B Team head coach Angus Beith praised the ‘improved performance’ of his side as they beat the University of Stirling 2-1 in the Lowland League at Forthbank Stadium on Saturday.
The Wee Jambos sealed the victory in Stirling with second half goals from Callen Robb and Gus Stevenson.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website at full-time, Beith said:
“I thought we played really well today and the result is hugely pleasing for us, the first win of the season and especially after the disappointment against Tranent and the draw against Gretna. To get a win today is hugely important.
“The thing that I'm more happy about is the fact that I saw a lot of the improvements that we wanted to see after those first two games. We were so much better as a team today. Our understanding of when to be aggressive and when to be patient was miles better and I think that that helped us get the win.
“I’m delighted for them because they're buzzing in the changing room and rightly so. But from a coaching perspective, I'm so happy to see the improvements from the previous two games.”
Beith was impressed with the performance of Callen Robb, who came on as a substitute to score in the second 45, as he explained why he replaced striker Tommy North at half-time.
“Something that he's (Robb) been working really hard on is holding the ball up and did that brilliantly when he came on up against a really 6 '4 centre half, but he's also got the threat in behind. I was delighted to see that and he certainly helped us when he came on.
“Tommy (North) has had his first three games in the Lowland League and it’s the first time he's played 90 minutes in a long time on Wednesday night. He was just flagging a wee bit just at the end of the first half and Callen (Robb) gave us brilliant energy when he came on, so it wasn’t a tactical change.
“We did better in the second-half when we got into those areas. We took our chances. We got into some great positions in the first half but we were snatching at the shots or just not quite making the final pass.
The manager also praised midfielder Gus Stevenson who played a big part in the opening goal of the afternoon before getting himself on the scoresheet to double Hearts’ advantage in the game.
“He’s been brilliant since coming back from pre-season. His attitude is first class, but he's also really trying to trying to take on some of the things that we've been asking them to improve on with his last pass and his last finish and getting more goals, so that's something that he is getting better at and we're starting to see in the games, which is brilliant. He's always been great at driving with the ball and bursting away from people, so it's just the next bit for him.
“I’m delighted that he’s got two goals in two games, and he's now got the opportunity to play a big part of this season with the B team with the way that he’s started.”
Stirling Uni full-back Alex Jeane’s 82nd minute header halved the Jambos’ advantage, but Beith was happy with how his side dug deep to seal the victory in the end.
“We were more compact, more difficult to beat, making better decisions, and knowing when to be aggressive. We didn't look panicked, we spent a bit of time in their half as well and kept the ball well at times. Yes, we dug deep and we stayed together, but we actually showed our confidence in that moment as well to go and see it out with the ball.”
Beith and his Hearts B side will now turn their attention to next Friday night’s home Lowland League clash against Cumbernauld Colts at the Vanloq Community Stadium, Ainslie Park.
“We want to get a clean sheet. I think that's been something that we've been reiterating to the boys. There's been a real defensive focus in the last few weeks and we'll continue that into the game against Cumbernauld.
“But I think we’re starting to show that we're really dangerous in the attacking areas as well and making sure that we keep putting teams under pressure and being clinical in those moments, so always looking at both sides of the game.”
