Hearts got off the mark in the Europa Conference League as they picked up all three points in Riga and a much needed win.
Summer signing Lawrence Shankland scored a stunning penalty in first-half stoppage time as he took his tally for the Jambos to five before sub Alan Forrest netted in added time to put opponents RFS to the sword. Robbie Neilson's men went into the away clash in Latvia on the back of six defeats in the last seven games but they were handed a pre-match boost with the return of Craig Halkett from injury.
However, his big moment turned into a nightmare as he was forced off after 22 minutes in another blow to the capital club. The visitors should have netted a second in first-half added time while ever-present No1 Craig Gordon showed his class once again with three huge saves in the first period.
