HEARTS 3-1 HIBERNIAN (Championship)
SOW (x2), MCHATTIE
DUMBARTON 3-7 HEARTS (Championship)
KEATINGS (x3), SOW (x2), REACH, OZTURK
RANGERS 1-1 HEARTS (Championship)
WALKER
HEARTS 2-0 FALKIRK (Championship)
REACH, CARRICK
HEARTS (p) 1-1 ABERDEEN (League Cup Semi-Final)
KEATINGS
This month proved a great turn of the year for Hearts as they complete their second unbeaten month of the season. Hearts had a small wobble in December, however they have managed to power through another fantastic month which ended with Neil Alexander landing his fifth Manager of the Month award on the bounce. This month was a great month for Hearts' league campaign, but all eyes were on Hampden Park as Hearts battled to a victory against SPFL side Aberdeen in a thrilling League Cup Semi-Final.
Hearts couldn't have gotten off to a better start as they dominated Hibernian in-front of a packed out Tynecastle and grabbed themselves a 3-1 victory. The Jambos have had a great run of results against their fiercest rivals this year and it's only going to help Neil Alexander to gather the backing of the fans, if his league form and cup run hadn't inspired them anyway. Sow grabbed a brace and is catching up to Keatings in the race for the golden boot, which is currently a three horse race between Callum Gallagher of Cowdenbeath, James Keatings and Osman Sow himself.
A goal-filled game at the Bet Butler stadium was up next, as the travelling Jambos were treated to a 7-3 victory over Dumbarton. Keatings grabbed a hat-trick and Sow pushed in a brace to send the fans home delighted. Neil Alexander, however, was not so happy. The Hearts boss in a fan of good solid defence and, for him at least, conceding 3 sloppy goals was the thing that stopped him walking away thoroughly happy.
2 late goals then saw Hearts hold onto a draw away at the Ibrox. Hearts held most of the possession, however the game was not as easy as that. Rangers played incredibly well in-front of an ever-fierce crowd and made well with what possession they had. Rangers managed to grab a lead in the 83rd minute before Jamie Walker broke their 'Hearts' in the last minute.
A professional victory with a slightly rotated squad followed as Hearts faced their last game at Tynecastle before their trip to Hampden Park. Adam Reach played out of his skin this game, showing off why he had been handed another season onto his loan, and got the club off to a great start in the 7th minute. Hearts held possession well and finished Falkirk off when Dale Carrick put the ball into the back of the net just before half-time. Carrick had been complaining about first-team football and has told the press that he is delighted to have been handed a fair chance.
The Jambo faithful took a massive following to Glasgow as their side faced up to SPFL big-hitters Aberdeen in the League Cup Semi-Final. The bookies had Aberdeen down as clear favourites to win, however Hearts fans were quietly confident as their side entered the game on a huge run of good form. Keatings put the Jambos ahead almost straight after half-time, however Aberdeen equalized through Russell Anderson on the hour mark. Hearts held on through the rest of the match and through extra-time before claiming their win through some excellent penalties. This means that Hearts have landed their place in the final back at Hampden Park in March, and I think we all know who that will be against. #UpTheJambos
League Standings
Hearts are now cruising at the top of the table, 5 points ahead of Rangers and Cowdenbeath with a game in hand on both. Hearts fans will probably be celebrating at least making the play-offs soon as they hit 16 points ahead Livingston in 5th, having a game in hand with them also.