Scottish Championship: Hearts move a point clear of Rangers after goalless draw at Dumbarton
Saturday 13 September 2014 19:25, UK
Hearts were unable to break through a stubborn Dumbarton defence but returned to the summit of the Scottish Championship with a 0-0 draw.
SPFL Championship Manager of the Month Manager Robbie Neilson steered his side back into top spot as the Jambos continued their unbeaten start to the campaign.
The best chance of the game fell to Sam Nicholson in the dying moments, but the midfielder's header came crashing back off the crossbar to deny the visiting Jambos.
Dumbarton were forced to hold on for long periods of the game but came out with a credible point - the first that Hearts have dropped since their relegation.
Hearts edged the early share of possession but stuttered following Kevin McHattie’s injury, with replacement Adam Eckersley coming on for the defender in the 13th minute.
Dumbarton capitalised and had a number of openings to break the deadlock; however efforts from Christopher Kane and David van Zanten missed the target and were saved by goalkeeper Neil Alexander respectively.
Hearts responded and took a grip of the game in the run-up to half time, controlling possession and creating the final chances of the first half with Osman Sow, and then Jason Holt forcing saves from Aberdeen-loanee keeper Danny Rodgers in the Dumbarton goal.
James Keatings, was unable to add to his tally of three league goals and, after his a free kick and shot from the edge of the box missed the target, was replaced by Soufian El Hassnaoui on 64 minutes.
Christoper Kane's effort five minutes from time was the last opportunity for Dumbarton to snatch the points but this sparked a flurry of chances in the opposite direction, with Hearts looking for the win as Jason McGhee, Jason Holt and Sam Nicholson came close.
The draw leaves Dumbarton, who visit Falkirk next weekend, languishing second from bottom in the table while table-toppers Hearts will look to extend their unbeaten run to six games as Cowdenbeath visit Tynecastle next week.
