Hearts manage to hold

HEARTS boss Craig Levein got the first win of his second spell as manager with this narrow victory at the SuperSeal Stadium.

The former Scotland manager built on last weekend’s draw against Aberdeen by grinding out a win which was in doubt right until the final whistle.

“That was a typical away match in the Premiership for us so we had to be gritty, determined, focused – all the things that make good defenders,” he claimed.

“It was good to see them digging in when that was needed. I was disappointed last week with the points total but this time I’m thrilled.”

He also singled out midfielder Jamie Walker for specials praise.

“Jamie was brilliant,” he beamed. “I told him after the game that his performance was fantastic. He set up Ross’s goal with a great bit of skill in midfield and then getting the ball out wide.

“He led the pressing excellently which is not something Jamie is normally associated with. He worked his socks off.”

There were only three minutes gone when Walker bamboozled Darian MacKinnon and released Michael Smith. His driven cross was forced home from point-blank range by Ross Callachan, who notched his first goal since joining from Raith Rovers last month.