SIMPLY RED

FOR teams of a weaker disposition it could be a worrying sign of self-destruct.

- BY FRASER WILSON

SMELLS LIKE TEAM SPIRIT Baningime is left distraught after red but sidekick Devlin steps up to help claim a big win and Spittal, above, senses something special brewing.

Going down to 10 men before halftime in two successive games with the pressure building might be enough to topple any side riding high at the top of the table.

But for Hearts? The opposite.

It has been the scenario which has cemented their status as bona fide title contenders.

Blair Spittal insists the Jambos’ 10-man heroics against St Mirren and Dundee is proof that something special is being built by Derek McInnes at Tynecastle.

Twice this week Hearts have been forced to play the majority of amatch aman down after suffering first-halfred cards But twice they've come out on top.

Wednesday night's incredible victory over the Buddies saw the league leaders have to do it from a standing start at 0-0 when Beni Baningime saw red with just 14 minutes on the clock.

But 76 minutes - plus injury time - with a man fewer was no problem to the league leaders.

Charged by an electric atmosphere inside Tynecastle they produced a 10-man masterclass which, to nick a line from the famous Gorgie anthem, was as strong as the old castle rock.

Spittal himself is proof of the spirit coursing through Hearts.

Wednesday was the midfielder's first start since November. But not only did he empty the tank in the engine room, the 30-year-old was instrumental in teeing up Lawrence Shankland to break the deadlock.