Jon Daly
Former Hearts forward and coach on BBC Sportscene

Gary Caldwell
Former Scotland defender on Sportscene

Championship favourites Hearts begin their league campaign with a second victory in a row.

But part-timers Arbroath made them battle for the three points and will rue a couple of missed chances by Kris Doolan in a first half where they were the better side.

Craig Wighton's clever chipped finish midway through the second half was enough for the below-par visitors.

Hearts can count themselves lucky to survive as a cross into their penalty box creates moments of panic before Michael McKenna sends a wayward drive over the crossbar from the edge of the box.

Just as it looked like Arbroath were struggling to create, Michael Ruth sends a low drive just wide following a deflection.

Three minutes of stoppage time to create another chance.

Ouch!published at 88mins

88mins

Arbroath 0-1 Heart of Midlothian

Left-back Stephen Kingsley takes a sore one on his ankle and that could be a worry for Hearts ahead of next weekend's Scottish Cup semi-final.

In this one, it looks like Arbroath are running out of time to muster up a scoring chance never mind an equaliser.

Hearts' turn to make a change, with winger Jamie Walker having picked up a knock and being replaced with Peter Haring.

Another striker on for Arbroath as Luke Donnelly enters the fray along with midfielder David Gold.

Experienced duo Kris Doolan and Gavin Swankie make way.

So close to a second for Hearts as Liam Boyce has one shot blocked and then sends another drive just wide on the rebound.

Bobby Linn, the veteran top scorer from last season, is sent on to replace Dale Hilson up front for the hosts.

Hearts have been threatening after peppering the Arbroath defence with some long balls in a change of tactics.

Michael Smith launches a long ball from the right-back position, Craig Wighton is in the clear and the forward sends a clever dink over the head of advancing goalkeeper Derek Gaston.

Image source, BBC Sport

Liam Boyce is put clear this time, but the Hearts striker lashes his volley high and wide.

Better known as a goalscorer, Liam Boyce is proving to be Hearts' main creator.

This time, he sends Jamie Walker in behind the Arbroath defence, but the winger's low drive deflects off goalkeeper Derek Gaston's outstretched foot.

That was Elliott Frear's last kick of the ball and the winger makes way for defender Aidy White.

Liam Boyce finds Craig Wighton in behind the Arbroath defence, but goalkeeper Derek Gaston is out quickly to block the forward's shot.

Elliott Frear then sends a powerful drive just wide with Gaston stranded.

A precise Michael Ruth cross finds two Arbroath team-mates lurking unmarked at the back post, but they get in each others' way and the chance is wasted.

Billy Dodds
Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportscene

Hearts have started brightly, as they did in the first half, and a Michael Smith drive is heading for goal only to strike team-mate Craig Wighton on the back.