Determined display leads to deserved victory

Plenty of talking points from today's game, but in many ways these fade into the background against what was undeniably an excellent result for Hearts, seeing as they played more than a half with a numerical deficit. Michael Stewart's slightly controversial sending off (perhaps controversial because of the circumstances that led to it, rather than the offence itself) no longer matters, because an organised and powerful display was rounded off by a superb header from Eggert Jonsson ten minutes from time.

From Christophe Berra's assured marshalling of the defence to Aguiar's commanding midfield role, right up to Nade's 100% commitment in attack, the Jambos who saw this one will marvel at an evident team spirit wholly in absence last season. The result also means that the last time we lost in Paisley was in September 1990, when this writer was a sprightly nine year old. That record will now stand the test of time, as Gus McPherson's side will be residing at their new venue whenever we next visit.

Hearts geared up for their last ever visit to Love Street, unbeaten at this ground since the Buddies returned to the top flight in 2006. Saulius Mikoliunas, who has scored twice here in the last three games, returned to the starting line up after a substitute appearance in the 2-0 defeat to Celtic last week. Eggert Jonsson moved to centre back to accommodate the absence of the suspended Zaliukas, and Palazuelos, deputising for the injured Karapidis, partnered Stewart and Aguiar in the middle of the park - we suspected that the influential Portuguese midfielder would again have licence to roam upfield in support of lone striker Nade. Robbie Neilson made the bench as did young David Templeton.

Nade registered a shot on goal after less than ten seconds - comfortably held by Howard - and Miko won a corner after less than 30. It was an encouraging beginning in what was sure to be a difficult match. Hearts were, as ever under Csaba Laszlo, comfortable in possession, knocking the ball about with ease. However, the home rearguard was holding firm.

Palazuelos's thunderous shot was blocked by Will Haining, and an immediate St Mirren break momentarily saw Hearts outnumbered in defence. However, Wyness failed to find Mehmet on the overlap, when an accurate pass would have at least allowed a free shot at Balogh's goal.

Miko had sustained an injury in a clash with John Potter, and was replaced by Robbie Neilson. Although it was good to see Robbie back, there's no denying an attacking threat had been negated, as these troublesome, niggling injuries again threaten the season's progress. That said, Robbie's first cross in his right midfield role caused some uncertainty in the home ranks and won us a corner.

The final third of either end of the pitch was seeing little action. Aside from the early Hearts pressure, and the occasional corner, St Mirren had produced little. Franco Miranda sought to change all that with a lovely change of feet and a swerving right foot effort from 30 yards that caught Balogh by surprise. It was wide, but not by much.

There was controversy in the 42nd minute when Michael Stewart produced a brilliant run deep into St Mirren territory. After releasing Driver down the left channel and continuing to run into the box he was involved in a clash with Hugh Murray. Nobody could properly see what was going on, and after Hearts won a corner, the fourth official Bobby Madden intervened to persuade referee Mr McCurry to send Stewart off. The decision was greeted with aplomb by the home support. The second half was going to be an uphill struggle for sure.

And this was proved less than a minute into the restart. The impressive Andy Dorman, on as a half-time replacement for Brady, played in Wyness who in turn squared it to Mehmet in the box. Although under pressure, the big forward managed to get a shot away, and the first indication we had that St Mirren had not taken the lead was when the ball crashed off the advertising boards.

Pleasingly, Hearts had begun the half in determined fashion, despite their numerical disadvantage. Haining was guilty of a cynical lunge on Nade that was not rewarded with a yellow card, to the fury of the Hearts fans, seeing as the St Mirren player had been the one involved in the Stewart sending off. Some of the decisions Mr McCurry were now giving were being met with bewilderment by the Hearts players and support.

Aguiar and Nade were working their socks off, and Bruno produced a couple of really good efforts that were only marginally wide and over respectively. Nade was then booked for a handball that looked a little harsh, although the assistant referee did raise his flag immediately, and his view was a god one.

We were in the last fifteen minutes and Hearts were doing us proud, even with ten men they were looking dangerous on the break. We couldn't ask any more of them and the home support were getting slightly irritated that eleven-man St Mirren were not ahead by now.

And their irritation deepened somewhat when Hearts took the lead in the 78th minute! Robbie Neilson's great run down the right flank resulted in a free kick, where the referee overruled his assistant. Andrew Driver's perfect delivery was headed right into the corner by Eggert Jonsson. The celebrations were as wild as they deserved to be, and not bad to watch either.

Moments later, the tireless Christian Nade received a standing ovation when he was taken off for Jamie Mole. Just after this, Robbie Neilson won a header but took a sore head knock. Referee Mr McCurry was straight on the scene and motioned for the physios. Robbie eventually got to his feet, but the St Mirren fans were still mightily unimpressed.

The Buddies were pushing forward like there was no tomorrow, and only a fantastic header from Berra prevented a Hamilton flick on reaching Craig Dargo with a clear run at goal. More desperate defending followed, but in the second minute of injury time, Hearts got the ball up the other end of the park, and through a mixture of guile and skill, it stayed there until the final whistle.

We shouldn't get carried away with one result, but the cohesion of today's display, along with organisation and determination, bodes well for the future.

St Mirren: Howard; Ross, Haining, Potter, Miranda; Murray, Mason, Brady (Dorman, 46); Mehmet (Dargo, 69), Wyness (Hamilton, 61), Robb. Subs not used: Smith, McAusland, McGinn, McShane.

Hearts: Balogh; Thomson, Jonsson, Berra, Wallace; Miko (Neilson, 28) , Palazuelos, Stewart, Driver, Aguiar; Nade (Mole, 80). Booked: Nade. Sent off: Stewart. Subs not used: Makela, Obua, Templeton, Rapnik, Kello.

Referee: Mike McCurry

Top man: A fabulous team effort, but the tireless Nade was a stand out

Hearts World