11/06/2026
Words from Joel:
“A hard-fought point on the road, but one that leaves us feeling we could have taken more.
We opened the scoring on 30 minutes through a moment of brilliance from Koppert, who produced a moment of athleticism even by his standards to put us ahead through a bicycle kick.
Hearts responded well and caused us problems throughout the first half, hitting the woodwork and forcing Robbo into a number of crucial saves in the first spell. Despite his efforts, Hearts found an equaliser before the break to make it 1-1 at halftime.
The second half was a much better performance from us. We controlled large spells of possession, created several good opportunities, and looked the more likely side to find the next goal. Instead, Hearts took the lead with around 30 minutes remaining, leaving us with plenty to do.
The character shown by the boys from that point was outstanding. Jake put his body on the line time and time again, while the whole team dug deep and kept pushing. Our persistence paid off in the dying moments as we found a last-minute equaliser to rescue a point.
Not the result we came for, and we’re disappointed not to take all three points, but the fight and determination shown right until the final whistle is something we can be proud of.
The point keeps us in the hunt.
Now our focus shifts to Round 3 of the cup against the Royals. They’re coming off a strong result and we’ll need to be at our best.
Cup football is unforgiving, switch off for a second and you’ll be punished. We’ll prepare well, focus on ourselves, and be ready for the challenge.”