Elton Kabangu and Jorge Grant scored either side of the break as Hearts beat Ross County to climb back into the William Hill Premiership top six.
Kabangu poked home the first in the 26th minute before substitute Grant converted at the near post in the dying stages.
It ended up being a straight forward victory for the hosts but County were still right in the game up until Grant doubled Hearts’ lead.
The Gorgie side moved to sixth in the table with only three pre-split games to go, while County are four points worse off.
Fresh from earning his first Scotland call-up, Hearts striker James Wilson was restored to the line-up.
But it was a quiet start to the game for both Wilson and Hearts as they struggled to find any rhythm in the early stages against a County team who looked comfortable.
It took until 21 minutes for Hearts to register their first meaningful attempt at goal when Blair Spittal fired over from 20 yards.
Hearts were enjoying the greater share of possession and they made it count in the 26th minute when Kabangu gave the home team the lead.
Beni Baningime showed great skill to make space before slipping in the on loan Union Saint-Gilloise forward.
And Kabangu poked the ball the legs of goalkeeper Jordan Amissah from close range
Hearts had a spring in their step and had a chance to double their lead in the 32nd minute when Lawrence Shankland slipped in Wilson but the teenager – running away from goal – could only hit a tame shot at Amissah.
The second period was similar to the first, with Hearts continuing to dominate possession of the ball without doing too much with it in the final third.
County had a chance to test Craig Gordon in the Hearts goal in the 55th minute when Kieran Phillips got a break of the ball on the edge of the box, but his right-footed curling effort sailed past the post.
Kabangu then volleyed over moments later from 12 yards after connecting with Shankland’s cross before substitute Musa Drammeh failed to get his head on the ball from a good cross.
County keeper Amissah kept his team in it in the 88th minute with a stunning save to keep out Drammeh’s first-time shot from Alan Forrest’s cut back.
But Drammeh then turned provider in the 89th minute when his low cross was slammed in by Grant at the near post.
[(Real Oviedo) Strength]: 1. Real Oviedo are undoubtedly motivated to start with a win in this home game.2. The newly promoted team this season, Real Oviedo, performed well last season. Since November, they have only lost 3 of 18 competitive games at home, securing 11 victories.[(Real Oviedo) Neutral]: 1. Real Oviedo lost the last 2 encounters between the two teams, but their last one was 12 years...
[(AC Milan) Strength]: 1. AC Milan invested in transfer funds this summer, with strong signings like Luka Modric joining the team, significantly boosting their strength. The club has no concerns about European competitions in the new season and can fully focus on the league, with their goal firmly set on the league title. This match marks their first home game of the new season, and the San Siro h...
[(Pohang Steelers) Strength]: 1. Pohang Steelers forward Lee Ho Jae is 5th with 11 goals in the top-scorer standings. He scored 2 goals in the last 3 league games, and his recovered form helped the team rebound.2. Pohang Steelers won 1-0 over FC Anyang in the last game, securing a 3-game winning streak and ending their losing streak.3. Pohang Steelers scored 8 goals in the last 5 home games, showi...
[(Cruz Azul) Strength]: 1. Cruz Azul are one point behind the leaders. They are motivated to win this game and top the table.2. Cruz Azul forward Angel Sepulveda are 1st with 5 goals in the top-scorer standings. He scored 2 goals in the last 3 league games, being important on the team's offensive end.3. Cruz Azul won 3-2 over Santos Laguna in the last match, securing a 2-game winning streak. The t...
[(Fulham) Strength]: 1. Forward Rodrigo Muniz came off the bench in the first league game and scored at the final moment, helping the team secure a point.2. Fulham continue to be active in the Transfermarkt, with reports indicating they are still vigorously pursuing AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze.3. Fulham scored in 4 consecutive games across all competitions, revealing stable offense.4. Fulham...
[(Schalke 04) Strength]: 1. Schalke 04's recent performance was unsatisfactory. In this home game, they will try to win and get back on the winning ways, fully motivated.2. Bryan Lasme put in an impressive performance in the previous game – he scored the winning goal in extra time, helping the team secure a victory and advance in the DFB-Pokal.3. Schalke 04 scored 3 goals and conceded 2 in t...
[(Lyonnais) Strength]: 1. Lyonnais have won the first Ligue 1 round in the new season and they are eager to extend their winning record at home, with full motivation.2. Lyonnais secured a season-opening victory with a narrow 1-0 away win over RC Lens in the first round of the new Ligue 1 season. Throughout the game, Lyonnais had a 44% possession rate, 11 shots and 3 shots on target. They did not d...
[(AS Roma) Strength]: 1. In the 38 games of last season, AS Roma finally achieved 20 wins, 9 draws and 9 losses, finishing 5th in the league. They secured a qualification for this season's UEFA Europa League, with a remarkable performance.2. AS Roma scored a total of 56 goals in 38 games last season, and have netted 9 goals in 6 recently played games, maintaining a solid performance in the attacki...
[(Charlton Athletic) Strength]: 1. Charlton Athletic played a 0-0 draw with Bristol City in their last game. Although this halted their winning streak, the team have achieved 3 wins and 1 draw in their last 4 games, and their performance is worthy of recognition.2. Charlton Athletic scored a total of 10 goals in their last 5 home games. The team's offensive performance in their home games has been...
[(1.FSV Mainz 05) Strength]: 1. On August 19th, in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, 1.FSV Mainz 05 secured a 1-0 away victory over Dynamo Dresden thanks to a goal from Nadiem Amiri, claiming a winning start to their campaign.2. 1.FSV Mainz 05 have signed leading striker Benedict Hollerbach from 1. FC Union Berlin, with the two parties agreeing a contract until 2029 and the transfer fee set at 10 ...
- 1 TIPS - Cerezo Osaka VS Vissel Kobe
- 2 BVB, Monaco and Ajax go for unwanted West Ham midfielder Alvarez
- 3 ngland cricket legend’s granddaughter stuns in bikini
- 4 Ruben Amorim gives cryptic response when asked about Andre Onana returning to starting XI for Fulham clash after Altay Bayindir blunder handed Arsenal victory
- 5 Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal could turn to Lyon's Fofana
- 6 Lamela explains retirement decision: It started 11 years ago...
- 7 Estevao Willian set for 'key' Chelsea role after debut vs Palace
- 8 TIPS - Gamba Osaka VS Yokohama FC
- 9 TIPS - Schalke 04 VS VfL Bochum
- 10 Sevilla Set Price for Man United Target as Club Seek Baleba Alternatives