Hearts 3-0 St Mirren: Report

23 October 2010 17:32

Rudi Skacel netted a hat-trick as Hearts claimed a first home win of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League season 3-0 to deepen St Mirren's gloom.

The Czech Republic international's cultured left-foot was the source for two first-half goals - the first after 74 seconds and the second a curling free-kick after 24 minutes - and netted his third with the last kick of the game.

Saints had few chances of note and now have five points from nine matches this term and are still seeking their first points away from Paisley.

Little more than a minute after the start Skacel had fired Hearts in front from 20 yards. Suso Santana beat his man down the right and forged forward before finding Kevin Kyle inside the area. The striker laid the ball off for Skacel, who took a touch to steady himself before firing a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Michael Higdon failed to connect well when presented with an eighth-minute opportunity by Kenny McLean as Hearts were almost caught unaware by the visitors.

John Potter was penalised for blocking Calum Elliot in a dangerous position 20 yards out after 24 minutes, presenting Skacel with an opportunity from a free-kick. And the midfielder this time did not disappoint, curling in from 20 yards to give Craig Samson no chance.

A loose ball then broke for Marius Zaliukas to run the length of the field. Urged on to shoot as he approached the edge of the visitors' area, Zaliukas instead opted to play the ball to the left for Skacel. The midfielder's shot ricocheted off a Saints defender and against the bar.

Neither side could keep possession long enough early in the second half to fashion a meaningful chance.

Skacel, Eggert Jonsson and Santana then contrived to fluff a free-kick - the ball moving just a yard sideways - before Aaron Mooy, who signed from Bolton on Friday, was given his debut and 30 minutes to impress by Saints boss Danny Lennon.

But after Saints substitute Garry Brady had fired narrowly over it was Skacel who provided the game's third goal with the final kick of the contest. The midfielder cut in from the right without being closed down and made space for himself to hit a right-footed shot low into the bottom right corner.

Source: PA