St Mirren 0-2 Hearts: Robinson tenure begins with defeat for 10-man hosts

New St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson made a losing start in the Scottish Premiership as his 10-man side succumbed to Hearts in the second half.

Connor Ronan was shown a straight red for a lunge on Beni Baningime after 23 minutes and Hearts capitalised for a first win in six league games.

Substitute Ellis Simms netted within minutes of his introduction then had a role in Cammy Devlin's swift second.

Hearts are 11 points clear in third, while St Mirren drop a place to eighth.

Tynecastle manager Robbie Neilson spoke in the build-up about the importance of his side sticking to their principles and not getting bogged down by their recent poor form.

They started with plenty of attacking intent and Jak Alnwick in the St Mirren goal kept the hosts on level terms in the early stages.

Hearts were especially threatening down the left and should have taken the lead when Liam Boyce met Barrie McKay's cross at the back post. Ben Woodburn also blazed a presentable chance over the bar.

The pivotal moment came when Ronan went in recklessly high on Baningime. Greg Aitken showed no hesitation in reaching for his pocket and sending the Irish midfielder off.

The red card saw the game descend into a scrappy affair and it was the second-half introduction of Simms that provided the spark Hearts craved.

The on-loan Everton striker broke the deadlock on 64 minutes, scrambling home the rebound after his initial shot was saved by Alnwick. Again it was McKay down the left who had created the opening.

It could have been 2-0 moments later — Boyce couldn't get enough contact on a cross from Stephen Kingsley — but Neilson's men didn't have to wait long.

Baningime slid a pass in behind for Simms, and although Alnwick dashed out to deny him, Devlin reacted