Hearts were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with Rapid Vienna at Tynecastle after a late equaliser wiped out a dramatic second-half comeback in the first leg of their Conference League play-off.
The Scottish side appeared to be heading to Austria with a narrow advantage after substitute James Wilson produced the standout moment of the night. The 19-year-old unleashed a spectacular strike from around 30 yards, sending the ball into the top corner only six minutes after entering the match.
That goal completed a turnaround for Hearts, who had gone into half-time behind after Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao powered in a header for Rapid.
Josh McPake played a major role in changing the momentum after the break. The winger repeatedly troubled Rapid down the left and eventually brought Hearts level after breaking into the penalty area and forcing the ball home while under pressure from Raux-Yao.
With Tynecastle suddenly alive, Wilson then put Hearts in front with his long-range effort and looked to have given his team control of the tie.
Rapid, however, responded well to the setback. The Austrian side gradually pushed Hearts deeper and found their equaliser through Nikolaus Wurmbrand, who finished a move created by Nicolas Bajlicz on the left.
The late goal again highlighted the defensive problems facing Hearts early in the season. They have now conceded 19 times across eight matches, with their reshaped back line struggling to match the progress being made in attack.
Set pieces remain an area of concern, while Jordi Altena endured another difficult evening playing at right-back. Injuries have limited head coach Wrancken’s options during a demanding opening run that has included matches against Benfica, Sturm Graz and Rapid Vienna.
There were still several encouraging signs. Goalkeeper Beau Reus continued his impressive start by making two important saves before the scoring began, while McPake delivered arguably his strongest performance since joining the club.
The 24-year-old, who was a key figure in St Johnstone’s Championship title-winning campaign last season, offered pace and creativity throughout and consistently caused problems from wide positions.
Wilson’s contribution was even more eye-catching. Despite speculation surrounding his future, the teenager showed he can still have a significant role in Hearts’ season by providing a moment of individual quality when his team needed it most.
Hearts will now travel to Vienna for the second leg with the tie finely balanced. Their attacking threat gives them every chance of reaching the Conference League proper, but greater defensive control will be required if they are to progress and build a successful campaign.