Hearts move fourth with win over Celtic.

Hearts re-energised their ambitions for a second-place finish with a deserved 2-0 victory over Celtic at Tynecastle.

With none of the off-field problems that plagued the last fixture between the two sides in Edinburgh, the Jambos gave a skilled and determined performance that moves them up to fourth place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League table.

Second half strikes from the returning Rudi Skacel and Ryan Stevenson sealed the three points and resigned Celtic to their third loss of the season.

The manager made several changes to the team that lost at St Johnstone, including the introduction of Skacel for his first league start of the season. Eggert Jonsson and Templeton also lined up for the Jambos, with Elliott and Obua dropping to the bench.

Hearts stamped their mark on the game early on with Ian Black lofting a clever free-kick over heads of the Celtic defence. Stevenson broke free to meet the ball but his low diving header was well saved by Forster.

Buoyed by a vocal home support, the home side hit the woodwork on seven minutes. A Hamill corner found its way to Zaliukas on the edge of the area, who struck a bouncing half volley that was almost flicked in by Templeton in the six yard box. The beaten Forster had his right post to thank for saving his side from conceding an early goal.

But Celtic were in no mood to lie down and after finding their feet in a frantic opening period they almost broke the deadlock on 20 minutes. A ball over the top from Forrest caught the Hearts defence cold and Wanyama fired a bullet of a header at goals that was pushed away by MacDonald. The Scots keeper was again called into action seconds later as he blocked a shot from Commons.

Previous meetings between the two sides have shown a tendency to become fiery affairs and, true to form, referee Craig Thomson was forced into his book early on. Both Skacel and Celtic's Ki were shown yellows for needless fouls on a slippy pitch.

The Jambos were given the chance to take a hold on the game when they won a free-kick just outside the Celtic box. Hearts had been wasteful with their previous efforts but Hamill's curling effort dipped over the wall and forced Forster into a diving one handed save.

Celtic continued to probe at the Hearts defence and Kris Commons was proving a particular nuisance for the central partnership of Zaliukas and Webster. Finding himself in space just outside the area on 35 minutes, the Scotland international unleashed a powerful effort at goals that was parried away from danger by MacDonald.

So came to an end an entertaining and open first half that offered real opportunities for both sides and the second half would offer more of the same.

Bangura was first to threaten after the re-start but his driving shot from the right was well deflected by Grainger. It was the first of a wave of Celtic attacks in the second half but the Hearts backline were proving a solid stumbling block.

Just when Celtic seemed to be taking a grip on the game Hearts took the lead thanks to a stinging shot from fan's favourite Rudi Skacel. A lofted cross from the right by Hamill was excellently brought down by Templeton who laid the ball on a plate for the onrushing Skacel. With the goal at his mercy, last season's top scorer blasted past a helpless Forster and into the net. The goal was the least Hearts deserved for their fine first half performance.

With Tynecastle still reverberating from the opener, Hearts received a further boost when Commons was sent for an early bath after losing possession in the middle of the park, Commons brought down Mrowiec with a studs up challenge that left referee Thomson with little option but to show the red card.

Unwilling to sit back on their lead, Hearts showed an eagerness to get forward themselves. Already proving a key player during Paulo's reign, wing-back Hamill continued to storm down the right hand channel giving Celtic's El Kaddouri a torrid time. The Moroccan was later taken off for McCourt, whilst Hearts introduced David Obua for goal hero Skacel.

With ten minutes remaining Hearts doubled their lead thanks to a fabulous piece of skill from Templeton. With two Celtic defenders breathing down his neck on the left channel, the winger tried an audacious backheel that found Stevenson in space. Like Skacel before him, the striker picked his spot well and blasted past Forster. It was a fine goal from the former Ayr United man but praise must go to Templeton for his technique and vision during the build up.

With the game winding down Hearts stood strong and held out for their fourth home league win on the trot.

Hearts: MacDonald;Hamill, Zaliukas, Webster, Grainger; Skacel (Obua 73) Black (Smith 85), Mrowiec, Jonsson, Templeton (Novikovas 82); Stevenson. Subs not used: Balogh, Elliott, Robinson, McGowan.

Celtic: Forster; Matthews (M Wilson 67) Majstorovic, Mulgrew, El Kaddouri; Commons, Ki, Wanyama, Forrest; Bangura (Stokes 57), Hooper. Subs not used: Zaluska, Slane, Samaras, Rogne.

Referee: Craig Thomson

Top man: David Templeton

Hearts World