Gillingham 1-2 Hearts
From Hearts News at the KRBS Priestfield Stadium

Hearts edged Gillingham here at the KRBS Priestfield Stadium tonight.

Luke Rooney put the home side ahead from the penalty spot shortly after the interval only for Arvydas Novikovas to score a cool leveller two minutes later.

And Ismael Bouzid powered home a marvellous header from David Templeton's sizzling corner kick to cap a decent night in Kent.

Jim Jefferies made five changes to the team that lost at Dunfermline on Tuesday.

Rotating things, the manager included the three players suspended on the opening day of the season (Jonsson, Stevenson and Bouzid) - a deliberate ploy ahead of the forthcoming friendly fixtures.

In came Janos Balogh, Lee Wallace, Ismael Bouzid, Suso Santana and Arvydas Novikovas.

Craig Thomson and David Templeton dropped to the bench. David Obua missed out with a minor groin problem, whilst Kari Arkivuo had of course gone home. Jamie MacDonald was not included having played the 90 at East End Park.

The first half had little in the way of action, as Hearts struggled to find any rhythm, albeit Gillingham's chances were nothing to write home about.

Chris Palmer's blasted shot on 26 minutes, tanned over Balogh's bar was as good as it got for those looking for a feast of entertainment in the opening half hour.

Finally the contest came to life five minutes later when Gillingham were nearly ahead after a catalogue of defensive errors at the back which nearly culminated in Mrowiec putting through his own net - thankfully Jonsson cleared the Pole's effort on the line.

Curtis Weston's effort five minutes before the break failed to trouble Janos Balogh who gobbled up the defender's 20-yard effort.

Marius Zaliukas' header wide from Arvydass Novikovas free-kick was Hearts solitary opportunity at the end of the first period.

Things burst into life in the second half, however as the game took a decisive turn.

As in Fife Hearts were a goal down within four minutes when Bouzid was penalised for a foul on Payne in the area. Luke Rooney stepped up a smashed home the resultant penalty.

But the Gill's lead did not last long, Novikovas coolly slotting home from 16 yards just two minutes later.

And Calum Elliot should have put Hearts ahead moments later. He strode forward and drove at goal only to see Julian produce an acrobatic save to deny the Tynecastle frontman, diving to his left.

That was the striker's final contribution, and he was replaced by Craig Thomson shortly thereafter.

Hearts had produced a much better second half, sharper, quick-fire tempo, and plenty of aggression and they were rewarded with a goal that their play merited six minutes from time.

David Templeton delivered an outstanding corner kick and Ismael Bouzid leapt highest to bullet home a sensational header.

Gillingham: Julian; Sinclair, Nutter, Gowling, Bently, Payne, Weston, Palmer, Spiller, Payne, Barcham. Subs: Rooney, Jackman, Maher, White, McCammon, Akinfenwa, Essam, Aborah, Lough, Cronin.

Hearts: Balogh; Barr, Bouzid, Zaliukas, Wallace; Jonsson (McGowan 71), Mrowiec, Stevenson; Suso (Templeton, 75), Elliot (C Thomson, 66), Novikovas (Smith, 75). Subs not used: Kello.

Referee: Gavin Ward