Zeljeznicar hit back immediately and it took a timely tackle from Patrick Kisnorbo to prevent Almir Gredic from opening the scoring. Hearts looked uncertain at the back and a mistake from Kisnorbo gave Biscevic a chance but Neil MacFarlane this time scampered back to block the shot. Zeljeznicar enjoyed a dominant spell and Sretko Vuksanovic was just inches wide of Tepi Moilanen's right-hand post with a 20-yard shot in the 19th minute. Adis Obad came just as close after 31 minutes after more hesitancy in the Hearts' defence. There was a let-off for Hearts a minute later when Vuksanovic set up an opportunity for Deelaludin Muharemovic but he rushed his shot and sliced his effort wide of target with only Moilanen to beat. But Hearts improved towards half-time as they tightened up and kept possession for long periods. Sanel Jahic came within inches of giving the home side the lead six minutes into the second half with a fiercely-struck volley from a tight angle which flashed narrowly over the top. A poor clearance from Hasagic gave Valois a chance at the other end but the goalkeeper made amends for his mistake and managed to divert the French midfielder player's shot for a corner. Substitute Edin Dzeko was not too far away with a header for the Bosnians but Hearts coped comfortably with everything that Zeljeznicar could muster and held on for the draw. Zeljeznicar Sarajevo: Hasagic, Biscevic, Kajtaz, Mulalic, Alihodzic, Karic, Gredic, Muharemovic, Jahic, Vuksanovic, Obad Subs: Adilovic, Joldic, Spahic, Rascic, Avdija, Hadzic, Dzeko Hearts: Moilanen, Maybury, Pressley, Webster, Kisnorbo, Stamp, MacFarlane, Severin, Valois, de Vries, Weir Subs: Gordon, McKenna, McCann, Kirk, Wyness, Hartley, Simmons Referee: Anton Stredak (Slovakia) | ||
Editorial Team Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba.net) |
