Hearts 1-2 Kilmarnock

History looked to be repeating itself for Jim Jeffries’ men – who saw a 1-0 advantage flipped to a 3-1 defeat last week – after they squandered a goal-lead.

But a late winner from Craig Bryson sealed an impressive win for the visitors.

That strike had Jeffries purring – with the Killie gaffer even claiming Bryson is heir to Hearts legend Colin Cameron’s throne.

He said: “Bryson got it last week because he was too busy making forward runs and you have to do your midfield job first and do your runs from there.

“He is better picking up and driving at people, that is what he’s good at, and that’s why he got goals for us last season.

“It reminded me of what Colin Cameron used to do here when I had him at Hearts, coming in late into the box and having the composure to finish.”

Hearts supremo Csaba Laszlo admitted he was “angry and disappointed” after seeing his men crumble – and blasted his disobedient stars.

He added: “In the first four or five games, the players did what I showed and what I wanted.

“Then after the game against Dundee United the team went back to the past.

“For me, it’s not the best football to fight and run and put the ball forward all the time, while not trying to play football.”

Mehdi Taouil provided a deserved lead for Killie which was cancelled out by Laryea Kingston, before Bryson helped himself to the decisive goal.

Both teams were up for this game right from the outset and Manuel Pascali – wearing the captain’s armband – was fortunate to escape punishment after clattering into Christophe Berra in the opening minutes.

Instead, it was Kilmarnock who opened the scoring with 19 minutes gone. Jamie Mole picked up the first booking of the game for a foul on Bryson just outside the box and the challenge proved to be costly.

Taouil stepped up for the resultant free-kick just outside the box and delivered a lovely curling effort into the top corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Marian Kello with no chance.

Killie pushed forward in numbers and looked likely to add to their tally – only to suffer a blow when Hearts hauled themselves level with 33 minutes gone.

Michael Stewart burst into the box and had a go with a powerful effort that cannoned off the body of Bryson and fell kindly to the feet of Kingston, who gratefully lashed home the rebound from 10 yards.

It was Bryson himself who snatched the winner with nine minutes to go, starting the move by picking out substitute Donovan Simmonds before making a well-timed run into the box and collecting the return pass.

Bryson then finished in style by sending a low, left-footed shot past Kello to claim maximum points.