Hearts players celebratingSNS

Hearts left it late to seal a point against Ross County

Andy Campbell
BBC Scotland

Lawrence Shankland's first goal of the season deep in added time rescued a point for managerless Hearts against Ross County and ended their run of eight straight defeats.

The hosts, who parted with head coach Steven Naismith last weekend and were overseen by caretaker Liam Fox, struggled to break down their stubborn visitors before Ronan Hale netted superbly against the run of play.

Captain Shankland's shot struck the crossbar in one of three big chances for the striker prior to his equaliser, when he bundled in Yan Dhanda's corner.

Hearts move on to two points from seven games and are a point adrift at the bottom. Don Cowie's County are five points better off and just outside the top six.

Two of the big moments in the game typified Hearts' recent experience.

Hale flicked the ball into Connor Randall's path then pounced on the loose ball after Beni Baningime's tackle. Craig Gordon was well beaten by a sumptuous strike.

County found themselves defending deeper and deeper in the second half and the Shankland chance off the woodwork came from Alan Forrest's set up, the frame of the goal rattling before Forrest drew a save from Ross Laidlaw in the aftermath.

But the home side kept going and Gordon joined the attack at the corner that finally yielded a leveller.

Late leveller boosts Hearts for Europe

Hearts face the arduous journey to face opening Conference League opponents Dinamo Minsk in Azerbaijan on Thursday then visit Aberdeen the following Sunday.

Winning this game would have been the ideal boost and though their winless run stretches to a 12th game, Shankland's late goal gives them something of a tonic.

In truth, they should have been in front early on. County goalkeeper Laidlaw could only palm a shot from Forrest and Shankland pinched the ball just next to the byeline to tee up Forrest, whose shot was blocked by Ryan Leak.

And, after falling behind, they carved an excellent chance when Stephen Kingsley found Shankland with a back-post cross and the Scotland forward nodded wide.

Substitute Barrie McKay struck past after a one-two with Shankland and both Jorge Grant and Shankland were denied by Laidlaw as time ticked away. Shankland would have the final say, though.

County almost capitalise in the capital

County appeared to be ready for a Hearts reaction following Naismith's departure. They set up to repel their hosts and restricted them for extended periods.

Going forward, they had to make the most of counters and set pieces, Nathan Chilvers flashing an effort over from a corner prior to the opener.

And, after the Hale goal, the striker elected to shoot rather than play in Jordan White as Hearts were caught on the break again. The eventual shot was deflected into Gordon's hands when White seemed better placed.

Losing such a late goal will be a disappointment but they go into next week's visit of champions Celtic with two draws and a win since the last international break.

What they said

Hearts interim head coach Liam Fox: "We're not celebrating a draw at home but the message I want to get across is that the players kept going right to the end.

"We can do better, we know that."

Ross County manager Don Cowie: "I'm seeing a group of players that are working ever so hard for each other, putting their bodies on the line.

"We see out that last corner, we go away with three points. It's not to be but I'm extremely proud of the group."

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