Source: Team_Talk
Red-hot Rudi's treble sinks Saints
Rudi Skacel netted a hat-trick as Hearts claimed a first home win of the Scottish Premier League season on Saturday, beating St Mirren 3-0.[LNB] The Czech Republic international's cultured left-foot was the source for two first-half goals - the first after a minute and 14 seconds and the second a curling free-kick after 24 minutes - and he struck a third in the second minute of stoppage time at the end of the game.[LNB]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.[LNB]Skacel has now scored four times in four appearances since returning to Hearts for a second spell.[LNB]There were suggestions Skacel's recruitment last month was at the behest of Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov, rather than at the request of manager Jim Jefferies.[LNB]But Jefferies will surely be a happy man after Skacel, who helped Hearts win the Scottish Cup in 2006 before departing for Southampton, earned a second straight win and a first win from five home games this term.[LNB]There also appeared to be progress in the contract impasse with Marius Zaliukas as the captain started a second straight game - the first, against Aberdeen last week, also ending in victory.[LNB]Zaliukas was named in an unchanged starting XI and little more than a minute after the start Skacel had fired Hearts in front from 20 yards.[LNB]Suso Santana beat his man down the right and forged forward before finding Kevin Kyle inside the area.[LNB]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.[LNB]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.[LNB]Paul McGowan prodded an effort straight at Hearts goalkeeper Marian Kello following Higdon's knock-down, with the hosts looking fragile at the back.[LNB]Hugh Murray was cautioned in the 18th minute for bringing down Santana, but Skacel's delivery from the resulting free-kick could not find a Hearts head.[LNB]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.[LNB]And the midfielder this time did not disappoint, curling in from 20 yards to give Craig Samson no chance.[LNB]Hearts were content to allow St Mirren more possession but held the visitors at bay.[LNB]A loose ball then broke for Zaliukas to run the length of the field.[LNB]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.[LNB]The midfielder's shot ricocheted off a Saints defender and against the bar.[LNB]Neither side could keep possession long enough early in the second half to fashion a meaningful chance.[LNB]Elliot could not find the target following a 54th-minute corner and then dragged a tame shot wide soon after.[LNB]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 yesterday, was given his debut and 30 minutes to impress by Saints boss Danny Lennon.[LNB]Stephen Elliott was brought on up front in place of Elliot and Ian Black replaced Adrian Mrowiec as Jefferies sought more intensity from his side.[LNB]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.[LNB]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.
