Hearts net three in Inverness triumph
From Hearts News at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium

Hearts came from behind to record a welcome 3-1 win in the day's early kick off at the Tulloch Caledonian stadium.

A Chris Innes own goal, and second half strikes from Elliot and Stevenson sealed an impressive victory after Odhiambo had put the Highlanders ahead.

Jim Jefferies made two changes to the side that lost at Celtic. Calum Elliot returned to attack, with Kevin Kyle dropping to the bench. Craig Thomson replaced Adrian Mrowiec.

Chris Innes came in for Kenny Gillet in an otherwise unchanged Inverness team from last week's draw with Hibs.

It took the visitors just over a minute to force the first effort on goal. Craig Thomson's cross was kept in play at the back post by Templeton, who cut inside on to his right foot before firing straight at Esson.

Terry Butcher's men had their first meaningful attempt on 11 minutes. Adam Rooney managed to get his header on target, but the Irishman's effort lacked the power to trouble Kello.

Rooney again had a clear sight of goal after 24 minutes, and it took an alert clearance from Darren Barr to prevent striker getting off a close range shot.

Kello was again called in to action on the half hour mark .Jonny Hayes' wicked delivery was met powerfully by Munro, but the Slovakian threw himself to his right to deny the Inverness skipper.

Smart play by Ross down the left flank provided another opportunity for Rooney ten minutes before the interval. The Republic of Ireland U21 international showed quick feet to evade Barr's challenge, but was unable to stab the ball home.

Odhiambo had better luck three minutes later. The striker's pace took him in behind the Hearts back line after some neat build up play between Duff and Ross. The former Leicester man rounded Kello before slotting in to the empty net.

Jim Jefferies' men got themselves level right on half time. David Templeton whipped in an inviting free kick from the left hand side, which Chris Innes could only divert beyond Esson to give Hearts parity.

Kello required quick reactions to prevent the second own goal of the afternoon five minutes in to the second half. The in-form 'keeper saved instinctively after Rooney's cross cannoned off Bouzid.

Hearts took the lead after 54 minutes. Calum Elliot's cushioned header found its way to the feet of Stevenson, and former Ayr man fired home from close range to open his Hearts account.

Nick Ross came close to levelling for the home side on 58 minutes. The winger again showed good ability to create space for himself, and his left foot effort had Kello scrambling.

Despite pressure from the hosts, Hearts remained dangerous on the break. An excellent solo run from Templeton took him deep in to the Caley penalty area, although Esson smothered his left foot effort.

Elliot had a strong claim for a penalty on 65 minutes when he appeared to be hauled down in the area, although Ian Brines waved away strong claims from the Hearts players.

The striker put this perceived injustice behind him just three minutes when he doubled his side's advantage. Kyle fed Suso on the right, who showed neat skill in the box to go by Tokely. The Spaniard picked out Elliot who calmly stroked home his fourth of the season.

The two goal cushion gave Hearts an element of control, and the points never looked in doubt as Jefferies' men saw the game out to record a second away win of the season.

Inverness: Esson; Proctor. Tokely. Duff. Cox. Odhiambo. Rooney. Hayes. Munro. Innes. Ross. Subs not used: Tuffey. Golabek. Duncan. Foran. McBain. Morrison. Sutherland.

Hearts: Kello; C Thomson, Bouzid, Barr, Palazuelos (Mrowiec, 60); Suso (Obua, 80), Black (Kyle, 35), Jonsson, Templeton; Stevenson, Elliot. Subs not used: Balogh, McGowan, Novikovas, Glen.

Referee: Iain Brines

Top man: David Templeton

Hearts World