Livingston ended a three game losing run with a deserved 1-0 victory over Hearts at the Tony Macaroni Arena this afternoon.
Cristian Montano bagged the game's only goal as he slotted home on 28 minutes after being left unmarked from a Jason Holt free-kick.
Livi new boy Stephen Kelly had to settle for a place on the bench while Sean Kelly continued to deputise for the suspended Jack Fitzwater in the heart of defence.
The Jambos started strongly and should have opened the scoring just after the 10 minute mark when Barrie McKay's clever pass found Jorge Grant with space eight yards out but he could only direct his first-touch effort wide of the woodwork.
It took a while for the Lions to grow into the game but they had the ball in the net on 17 minutes - only for the offside flag to rule out James Penrice's strike. The flag would stay down 10 minutes later, though, as the hosts took the lead.
A Holt free-kick wide on the left was floated into the box with Montano completely unmarked at the back post. The Colombian composed himself before firing home his second of the campaign with the officials unmoved despite Hearts' protests.
He went close to doubling his tally five minutes later when he was teed up by Scott Pittman after the midfielder elected to pass when the chance had opened up for him on the edge of the box. His strike rippled he side-netting.
Former Hearts man Esmael Goncalves then passed up a glorious opportunity when Penrice squared across goal for the unmarked striker but he could only direct the ball wide with an outstretched leg.
Both sides showed plenty of attacking intent after the restart but genuine attempts on goal were few and far between. Former Hibs man Stephane Omeonga curled harmlessly over the bar from 20 yards while Robbie Neilson elected to make a triple change just before the hour mark in a bid to get back into the game.
Livi would go the closest to adding to the scoreline 16 minutes from time when wonderful play down the right wing eventually led to substitutes Bahamboula and Guthrie linking up. The latter produced a delicate flick with his back to goal only to be denied by the outstretched arm of Craig Gordon.
The Scotland keeper had to be alert once again moments later to tip a Scott Pittman fizzing strike from distance over the bar.
Hearts huffed and puffed in their search for an equaliser but were unable to test Shamal George as the Lions held on for the points.
Livingston: George; Devlin, Obileye, Se. Kelly, Montano (Longridge 83); Pittman, Holt, Omeonga (St. Kelly 81); Goncalves (Guthrie 56), Nouble, Penrice (Bahamboula 56). Subs not used: Hamilton, Brandon, Bitsindou, Shinnie, Cancar.
Goal: Montano (28)
Hearts: Gordon; Sibbick, Neilson, Kingsley, Cochrane; Devlin (Shankland 56), Halliday (Henderson 83); McKay, Grant (Haring 56), Mackay-Steven (Forrest 56); Humphrys (Ginnelly 66). Subs not used: Stewart, Smith, Henderson, Smith.
