Craig Halkett’s goal was the difference, the centre-back meeting Elliot Frear’s corner before Jamie Walker missed a stoppage time penalty as Robbie Neilson’s men moved on to six points in group A of the Betfred Cup.
However, the manager will likely have been far from impressed with how his team performed and showed his frustration on a number of occasions.
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.
. METHIL, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 10: The Hearts squad before a Betfred Cup match between Cowdenbeath and Hearts at Bayview Stadium, on October 10, 2020, in Methil, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
How the Hearts players rated against Cowdenbeath. Picture: SNS Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
. Craig Gordon - 6
Rarely worked. Dealt with a Kris Renton shot easily. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
. Jamie Brandon - 5
Given a tough afternoon by Graham Taylor and didn't offer nearly enough as an attacking threat. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
. Craig Halkett - 7
Defensively sound. Stood up to the physical threat presented by Kris Renton. Didn't put a foot wrong and got Hearts out a jam with another goal. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
. Mihai Popescu - 5
With Hearts having a lot of the ball, the Romanian was expected to help the team build from the back. His passing was erratic at best and frustrated his manager and team-mates. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
1. Craig Gordon - 6
Rarely worked. Dealt with a Kris Renton shot easily. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
2. Jamie Brandon - 5
Given a tough afternoon by Graham Taylor and didn't offer nearly enough as an attacking threat. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
3. Craig Halkett - 7
Defensively sound. Stood up to the physical threat presented by Kris Renton. Didn't put a foot wrong and got Hearts out a jam with another goal. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
4. Mihai Popescu - 5
With Hearts having a lot of the ball, the Romanian was expected to help the team build from the back. His passing was erratic at best and frustrated his manager and team-mates. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group