Heart of Midlothian B were left frustrated after being held to a 0-0 draw by Cumbernauld Colts at Broadwood Stadium.

It will feel like two points dropped for Liam Fox’s side as the sheer number of chances created would have been more than enough for three points on another day. Still, the Wee Jambos continue their solid start to the season.

This result means Hearts B remain 5th in the Lowland League table on 14 points after eight games played.

Failing to take chances

A 0-0 scoreline would make anyone think it was a game where both teams offered nothing, but it was far from that. Right from the start the Wee Jambos took control of the game with Cumbernauld Colts looking happy to sit in deep and let Hearts B have the ball. This played into the Wee Jambos' favour as the first half saw them create a plethora of chances. The most notable one of the bunch, came in the opening quarter as Mack Ross played in a great driven ball across the box which was met by James Wilson but the attempt went wide. Wilson and Bobby Mcluckie also saw their efforts cleared off of the line as Cumbernauld Colts put their bodies on the line to keep their team in it. The second half was the same story and was yet again one-way traffic for the Jambos and they had the ball in the back of the net on two occasions, but they were ruled out by the linesman.

First clean sheet of the season 

Although facing troubles at one end, it was a good day for the Hearts backline. The 0-0 meant that this was the first competitive clean sheet since a 3-0 win over Gretna 2008 in March last season. With how attacking the two Hearts full-backs are the two centre backs of Lucas Smith and Kai Smutek did well to see off the threat of Cumbernauld Colts. Goalkeeper Jamie Macdonald was also very solid on the few occasions he was called upon and was once again a strong vocal voice at the back.

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Positives to Take

Although a frustrating outing it certainly isn’t all doom and gloom in the Hearts camp. An exceptional attacking display from start to finish with some fantastic football being played along the way. Macaulay Tait was once again showing his quality in the midfield with a great range of passing on display to help keep Hearts in control. Dom Plank was also a standout. Although only on for a 20-minute cameo, the 18-year-old showed why he is so highly rated. Every time he got the ball he was extremely direct and was not scared to take his opponent on which saw him have the beating of his opponent on several occasions and was unlucky not to get himself a goal. 

Frustration for Wilson

Just days after his European debut with the first team, James Wilson didn’t seem to have luck on his side in Cumbernauld, a massive chance passed up early on almost to set the tone. A second opportunity was presented as he sneakily played the ball around the keeper, but by the time he set himself for the shot the Cumbernauld Colts backline were there to spoil his moment, clearing it off the line. In the second half it looked like the breakthrough came his way as he once again took it past the keeper to slot into the back of the net, but this time it would be the linesman to spoil his moment as it was deemed offside. Although not a goal to his name this afternoon the 17-year-old was still a nightmare for the opposition backline to deal with. His resilience to get to every ball mixed in with his pace made him a real handful all afternoon.