Match Report: HMFC 0-3 RFC

Robbie Neilson made five changes to the side that drew with Livingston on Sunday. James Hill, Robert Snodgrass, Barrie McKay, Josh Ginnelly and Garang Kuol replaced Nathaniel Atkinson, Orestis, Kiomourtzoglou, Cammy Devlin, Yutaro Oda and Stephen Humphrys.

It was a fast start from the visitors, and they took the lead after nine minutes, through Alfredo Morelos. A quick Rangers free-kick saw Ryan Kent released down the left and his floated cross was nodded home by the Colombian.

Hearts had been under the cosh in the early stages, but had a wonderful opportunity to equalise midway through the first half. The men in maroon broke quickly and Kuol slid in McKay, who’s shot was well saved by Allan McGregor.

After a brilliant save from Zander Clark, the visitors doubled their lead seconds later. Connor Goldson kept a deep cross alive and Malik Tillman volleyed home ten minutes before the interval.

Clark produced another moment of magic to deny Lundstram in first half stoppage time.

Half time: Heart of Midlothian 0-2 Rangers

Robbie Neilson made two half time changes in the hope of turning the game with the introduction of Kio and Alan Forrest, but the substitutions had little impact and Morelos added a third 66 minutes in after a VAR check.

The men in maroon kept working away and almost got on the scoresheet 12 minutes from time through Shankland. Toby Sibbick galloped down the right before picking out Hearts’ top scorer, but his lobbed effort was just over the bar.

Hearts were denied a late penalty after the ball appeared to strike the arm of Connor Goldson, however referee John Beaton was unmoved as the visitors saw the game out with ease.

 Hearts: Clark, Kingsley, Shankland ©, Rowles, McKay, Cochrane, Sibbick, Ginnelly (Oda, 72), Kuol (Forrest, 46), Hill (Kio, 46), Snodgrass

Subs: Stewart, Grant, Kio, Atkinson, Halliday, Forrest, Neilson, McLuckie, Oda

Rangers: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic, Lundstram, Kamara, Tillman, Kent, Fashion JR, Morelos

Subs: McLaughlin, Jack, Colak, Cantwell, Sands, Wright, King, Devine, Lowry