Hearts open daylight at top after hard-fought win

DEREK McINNES hailed league leaders Hearts for showing their steely side to grind out a 1-O home win over struggling Livingston as they moved six points clear at the top of the Premiership.

- BY ANTHONY BROWN

Craig Halkett's 18th-minute header, from a brilliant delivery by debutant Jordi Altena, looked like it might be the signal for the floodgates to open against a Lions side without a win since August 9.

But after Hearts spurned a host of chances to add to their lead, Livi came back into it after the break and threatened to grab an equaliser as tension grew among the home support.

"It's a brilliant three points, going six points clear, getting a clean sheet and a brilliant goal from Halkett which shouldn't be forgotten about," said McInnes.

We've got to be pleased with a lot of what was on show today. I think it shows exactly how difficult this league is at times.