Heart of Midlothian 1 Inverness Caledonian Thistle 0

Last updated : 26 April 2008 By Footymad Previewer
Hearts look set to finish top of the also-rans in the SPL after a late goal from young striker Gary Glen gave them the three points at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The home side just about deserved their victory as they passed up a string of chances before Glen struck.

Hearts had an early chance when Jose Goncalves found Calum Elliot with a throw-in, but his header across the face of the goal found no takers and Roy McBain headed clear.

McBain made another great tackle on Glen as Hearts dominated the early play and won six corners in the first 11 minutes.

Christos Karipidis had the first effort on-target, but his header was comfortably saved by Michael Fraser.

Eggert Jonsson had a chance at the edge of the area for Hearts, but his shot struck David Proctor and bounced wide.

Karipidis headed against the crossbar from the resultant corner with Fraser rooted to his line as Hearts pressed for the opener.

Glen then should have done better than fire over the top after great work from Jason Thomson.

The young striker then set up Deividas Cesnauskis in front of goal, but he failed to make proper contact and the ball squirmed away from him.

Caley Thistle were rarely seen as an attacking force until late in the first half. Dennis Wyness won a free-kick at the edge of the area and Don Cowie's 20-yard free-kick was beaten away by Steve Banks.

Banks made another good save to deny Proctor after a dangerous corner from Dougie Imrie.

Wyness then tried his luck after a back-heel from Imrie gave him the chance, but again Banks had his angles well covered.

It took an instinctive save from Fraser to keep out a close-range shot from substitute Lee Wallace early in the second half.

Ruben Palazuelos tried a speculative effort from 30 yards, but Fraser was alert to the situation and saved the ball down to his left.

Ross Tokely had a chance to respond shortly afterwards but his shot was wayward with Hearts under the cosh.

But it was Hearts who made the breakthrough with ten minutes left when substitute Marius Zaliukas set up Glen and he produced a mature finish for the only goal of the game.