smiles because, blink and you’ll have missed it, it was 2-0 because with Gretna still licking their wounds at conceding the opener, this time it was Bailey Dall (playing with such confidence and freedom and an absolute joy to watch over the past week) who found Mak Kirk inside the box and last season’s talisman fired his effort through the legs of the Gretna ‘keeper to make it 2-0. BOOM!

With Hearts in this mood; motoring, buzzing with self-belief and confidence and being this clinical, Gretna might have already been harbouring a foreboding sense of dread as to what the scoreline might end up!

And the night didn’t get any better for them!

More pressure quickly followed as Rocco Friel’s through ball to Murray Thomas found him just offside and when Big Muz needed to be replaced, Gus Stevenson was ‘on it’ straight away - driving forward quite menacingly with the ball within just a few seconds of his introduction and really signaling his intent to do well.

Bailey Dall (that lad again) then had an effort saved after teasing his man and getting a low shot away; Rocco Friel also flashed a powerful effort wide from distance, Callum Sandilands moved the ball really well in a few instances on the edge of the box (earning the applause of the crowd on a couple occasions in doing so) and when Gretna did get the ball forward in one long downfield pump, Luke Rathie donning the captain’s armband underlined every bit of his value with some excellent composure in his defending to ensure nothing got past him.

It was brilliant stuff right the way across the pitch; Hearts were maintaining possession and moving the ball really quickly, sharply and purposefully, overlap options were always available out wide, attacking numbers were good and the pressing was aggressive and excellent which meant they were getting the ball back off Gretna quite quickly too.

The ball was soon in the net again when Sandilands showed more magic on the edge of the box and poked a ball through to Mak Kirk, via a little deflection, albeit the flag was already going up as it reached Kirky’s feet to finish and the referee wasn’t going to overrule his assistant.

Another chance came on the half-hour mark. This time it was Bailey Dall who saw a powerful drive tipped over from outside the box and from the resulting corner, Luke Rathie, up from the back, flashed a header just an inch or so wide, having stooped to make a telling connection on the delivery.

Even by this point - before half-time, it was feeling like a battering. Call it whatever you want but the possession and territory stats must have been ridiculous, and though there were no further goals before the break, Kenzi Nair (header) and James Wilson (low shot from the edge of the box) both went close to getting their names on the score-sheet.

Needless to say it didn’t get any better for Gretna in the second half and, predictably as their legs tired a bit, it got a whole heap worse as Hearts started to run riot.

Not long after linking up with Callum Sandilands in an attack where he showed a brilliant first touch to bring a high ball under control, Mak Kirk soon demonstrated quality technique to score the goal of the night as he brilliantly beat his man outside the box, burst a few yards with it, flicked the ball up and blasted his shot past the visiting ‘keeper to make it 3-0.

Dennis Bergkamp, eat your heart out! What a finish! Goodnight Gretna!

Soon enough it was 4-0 with Kirky claiming his hat-trick via a near-post tap-in with James Wilson being the architect after a determined driving burst to the byline from the right flank and subsequent cut-back, and before the hour mark came it was ‘Jambos Number Five’; a little bit of Sandilands with the cross (from a corner), a little bit of Kirky with the touch (though it might have come off a defender too but he’s never going to claim it so it’s yours Kirky), and a little bit of Luke Rathie with a great big smirk on his face to wind-up one of Gretna’s defenders as the ball trickled over the goal-line and the boys wheeled away for some more celebrations infront of the photographer. Jambos Number Five… and all that was missing was the Lou Bega tune over the PA system!

Gretna were getting more and more frustrated by now - the floodgates had well and truly been opened, they were getting out-smarted and out-classed and soon enough, their emotions boiled over as David Cox became involved in a tussle with Bailey Dall which led to a melee; cue a few yellow cards as Callum Sandilands and Liam McFarlane got involved and Cox was booked for his part in sparking it all, though it says everything about the spirit and togetherness of this Hearts team that, even in this situation, they weren’t afraid to get involved, rush in, back-up their team-mate and not get pushed around by anyone - showing that physicality and bit of bite that’s needed to be successful in the game!

