Derby win eases strain on Levein

HIBS 1 HEARTS 2

Craig Levein insisted he relished the pressure situation he emerged from at Easter Road and hailed his players for handling the heat.

Levein was told he was getting sacked by all four sides of Easter Road after Hibernian midfielder Stevie Mallan struck a spectacular opener two minutes into the second half of an Edinburgh derby from which both teams were desperate for points.

Hearts had not troubled Hibs goalkeeper Chris Maxwell up until that point but they recorded a 2-1 victory thanks to goals in the final 20 minutes from striker Uche Ikpeazu and 17-year-old full-back Aaron Hickey.

Levein had received the public backing of owner Ann Budge in midweek but a first win in 13 league games, which took Hearts off the bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership, would have been much more welcome after fans protested the previous weekend.

The 54-year-old said: “There’s ways to win games and there’s ways to win games by accumulating another thousand grey hairs.

“To go behind and come back to win a derby match away from home is special.

“I’m thrilled to bits for the players and of course for the supporters as well.

“This game is different from where we have been struggling recently, which is at home where we are expected to win games and make the running.

“This is a different type of pressure and the boys handled it.”

While the pressure facing Levein alleviated, it intensified on his opposite number.

Hibs dropped to second bottom and Paul Heckingbottom has now presided over one victory in 11 league games.

When asked about the pressure, the Hibs head coach said: “I’m feeling it. They are not games you want to lose, whether you’ve been on a good run or a bad run.”

● Ross County co-manager Stuart Kettlewell hailed match-winner Ross Stewart after Saturday’s 2-1 victory over 10-man Motherwell.

The 23-year-old continued his excellent start to the season when he headed home Richard Foster’s pinpoint cross in the 87th minute to ensure the Staggies travelled north with maximum points after a thrilling comeback.

Kettlewell said: “His goal typifies the threat he carries and his goalscoring record with us has been outstanding.”

Allan Campbell gave Well the lead after 61 minutes but substitute Brian Graham equalised and the hosts’ Jake Carroll was sent off.

Meanwhile, Hamilton and St Mirren played out a 0-0 draw.

Picture: SNS Group. Aaron Hickey celebrates scoring the winner for Hearts at Easter Road.