Hearts came from two goals behind to earn a 2-2 draw with Ross County at Tynecastle Park in the cinch Premiership this afternoon.
An own-goal from Alex Cochrane and a delightful Yan Dhanda free-kick put the visitors two goals ahead early in the second half before goals from Kenneth Vargas and Lawrence Shankland inside the final 20 minutes completed a marvelous Hearts comeback.
The result brings an end to Steven Naismith’s side’s three-game winning streak but they keep hold of 3rd spot.
The Staggies remain 11th in the league but are now six points clear of Livingston at the foot of the table with two games in hand.
Ross County manager Derek Adams was more than pleased with his side’s showing despite surrendering a two-goal lead. He said:
“We murdered them in the first half. We had so many good opportunities in the game.
“The way we played, the way we passed the ball, the way we opened them up, it was a fantastic performance.
“Look at the chances we created, the chances we could’ve scored, the goals we did score, a great goal from (Josh) Sims, a great goal from Yan (Dhanda).
“Overall we were the better side, in my view, and I know nobody cares about my view but I’m giving my view. I thought we were very, very good today.”
Hearts boss Steven Naismith believes his side were denied two penalties by VAR. He said:
“I think we should have had at least a penalty from two incidents, one in the first half, one in the second half…
“Not good enough, twice before today we’ve had apologies for the wrong decision being made by VAR. Rubbish…
“I think it’s two penalties but I can understand that the referee is refereeing the game and might not see the decision. But the fail-safe is VAR.”
