Rudi Skacel returns Hearts to winning ways against St Johnstone

Hearts returned to winning ways in the SPL as Rudi Skacel's third-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory over St Johnstone. With Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov making a rare appearance at Tynecastle, the hosts, featuring five changes from Wednesday's 4-0 defeat at Celtic, were keen to make a swift start and they did just that.

Marian Kello collected a Jody Morris corner and launched a long kick forward, which Suso Santana headed on for Craig Thomson. The full‑back sent in an early low cross behind the Saints defence for Skacel to score as he rushed into the area for his eighth goal of the season. Skacel missed a second-half chance to put the contest beyond doubt as Jim Jefferies's men moved two points behind second-placed Rangers, who have, however, played two games fewer.

Saints, who beat Hearts in the Scottish Cup earlier this month, were on the backfoot throughout and saw their five-match unbeaten run come to an end. Four minutes of stoppage time ensued, but Saints could not find a leveller and Hearts recorded their 13th win in the last 16 SPL games.

Taken from the Guardian/Observer