Kingston has last laugh

Substitute Larry Kingston played a perfect cameo role for Hearts with a dramatic last-minute winner to secure victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who twice came from behind despite finishing the afternoon with ten men.

An untidy opening period ensued until Hearts sprung into attack on 21 minutes. The talismanic Bruno Aguiar released Andy Driver with an intelligent through ball behind the visiting defence, and the winger’s cross would have produced an own goal off the sliding Grant Munro had it not been for Ryan Esson’s sprightly reactions. The hosts somehow avoided falling behind five minutes later, as Dougie Imrie contrived to head Don Cowie’s free-kick into the side netting when unmarked at the far post.

The match continued in rather turgid fashion until Hearts’ opener broke the monotony. From Driver’s hanging cross, David Obua rose with Esson to win the ball in the air and knock it into an empty net for his first goal in maroon. The delight on the Ugandan’s face afterwards betrayed the difficulties he has endured adapting to football and life in Scotland, and he seemed determined to enjoy a welcome moment of notoriety.

Driver’s powerful strike brought a vital save from Esson at the start of the second half, however Hearts’ one-goal advantage always looked fragile and on 56 minutes Inverness forced an equaliser when Pavels Mihadjuks headed Cowie’s free-kick venomously beyond Jamie MacDonald. Moments later, and with the home defence caught unaware, Cowie accepted a short corner and crossed for Ross Tokely to send what was a decent chance into the Roseburn Stand. Inverness were beginning to sense the prospect of a second goal with Hearts restricted to playing in their own half.

Christian Nade enjoyed an impressive overall performance in the lone striking berth and Esson was required to stop shots from both the Frenchman and midfielder Michael Stewart in quick succession. The need for a goal brought Gary Glen off the substitutes’ bench on 64 minutes much to the chagrin of Aguiar, who was withdrawn and headed straight for the home dressing-room in disgust.

The afternoon erupted in controversy just before the hour. Driver was taken down in the penalty area by Roy McBain, who was then booked for protesting after referee Steve Conroy awarded a spot-kick. Stewart’s strike from 12 yards was saved by Esson before McBain received a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident having remonstrated with one of Conroy’s assistants.

Esson tipped a Christos Karipidis header on to the crossbar as Hearts, intending to capitalise on their one-man advantage, began to press forward. Driver and Obua had swapped flanks and soon repeated their combination for the first goal to restore the hosts’ advantage. Driver’s right-sided cross was met by the towering Obua at the back post, and this time his header flew past Esson and into the goal. Cue yet more jubilant celebrations.

Imrie struck a spectacular 25-yard free-kick beyond MacDonald on 89 minutes, seemingly securing a draw. But a minute later Kingston converted Driver’s cross to round off a quite breathtaking final 30 minutes.

Hearts: MacDonald; Neilson, Jonsson, Berra, Wallace; Obua, Stewart, Karipidis, Driver; Aguiar; Nade.