Falkirk 0 Hearts 0

Andrew Driver was the main culprit for the Jambos – scuffing a host of glorious goal-scoring chances.

But the Bairns held firm to remain in touching distance of relegation rivals St Mirren.

MY Sun

John Hughes faced calls to quit this week in an open letter from the fans' group the Bairns' Trust.

And the Falkirk boss raged against the conspirators for derailing his side.

He said: “I feel credit is due to the players, especially after that letter from the fans’ trust. I think the timing of it was absolutely abysmal.

“I understand their frustrations, I really do, but the club issuing a press release saying we’re right behind Yogi is not enough.

“Thanks very much for standing by me but I would like the club and the board of directors to investigate what happened and take appropriate action against the people responsible for it.

“I wouldn’t like to think it’s just going to get swept under the carpet.

“That was not helpful to my team at all, it was absolutely diabolical what they did.

“I think there are people in positions who have really harmed the club and I think they’ve acted very irresponsibly.”

Hearts had been first to threaten as the game got off to a ferocious start.

David Obua flicked the ball on to Driver – but the his deft header was edged wide.

Driver was the culprit again moments later when he ended a blistering counter-attack with a weak cut-back.

And the winger stuffed up another chance when he hammered wide with only Dani Mallo to bear.

The home goal survived a further scare in the 20th minute.

Marius Zaliukas produced an incredible clanger when he missed an open goal from just three yards.

Falkirk began the second period in more determined mood – and even got a shot in though Michael Higdon in the 49th minute.

In the 66th minute, Driver once again wasted a glorious chance to score.

He shot tamely into Mallo’s arms after Hearts launched a lightening counter-attack.

Hearts then continued to knock on the door – but the Bairns stubbornly refused to let them in.