Kye Rowles' header is deflected in by Dinamo captain Sergey PolitevichSNS

Kye Rowles' header is deflected in by Dinamo captain Sergey Politevich

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

Yan Dhanda’s 94th-minute header gave managerless Hearts a Conference League win over Dinamo Minsk and brought to an end their dreadful run of form.

It looked certain that Hearts’ troubles were set to continue - having gone winless in their previous 10 games - after last Saturday’s draw with Ross County confirmed their worst ever start to a season.

The Scottish Premiership side trailed to Steven Alfred's opener in Azerbaijan - the game played in a neutral location due to the Belarus’ support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

But a fortunate own goal off the head of Sergey Politevich had Hearts level and, with seconds remaining, Dhanda was able to glance in Lawrence Shankland’s header to secure the win.

There were no fans allowed in the Mehdi Huseynzade Stadium, and for large spells of the game that would have been sweet succour for watching Hearts fans.

They’d have travelled 3,300 miles to witness another slow start from their side.

Dinamo sat back, allowing Hearts to a chance to show off their creative flair. They showed very little.

Having absorbed some mild pressure, the Belarus side threw their first punch. Rui Lopes got down the line, scampering away from Alan Forrest, and cut back to Alfred, whose first-time finish was out of Craig Gordon’s reach.

At first, it looked certain Dinamo would get a second but Hearts got lucky in their search for a leveller. James Penrice whipped in a fine corner, Rowles flicked on, and Politevich stretched awkwardly to place a header past his own keeper.

Dinamo started the second-half brightly. Alfred saw a header fly inches past a post, although the offside flag would have denied him.

Shankland tried to muster a reply. A ball from the left was collected by the Hearts captain and he fired at goal, only to be denied by Fyodor Lapoukhov.

With full-time beckoning, both sides tried to go for it. Shankland had a chance with his head, and followed up with a weak volley. Raymond Adeola fired wide for Dinamo. No winner seemed forthcoming.

Step up Dhanda. Jorge Grant broke free on the right and crossed to the back post. Shankland rose to head towards Dhanda, who glanced the ball past the keeper.

Hearts find it better to be lucky than good

This would have been a wildly frustrating night for Hearts fans and staff alike.

Once again, they were up against a team in Europe that seemed entirely beatable. Yet, the answer to the enigma seemed ungraspable for the players on the pitch.

Another low-block that Hearts struggled to break down, more vulnerable defending. It has all become far too common a sight for Hearts fans this season.

Forrest was particularly guilty for his part in Dinamo's goal. Barrie McKay had one of his worst nights in a Hearts shirt.

But interim head coach Liam Fox has once again produced a positive result in the dying seconds. Be it luck or an extra little bit of belief, Hearts have pulled a rabbit out of the hat in the last few seconds for the second game running.

Can they do it at Aberdeen on Sunday? The history book suggests not.

The international break after that game comes at a good time and having a permanent manager appointed when league football returns in late October is essential.

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