A few minutes later Kenzi Nair received an off the ball elbow as things again threatened to get silly, then James Wilson also did well to just nip the ball away in the nick of time and avoid a nasty challenge when Gretna’s left-back went lunging in wildly. When Ryan Duncan came on he also had David Cox go through the back of him in an incident where not even a foul was given.

But still the goals kept coming. 

Forget ‘Jambos Number Five’ because for the goal which made it 6-0, Gretna might as well have had Dido’s ‘White Flag’ waving above their net as Bobby McLuckie turned goalwards a cross by Rocco Friel from a tight angle inside the six-yard box and somehow or another, the Gretna ‘keeper only succeeded in bundling it over the line.

Ironically, just a few minutes later Gretna’s ‘keeper was swearing at his defence but before the night was up he was beaten again - and on this occasion, in the last phase of play before he was about to be substituted, it was Callum Sandilands whose venomous low-drive from outside the area whizzed into the net at speed. A quality strike; a goal he deserved and big applause for Gus Stevenson who was heavily involved in the build-up; tormenting his marker for skill near the corner flag and then cutting it back for Sandilands, via Mak Kirk, who claimed the assist.

If seven wasn’t enough, Hearts could have had more goals - and maybe even double figures! 

Bobby McLuckie put one wide at the far-post when it looked harder to miss than to score and he also saw a downward header bounce over in the dying stages. Mack Ross too had a couple of efforts - including one that was blocked; Harvey Chisholm lashed one over from the edge of the box when he came on, the Gretna ‘keeper also pulled off a couple of saves and it perhaps said everything that the visitors’ No.3 was regularly asking the linesman how long there was left - clearly just wanting the night to be over!

The game did end on one sour note as Gretna’s No.4 landed awkwardly during a battle for possession and dislocated his shoulder. He needed treatment and oxygen on the pitch for a few minutes, was in clear discomfort and pain before he was helped off by the physios, and here’s hoping he makes a quick and full recovery. Nobody wants to see lads get injured - particularly at this early stage in the season.

But overall what a night from a Hearts perspective, what a fantastic collective performance where the lads were at their best playing some quality stuff and reaping the rewards for their work, and once again it was a pleasure to be there to witness it in person.

So many quality contributions across the pitch and moments in the game which everyone involved can be pleased about. 

Mak Kirk and his four goals plus an excellent first touch which I saw a few times (impressive). He’ll no doubt take the plaudits along with a matchball - and that second goal, lets give him some applause. High class technique, high class composure and he’ll be hoping to bag another like that against his dad’s team in a couple of weeks up at Brechin in the cup game! 

Callum Sandilands and his link-up play which was of a really good standard. Two assists (might have been more) along with the goal he scored himself, plus dropping into a CDM role at one stage in the second half. He added a lot and made a massive contribution; dealing with the physicality too when he was directly up against David Cox. A top class night for him and brilliant to watch see him playing with confidence and wreaking havoc!

Harry Gordon and all the little bits and pieces he picked up in midfield; not always the most noticeable player on the pitch but I encourage anyone to watch him specifically for 10 minutes in a game and you’ll realise how good he is. Lots of tidy work in this game in winning the ball back and an excellent night for him.

Bobby McLuckie; loads of involvements, loads of quality and two goals. He should have been claiming a matchball with a couple of chances he didn’t quite put away - especially one at the far-post which was begging to be put in, but for about 60 seconds in that first half, he was the outright top scorer in the entire Scottish Football Pyramid this season - and that’s something he’ll be able to live off for a while!

Rocco Friel; very good. A couple of crosses he won’t want to remember but he also popped some great ones around over the course of the 90 minutes, got an assist, had that low drive in the first half which wasn’t all that far wide, was quite effective in certain phases of play - especially in how he pushed up to supplement attacks and, overall, it won’t be very long before he’s celebrating infront of the photographer having got his first goal of the season. It’s coming!

Gus Stevenson; sharp, keen and determined he was from the second he came onto the pitch, lots of energy, plus his part in the last goal which all came about due to his fantastic work and persistence. Saw some top things from him and he was another pain in Gretna’s backside.

