It was the club’s first success in Paisley in the league since 2010 and it was done through smart forward play and some resolute defending.
Andy Halliday put Hearts ahead in the first half with a delightful finish from a Liam Boyce pass. It was the Northern Irishman who scored the second, blasting the shot under Jak Alnwick.
Joe Shaughnessy netted a powerful header to set up a nervy finish but the visitors were aided by Kristian Dennis being sent off straight from kick-off.
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.
5. Alex Cochrane - 7
Switched to centre-back due to the injury to Kingsley. Didn’t put afoot wrong. Strong up against Curtis Main. Is just a safe and reliable defender. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
6. Andy Halliday - 8
Another excellent performance from the utility man. A fascinating and tiring battle with Richard Tait. Scored a delightful goal to put Hearts in the lead. Defensively solid, blocking crosses. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
7. Gary Mackay-Steven - 6
A quiet game for the attacker. Had a couple of sniffs at goal but couldn’t hit the target. Got a couple of heavy challenges. Played the pass for Boyce to score. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
8. Beni Baningime - 6
Less influential as his debut but a very useful job in midfield, pressuring, getting his body in and recovering and blocking the ball in the defensive third. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group