Kilmarnock's Conrad Balatoni gives away penalty but makes amends with equaliserFormer Hearts youngster Conrad Balatoni made amends for giving away a penalty on his return to Tynecastle with the equaliser for Kilmarnock in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the 10-man Jambos.Balatoni was responsible for the hosts' opener when he charged into Osman Sow following the Swede's run into the box after 39 minutesJamie Walker scored from the spot.However, the 24-year-old, who never made a senior appearance for the Gorgie outfit, made amends in spectacular fashion by lashing home a low drive from the edge of the box for his first goal of the season.It ensured former club captain and manager Gary Locke avoided a losing homecoming to Hearts after he was replaced at the helm by Robbie Neilson last summer.And there was a fractious ending to the encounter when Hearts' Gavin Reilly was shown a straight red card by referee John Beaton for kicking out at Steven Smith.Killie keeper Jamie MacDonald was called into action after 10 minutes when Hearts manufactured the first chance of a low-key opening.A neat pass by Walker set Juanma free just inside the box, however his ferocious drive was parried clear.Another intervention from a man formerly of their parish stopped the Jambos from claiming the lead after 25 minutes, with a last-ditch McHattie challenge preventing Sow from firing beyond MacDonald.Greg Kiltie almost gave the visitors the lead when Hearts keeper Neil Alexander rushed from his penalty area to intercept an errant pass - only to slice his clearance straight to the attacking midfielder.However, his audacious 40-yard shot was spectacularly cleared off the line by Blazej Augustyn.Robbie Neilson's men took full advantage of that reprieve by breaking the deadlock six minutes before the break.The impressive Sow did the legwork, surging into the box before being barged to the ground by Balatoni
Walker stepped up the spot and lashed the spot-kick beyond MacDonald.After an underwhelming first 40 minutes, the opening goal spurred the Jambos on and they should have gone in at the break with a more handsome lead.Nicholson saw a goal-bound drive blocked on the line by Stuart Findlay before rippling the side-netting with another effort.With Killie seeking parity in the second half, Craig Slater saw a super dipping free-kick from 25 yards tipped over the bar by Alexander.Hearts responded when Nicholson danced into the box, only to see his powerful shot parried away by former teammate MacDonald.The home side paid the price after 79 minutes when a hopeful long ball into the box was only cleared as far as Balatoni, who made no mistake in drilling a fine low drive beyond Alexander to rescue a point for Locke's side.There was still time for more drama when substitute Reilly was dismissed just five minutes after replacing Walker after kicking out at Smith
Source : PA
Source: PA