Hearts 4-2 Livingston: Hearts secure European football next season with stunning comeback win

Match report as Hearts come from behind to seal important win against Livingston; Livi stormed into a two-goal lead after 22 minutes courtesy of Stephen Kelly's double; but Hearts produced an emphatic response to score four goals before the interval

Saturday 13 April 2024 20:46, UK

Hearts secured European football for next season after coming from two goals down to beat Livingston 4-2.

Basement team Livi stormed into a two-goal lead after 22 minutes courtesy of Stephen Kelly's double.

But Hearts produced an emphatic response to score four goals before the interval, with Jorge Grant, Yutaro Oda, Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland all finding the net.

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The victory means Hearts, who remain 11 points clear in third place, can finish no lower than fourth in the cinch Premiership, while Livingston remain nine points adrift at the bottom.

How Hearts clinched European place

The big team news pre-match was the return of Craig Gordon in goal for Hearts for the first time in a league match since Christmas Eve 2022. The 41-year-old goalkeeper's inclusion was with an eye on next weekend's Scottish Cup semi-final with Rangers.

But it was a difficult start for Gordon and his team-mates against a Livingston team fighting for their lives.

The Lions started well and wasted a great chance to open the scoring after nine minutes.

Sean Kelly's pass down the left was missed by Hearts defender Frankie Kent and Tete Yengi came in on the blindside but his tame shot was easily saved by Gordon.

That warning was not heeded by the hosts as the away team stormed into a two-goal lead.

The first came just a minute later when a long ball over the top was intercepted by Gordon outside his area.

But the Scot allowed his touch to get away from him and Stephen Kelly swept a stunning first-time shot into the unguarded net from 40 yards.

The boos rang around Tynecastle in the 22nd minute as Livingston doubled their lead. Kent's attempted clearance was charged down by Yengi and the ball broke to Stephen Kelly, who slammed a right-footed drive past Gordon from 18 yards.

But Hearts' response was emphatic as they scored four unanswered goals before half-time.

The first arrived in the 29th minute when Shankland's left-footed cross was forced in by Grant.

The equaliser was a near mirror imagine as Oda tapped in another Shankland cross at the front post.

Hearts kept coming and added a third with another delivery from the left flank, this time Alex Cochrane's low pass being squeezed in by Devlin.

And the fourth arrived from the penalty spot in first half stoppage time when Shankland slotted home after Lions goalkeeper Shamal George tripped Oda.

The second half was less eventful although Livingston striker Yengi was shown a second yellow card by referee Colin Steven just seconds after he had been substituted.

Hearts controlled the half and went close through Shankland and Devlin.

What the managers said...

Hearts manager Steven Naismith: "We didn't come out the changing room for the first 10-15 minutes. It was a poor start, really poor, really sloppy, and then brilliant.

"We lost two goals but it's the third time we have come back. When the second goal goes in there's a frustration from me and the fans.

"I knew when we were 2-0 down we'd come back into the game because we have shown it before. The element of having a ruthless streak and being more clinical is something we have talked about.

"And that part I am really happy with because our speed of attack, our bodies in the box, that's what gets us back in the game. There were some really good goals."

Livingston manager David Martindale: "I think what you saw there in the first half was the story of our season played out in 45 minutes.

"We started the game really well and should have scored a third when Tete (Yengi) was clean through against Craig Gordon. That was an unbelievable chance.

"Stephen came up with two good goals. To give Hearts their due, they scored two decent goals but we gifted them the goals."

What's next?

Hearts' attention turns to their Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden Park on April 21. Kick-off 3pm.

Livingston need to wait for the Scottish Premiership post split fixtures to be announced.

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