Hearts boss Cathro frustrated despite late equaliser

Ian Cathro concedes Hearts' dramatic 2-2 draw against 10-man Partick Thistle is “damaging” to their slim European aspirations and bemoaned the wastefulness of the Jambos.

Andraz Struna swept home his first goal for the club in the 88th minute to salvage a share of the spoils but it was scant consolation after St Johnstone's win at Aberdeen saw the Perth outfit open up a six-point lead in fourth spot.

Struna's effort cancelled out goals from Kris Doolan and Chris Erskine, while Isma Goncalves found the net from the penalty spot following a controversial handball decision against Daniel Devine for which the Thistle defender was dismissed by referee Andrew Dallas.

However, Cathro feels his side merited all three points after reflecting on a fine display by visiting keeper Tomas Cerny and missed chances from Arnaud Djoum, Don Cowie and, in particular, Goncalves.

“There is a feeling of disappointment, frustration, maybe a tiny wee bit of shock,” said Cathro. “I felt we created more than enough chances to win the game.

“I don't think there is any question that we will be a team that makes chances. We've got to learn to make our lives a bit easier by stepping up and scoring goals in the correct moments of the game. Nine times out of 10 Isma goes home with the hat-trick ball.

“When we play a home game we plan to win the game and we have not done that, so irrespective of what has happened elsewhere of course it has damaged the European chase.

“But our focus has to stay on us and looking to make improvements. We are making progress but we have to show it and it's the results that do that.”

Partick boss Alan Archibald, meanwhile, has called on the SFA to clarify the rules regarding deliberate handball following Devine's dismissal, which occurred when the Jags had a 1-0 lead.

“You will see another 10 of those incidents and they will be called differently,” he said.

“I don't feel like there are any set rules. You could see one in a couple of weeks and it might not be a yellow card or a penalty.

“Danny goes to block the shot and his arms come across his body - I don't know what he can do.”

Archibald added: “It was always going to be hard with 10 men, so we'll take the point.”

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