Hearts ended a three-game losing run in the cinch Premiership table after a 2-0 win at St Mirren, who played most of the match with 10 men.
Stephen Robinson's first game in charge got off to a poor start when Connor Ronan was shown a straight red card for a high boot on Hearts midfielder Beni Baningime in the 22nd minute.
Hearts finally made their extra man count in the 64th minute when Ellis Simms knocked in a rebound after his initial shot had been saved.
