Hearts B secured their first win of the Lowland League season with a 2-1 victory over the University of Stirling at Forthbank Stadium on Saturday.
Half-time substitute Callen Robb opened the scoring for the Wee Jambos in the second half before midfielder Gus Stevenson doubled Hearts’ advantage.
Alex Jeanes pulled one back for the hosts with under 10 minutes to go with a header, but Hearts dug deep to get themselves over the line and secured the three points.
Angus Beith made no changes from the side that drew 4-4 against Gretna 2008 on Wednesday.
It was a cagey first half an hour in the game, with few clear cut chances for either side.
On 11 minutes, Matty Gillies turned brilliantly from his man in midfield, drove forward and hit a low strike on his right foot from distance. His effort was a comfortable take for Stirling Uni goalkeeper Adam Buttigieg.
The midfielder had a good opportunity to open the scoring on 29 minutes. The corner from the left was played short as Gus Stevenson whipped in an inviting ball which was cleared initially by the Stirling defence, but fell to the feet of Matty Gillies who took a touch before striking one just past the left post.
Up the other end in the 33rd minute, Stirling posed a threat down the left. Euan Walker tried to fizz the ball across to striker Finlay Moffett, but he was unable to get a strike away as Hearts cleared it from danger.
Hearts continued to go forward towards the end of the half. Gus Stevenson crossed it in from the right, striker Tommy connected with a header, but it sailed over the crossbar.
Just before half-time, the free-kick from just outside the area was also headed over by defender Kai Smutek from close range.
Half-time: Stirling Uni 0-0 Hearts
The Wee Jambos looked revitalised after the break.
It was a nervy moment at the back for Stirling as the pass was played short to goalkeeper Adam Buttigieg. Substitute Callen Robb tried to round the stopper, and was taken out just outside the area. The resulting free kick from Mackenzie Ross was claimed comfortably by Buttigieg.
In the 52nd minute, Kai Smutek made a fantastic last ditch challenge as Ben Heal looked to be clean through on goal, which was then cleared away.
Hearts got themselves in front in the 68th minute. It was a fantastic team move from the Jambos. Gus Stevenson glided past three Uni defenders, shifted the ball to the left to find Henry James who sent in a great cross which was met by substitute striker Callen Robb who scored a first time volley on his left foot into the top right corner.
The Jam Tarts got their second just minutes later. On 72 minutes, Matty Gillies did well in the box to pass it to Gus Stevenson, who set himself before poking one past Buttigieg into the bottom right corner.
The hosts responded with a goal of their own in the 82nd minute. Substitute James Muir whipped the cross in from the right flank, and Alex Jeanes rose highest to connect with a glancing header, which hit off the left post and past Jack Lyon for 2-1.
In the 89th minute, the free kick on the right was played short to Henry James. The full-back hit a blistering strike on his left foot which looked destined for the top left corner, but Buttigieg was able to make a good stop to tip it over the bar.
Despite some late pressure from Stirling, Hearts were able to stay resolute in defence and managed to hold on to secure a hard fought victory.
Stirling Uni: Buttigieg, Laird, Blane, Jeanes, Ledingham, Malcolm, Heal ©, Jenkins, Moffett, Burns, Walker
Subs: Muir, Lyon, Regan, Brown, Harty, Smith, Sutherland
Hearts: Lyon, Crookston ©, James, Smutek, Osborne, Ross (Hogarth 84’), Gillies, Glasgow, Stevenson, Walker (Plank 66’), North (Robb 46’)
Subs: MacDonald, Smith, Plank, Hogarth, Wilson, Robb
