With Dunfermline dropping points on Friday night and Dundee not in action, Robbie Neilson’s men took advantage by securing the three points which should have been slightly easier than it was. A Kevin Cawley header when Alloa were down to ten men raised the blood pressure of some in the Hearts camp but Josh Ginnelly confirmed the win with a brilliant run.
Andy Irving and Elliott Frear had given the visitors a 2-0 first-half lead.
How did the Hearts players rate out of ten?
Player ratings scale - 10: One of the best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: A terrible day at the office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of the worst performances you've seen.
. ALLOA, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 16: Hearts Andy Irving (left) celebrates his opener with Michael Smith during a Scottish Championship match between Alloa Athletic and Heart of Midlothian at The Indodrill Arena on January 16, 2021, in Alloa, Scotland. (Photo by Bruce White / SNS Group)
How the Hearts players rated. Picture: SNS Photo: Bruce White - SNS Group
. Craig Gordon - 6
Barely involved and had little chance with the goal. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
. Michael Smith - 6
Defensively sound as usual. Could have been better in the final third, a few times he delivered a poor cross. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
. Craig Halkett - 6
Not a busy afternoon for the CB. Showed his strength in one v one duels. Photo: Paul Devlin - SNS Group
. Christophe Berra - 7
Gave Gordon a scare with a back pass but largely a solid display. Some proactive defending led to a counter attack in the first half. When it comes to heading and clearing, no better in the league. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
5. Stephen Kingsley - 7
Another fine display from the left-back. No issues defensively but constantly offered an option down the left flank. Played a lovely ball over the top for Ginnelly in the second half. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
6. Andy Irving - 8
Always available for a pass. Switched the play really well and his passing was crisp. Scored a bombastic opening goal. Photo: Paul Devlin - SNS Group
7. Andy Halliday - 6
An inconsistent game encapsulated by two first half passes. Played a lovely pass through for Henderson before knocking the ball out the pitch over Frear later. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
8. Jamie Walker - 7
Ineffective when played at No.8. Moved forward during the first half. Has a tendency to go wandering or drop too deep but played a lovely ball to set up Frear for the second goal. Was much more involved after the break, threading passes through and making runs. Should have scored when Irving played him through. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group