Hearts and Dons in stalemate

Kevin McKenna's dejection sums the game up

Hearts 0-0 Aberdeen

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Hearts and Aberdeen fought out a goalless draw lacking in quality and clear-cut chances.

There was perspiration and effort aplenty but neither side had the cutting edge required to test the opposition keeper.

Kevin McKenna, operating as an auxiliary striker, passed up the first opportunity of the day, heading over from Jean Louis Valois' chested lay-off.

The opening 20 minutes were uneventful, with neither keeper having to work particularly hard.

Aberdeen substitute Ben Thornley, on for the injured Nicolas Fabiano, attempted a long-range drive but Roddy McKenzie watched calmly as the ball drifted wide.

The height of McKenna was posing the Dons defence some concern and the Canadian managed a couple of headers on goal just before the half-hour mark, but Peter Kjaer dealt easily with both.

Weir gets away from Jamie McAllister

McKenna was involved in Hearts' best move of the half, nodding Valois' cross down to Kevin Twaddle, but the winger fired well over on the turn.

Scott Severin had Hearts' best effort so far five minutes before the break - a volley forcing Kjaer to look sharp as he gathered at the near post.

Hearts started the second half the brighter of the two sides and Severin had a decent effort from a free kick, but unfortunately for the home side it flew over the bar.

The second period was proving to be no better than the first but the visitors did put together a good move after 65 minutes, but it culminated in a feeble shot by Thornley.

Severin again came close to testing Kjaer with a well-hit half volley but it also failed to hit the target.

Darren Young was next to try his luck, but again his shot was not powerful enough to trouble McKenzie.

Neither side could be faulted for effort and both defences remained resolute throughout, but the paying public must have yearned for a moment of magic that never materialised.

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Hearts: McKenzie, Maybury, Webster, Pressley, McMullan, Twaddle (Sloan 52), Severin, Simmons (Janczyk 45), Valois, McKenna, Weir (Wales 83).

Subs Not Used: Gordon, MacFarlane.

Aberdeen: Kjaer, Rutkiewicz, McGuire, Deloumeaux, McAllister, Tiernan, Bisconti, Darren Young, Fabiano (Thornley 16), Michie, Mike.

Subs Not Used: Preece, Hedderman, Payne, Billio.

Booked: McGuire, Deloumeaux, Mike, McAllister.

Att: 11,920

Ref: D McDonald