Heart of Midlothian asserted their dominance over Ross County with a convincing 2-0 victory at Tynecastle on March 15, 2025. This win marked Hearts' return to the top six of the Scottish Premiership, pushing them back toward their goal of securing a favorable spot as the season heads to its climax.
First-half urgency propelled Hearts forward, with Elton Kabangu netting the opener after 26 minutes. The Belgian striker, who has been pivotal for the Jambos this season, found the net from close range following a brilliant defense-splitting pass from Beni Baningime. Baningime's performance was notable, as he not only crafted the opening goal but also took on more defensive duties than any other player on the field, showcasing his strength and versatility.
After some early huffing and puffing, Hearts established their control over the game. The midfield, guided by Baningime, strung together fluid attacking movements, keeping Ross County's defense on high alert. Notably, James Wilson had his chance to score when Lawrence Shankland set him up; unfortunately, his effort was halted by County’s keeper, Jordan Amissah. Amissah's heroics ensured the game remained close, as he denied several shots from Hearts.
Despite their struggles early on, Ross County displayed moments of promise, with Kieran Phillips forcing Hearts' veteran goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, to remain vigilant. Phillips unleashed several attempts, but none were able to breach Hearts' well-structured defense.
The second half saw Hearts continue to control the match, but they struggled to convert their possession dominance, leaving room for nerves to creep in as the game progressed. With time ticking down and the scoreline still precariously sitting at 1-0, the threat of a late County resurgence lingered. But the Jambos dispelled those fears with one last flourish. Substitute Musa Drammeh carved out space down the flank and provided his teammate Grant with the perfect setup at the near post, where Grant slid the ball home to finalize the score at 2-0.
While the win secured key points for Hearts, it also dashed Ross County’s hopes of inching toward the top half of the standings, leaving them four points adrift of the coveted top six. Coach Don Cowie’s side has been resilient lately, having drastically improved their away form with 12 points out of the last 15 available before this match; yet they were unable to break through Hearts’ energized performance.
The loss marked County’s first defeat to Hearts this season following two closely contested draws. It highlighted the challenges both teams face as they push for their respective objectives—Hearts aiming for playoff contention and County hoping to continue their distance from the relegation zone.
For Hearts' manager Neil Critchley, the victory reinforces the team’s confidence moving forward, especially as they now prepare for their upcoming fixtures, which include tough matches, including one against the formidable Celtic. With this win, Critchley and the players have laid down the challenge to others vying for top positions: Hearts are not just contenders, they are increasingly asserting their claim.
Hearts now sit comfortably back in the top half, with fans reveling at Tynecastle and focusing on their ambitions for the rest of the season. With performances like this, it’s clear Hearts are focused on making the most of their remaining matches, ensuring they advance solidly toward the league split.
Moving forward, both teams will have their work cut out for them as they head toward the final stages of the season, clearer paths now drawn for those aiming for European competition versus those fighting against relegation. The stakes have never been higher, and every game carries amplified significance as the season reaches its conclusion.