The points were shared at Forthbank stadium as Heart of Midlothian B failed to hold on to their 2-0 advantage, drawing 2-2 with Stirling University.

Liam Fox’s side took the lead in the 21st minute as Finlay Pollock’s cross found the head of Mackenzie Ross who put his side ahead. Just before the end of the first half Matthew Gilles doubled the Wee Jambos advantage.

However, it wasn’t to be as Stirling University fought their way back into the match as two second-half goals including an 85th-minute equaliser meant Liam Fox’s side were forced to settle for a point. The point means Hearts B sit in fifth spot on 13 points after 7 games played in the Lowland League.

Strong first half 

After a tough time down in the borders during the week which saw the Wee Jambos ship six goals in a 6-1 defeat to Gretna 2008, it was important for Liam Fox’s side to start brightly in Stirling. The opening exchanges of the match looked comfortable for Hearts B as the hosts were limited to very few attempts on goal. The breakthrough came in the way of Mack Ross as Finlay Pollock picked up the ball out wide and found himself with a number of maroon jerseys in the box, his perfectly swung-in cross left Ross with little to do as he guided it into the back of the net. It was another assist for Pollock who was part of the first-team squad in Plzen in midweek. Later on, Ross assisted Matthew Gilles who bundled his way by the Stirling University defenders before poking the ball home to make it 2-0.

Threat in wide areas 

It’s becoming a staple of Liam Fox’s Hearts B side. It is clear to see that they are trying to make the most of the wide areas. Both full-backs against Stirling University were vital to that. On many occasions getting high up the park to support the wingers but also making underlapping runs. Henry Lister and Adam Forrester continue to find themselves in the middle of the park helping to overload the midfield which was very effective. The downside to this was at points in the game they left themselves vulnerable at the back, on some occasions the two Stirling strikers were man-for-man with the two Hearts centre-backs, leading to them being susceptible to counterattacks. 

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Two points dropped

After a controlling first half, the Wee Jambos went into the break two goals to the good. However, it was a disaster of a start to the second 45. In the opening moments after the interval, Lucas Smith, in an attempt to play it out from the back, miss hit the ball directly into the path of the Stirling University striker who took the gift to get his side back into the match. The majority of the half after that was a fairly even game with both sides having good chances to add to the scoreline. As the minutes ticked on it was looking more and more comfortable for the Wee Jambos until a corner in the 85th minute saw the high-jumping defender of Stirling University fire his header into the back of the net to complete the comeback for the hosts. The remainder of the match saw both teams go for it but both sides were unable to produce any more late drama.

Defensive record

Although a strong start to their Lowland League campaign, Liam Fox’s side are yet to record a clean sheet in competitive fixtures this season. Hearts B currently sit with the fifth-worst defensive record so far this season with 15 goals conceded in 7 games.  If the Wee Jambos want to replicate last season’s success, then they will likely require improvement defensively. However, they are not having the same trouble at the other end of the park as they are the second top scores on 22 goals.