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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

RFS 0 Hearts 2 as Jambos up and running and Gordon shows his class in Europa Conference League clash

Hearts got off the mark in the Europa Conference League as they picked up all three points in Riga and a much needed win.

Summer signing Lawrence Shankland scored a stunning penalty in first-half stoppage time as he took his tally for the Jambos to five before sub Alan Forrest netted in added time to put opponents RFS to the sword. Robbie Neilson's men went into the away clash in Latvia on the back of six defeats in the last seven games but they were handed a pre-match boost with the return of Craig Halkett from injury.

However, his big moment turned into a nightmare as he was forced off after 22 minutes in another blow to the capital club. The visitors should have netted a second in first-half added time while ever-present No1 Craig Gordon showed his class once again with three huge saves in the first period.

READ MORE: Hearts to seek permission for boutique hotel and event space as part of Main Stand development

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Victory coupled up with Istanbul Basaksehir's big win over Fiorentina means Hearts finish the night in second spot in the group after two games.

Here's what we learned from a night to remember on the road.

Need for reinforcements

Craig Halkett's premature end to the evening will be a major cause for concern for Hearts.

Kye Rowles is already out and still weeks away from a return and it could be a similar story for his team-mate.

Will this latest blow for Halkett force Robbie Neilson to look at his options?

He's had recent success in bringing Robert Snodgrass and Zander Clark in from the free agent market while Barrie McKay was also snapped up that way when he joined the club.

Stop the rot

Hearts put an end to their run of six defeats in the last seven games with a win on the road in Europe.

The Jambos ran out 2-0 winners to pick up a first win in the Europa Conference League to send the travelling fans wild.

A big result for the capital club who will return to domestic action on Sunday flying.

Second in the group after two games.

Captain. Leader. Legend

Craig Gordon.

What else can you say?

Age is just a number with the Hearts and Scotland No1.

Two stunning saves in first half added time to deny the hosts.

Like a fine wine, the 39-year-old just gets better with age.

READ MORE:

- Three things we learned as Hearts stutter to defeat at Livingston as new signing makes debut

- Hearts confirm Zander Clark signing as Joe Savage highlights free agency importance to Jambos

- Liam Boyce given Hearts hope as boss refuses to say striker's season is over after knee blow

- Hearts starlet Lewis Neilson talks comparisons to Rangers John Souttar and his EPL dream

- Three things we learned as Hearts sent for early Premier Sports Cup bath in Gorgie by Kilmarnock

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