BEDNAR DISMISSED AS HEARTS ARE BEATEN

By Gavin McCafferty, PA Sport

Hearts head coach Valdas Ivanauskas confirmed striker Roman Bednar had been sent off after his side's 1-0 Bank of Scotland Premier League defeat by St Mirren.

The Czech Republic forward was shown a red card for foul and abusive language after berating referee Dougie McDonald for waving away several penalty appeals.

Bednar's own appeal was by far the strongest after he seemed to have his shirt held by Saints midfielder Kirk Broadfoot just before half-time.

Ivanauskas was reluctant to criticise McDonald but clearly felt it was another situation where Hearts had been hard done to.

He said: "We've had a lot of discussions about referees last season and this season and in Europe."

The Lithuanian was not too critical of his side's general play either after they were kept out by an extraordinary display by Saints keeper Tony Bullock.

But the Hearts boss was disappointed with their finishing.

Ivanauskas added: "If you see how many chances we had - we need to score.

"Not half-chances but big chances. The keeper did well but we need a goal, it is frustrating.

"But they worked very hard and have had a very tough week."

Ivanauskas' main concern now is that the players pick themselves up for Thursday's UEFA Cup first round, first leg, against Sparta Prague at Murrayfield.

He said: "Psychologically, it is very important, so we have five days and need to be ready because this is an important game."

Buddies boss Gus MacPherson was "delighted" with his side's work-rate and persistence at Tynecastle.

He said: "I don't think we can be under any illusions that, when you come to a place like this, it is going to be very difficult.

"It was that today, we had to defend for long periods and ride our luck at times.

"You need a goalkeeper who is performing well, a defence that is doing the right things and you need the opposition to miss chances. And we got that today."

The Saints boss was full of praise for Bullock, who he brought in to replace Chris Smith after the youngster made some errors in the 3-1 defeat by Dundee United a fortnight ago.

MacPherson said: "Young Chris got the nod before the season started - and that was a very tough decision.

"We're sitting here with a young keeper who we feel has a big future in the game, and an experienced goalkeeper.

"Today we just felt that coming to a venue like Tynecastle we had to have the experienced guy in there. It has proven correct today and we're delighted.

"He's a fantastic shot stopper."

MacPherson also praised substitute Craig Molloy after he came on for the injured John Potter, who will have an X-ray on his foot, and set up Stewart Kean's late winner with a shot Craig Gordon failed to hold.

MacPherson said: "He has a work ethic that epitomises this team."

Taken from sportinglife.com