James Wilson; took a little while to grow into the game (as Hearts early threat was mainly down the left) but started to show his quality, find space, dominate and then thrive - particularly in the early stages of the second half. A lovely role he played in Mak Kirk’s hat-trick goal, and then even more so in just being clever, quick, nimble, intelligent and aware enough to nip the ball away and avoid that potentially horrible challenge when the left-back came sliding in completely out of control. Think he was the youngest Hearts player on the pitch (might be wrong) but another who looked very comfortable.

Mack Ross; bright (nearly as bright as his pink boots - and he’s braver than me wearing them that’s for sure), sharp, posed a threat, went close a few times and although he needs to be a bit louder in shouting for the ball at times (noticed that), the space he finds and some of the positions he takes up during attacks is testament to his quality and what he offers. Very good with the ball at his feet, taking on his man and dribbling and if he’d been playing for the full 90 minutes I’d have fancied him to get one goal at least; probably more.

Bailey Dall; a couple of shots saved, was unlucky not to score but showed some excellent footwork, movement and contributions high up the pitch on various occasions. Great with his distribution (popping two or three class long-distance balls around to feet in the first half - unreal stuff) and it’s great to watch a lad who is quite obviously beaming and buzzing with confidence, loving his football and in a rich vein of form right now - especially after a rough couple of years. Long may it continue, Dalldini!

Kenzi Nair; not troubled all that much due to the lack of threat Gretna posed, but whenever he did need to defend, he was assured. In the starting line-up on merit after some good pre-season performances where I’ve seen his value and seen him at his best (especially Broxburn) and he’ll be delighted to have played a part in another clean-sheet. Didn’t flinch either when he got the off-the-ball elbow which proves he can handle the physicality of this level.

Liam McFarlane; would love to write something here but I can’t actually recall the big man making a save (which is testament to all the quality shown elsewhere on the pitch). He took a few crosses; his kicking and distribution was clean and he’ll be pleased with his night’s work. Nearly escaped a yellow card for his part in the melee where he rushed off his line to get involved, but brilliant to see him on the scene and backing up his team-mate!

Ryan Duncan; only came on as a substitute so had limited time to make an impact but involved in some neat bits of play and at some point he will force his way into the starting line-up and dominate a game (got that belief in him) - likewise for Harvey Chisholm (shot he had was always rising) and Ethan Drysdale who both got on in the latter stages and will be pleased to have got some minutes.

Finally, the player I want to give the most credit to is Luke Rathie. There will be bigger tests for him but he was an absolute class act in this game; wearing the armband and driving high standards with his organising and leadership. Whenever he was put under pressure, he defended so assuredly and was great with his positioning. Lets make it crystal clear, Gretna couldn’t get anything whatsoever out of him and he matched them with his physicality too! Tremendous.

It should be pointed out that Gretna were poor (that’s without being disrespectful to them - just honest) and I’ve got no doubt there will be tougher challenges for this Hearts team as the season progresses. But, even still, the Wee Jambos were very, very good in this game as well. Hence all the positives and it was some way to start the season.

The downside of the night was Murray Thomas going off early on with what looked like a tight groin/hamstring; hopefully it isn’t anything too significant and he’ll be back soon.

If this is what Friday night football at Ainslie Park is going to be like, I encourage any Hearts fan to pop down and give these lads your backing. 

You won’t regret it and you’ll get to witness some quality players on show - and with Mac Tait, Callum Flatman, Aidan Denholm and Adam Forrester amongst those who could still come back into the B Team at some point, it's crazy to think just how much emerging talent there is at Tynecastle right now!

I won’t be at Civil Service Strollers on Tuesday; instead I’m at Lesser Hampden watching Queens Park vs Elgin City - the only chance I’ll have to go there there this season, but I will be at Gala Fairydean next weekend and I plan also to be at Brechin City, the following midweek - and needless to say I'm looking forward to both of those games already!

So up the Wee Jambos - and, just like 12 months ago after hammering Berwick Rangers at Ferguson Park on the opening day of last season, save that Lowland League table for posterity again whilst it’s looking so good.

Team: Liam McFarlane, Bailey Dall, Luke Rathie, Kenzi Nair, Rocco Friel, Harry Gordon, James Wilson, Callum Sandilands, Bobby McLuckie, Murray Thomas, Mak Kirk. Subs Used: Gus Stevenson, Ethan Drysdale, Ryan Duncan, Harvey Chisholm, Mack Ross.