Robbie Neilson hails Abiola Dauda effort after two-goal show from substitute
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson was delighted with the contribution of Abiola Dauda, who scored two late goals in a 3-0 win over Ross County at Global Energy Stadium after coming on as a substitute.
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson was delighted with the contribution of Abiola Dauda, who scored two late goals in a 3-0 win over Ross County at Global Energy Stadium after coming on as a substitute.
The Edinburgh side led by a bizarre goal early in the second half which was credited to Jamie Walker, although the player did not know much about it.
But despite almost constant County pressure, Nigeria-born forward Dauda came off the bench to net two superb goals in the last three minutes.
Nelson said: We got a wee bit of luck with the first goal but when we brought Dauda on he changed the game. His first goal was different class - it was a top finish.
He's not 100 per cent fit yet. He's had a full 90, which is probably more than he should have played because of injuries, we are just trying to build him up slowly. That's him, two games, two goals, hopefully that continues.''
Neilson felt his side were on top in the first half, adding: I thought we were the better team in the first half, we passed it well.
Today was a huge game but it sends out a statement. We are the first team to come come up here this season and keep a clean sheet.''
County boss Jim McIntyre blamed mistakes for the loss of the goals in a game his side dominated for long spells.
He said: Individual errors cost us goals - but in terms of performance I thought we were the better side.
We had two really good opportunities in the first half, I thought we had a lot of positive play. It was the same in the second half.''
He added: We know the goals we gave away were poor.
The first one we should have cleared but we headed off each other and it ended up in the back of the net.
The second goal (goalkeeper, Scott) Fox should do better, he has to save it.''